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One (Last) Chance	By : RotSeele Category: Final Fantasy VIII > Yaoi - Male/Male > Seifer/Squall Views: 3719 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 8. I do not make any money from this story.

Chapter List
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Eight - Seifer POV

I didn’t have the slightest clue of what I was doing. Squall had practically declared his love for me in his own strange way, right there on the streets of Timber. He’d challenged me. He’d told me in that silent way of his that I had two choices: retreat or go forward. I hated retreating. But going forward... if I did that, Squall had no intentions of letting me go. I could see that in the way he held himself, in the way those steely blue-grey eyes almost glowered at me. Squall wasn’t the kind of man who tolerated someone playing with his emotions and his heart. I knew if I went forward, it would be the end of Seifer Almasy, ladies’ man and the biggest player in Balamb Garden.
“I’m good with that,” I said. Then I kissed him.
It was sloppy, as kisses went. It was mostly because we were both startled with my decision. Squall didn’t seem to know what to do with himself, so he stood still and watched me watch him, even as our lips were pressed together. Then he drew back and I saw the barest of smiles on his face.
“I can do better,” I said, not wanting him to think kissing me was going to be like that all the time.
“I’m sure.” he replied, still slightly smiling.
I scowled at him. “What?”
He shook his head. I thought about pressing him for an answer, but I realized it was already written all over his face. Squall was happy. He was happy about this whole situation. In the Before, his entire life had gone through the shitter, but this time around, things were different. Things were better. The whole situation still sucked, but it was sucking a little less. I couldn’t help but smile myself. Even if I had my reservations about being in a relationship with another man, Squall couldn’t have said it any better - he was interested only in me. That didn’t mean he was necessarily gay or even straight. It was the same for me. I’d tasted the softer fruits of the forest, and now I was going to sample the forbidden. It didn’t mean anything. What mattered was the feelings we shared. Squall cared about me, that much I knew. Loved me. It wasn’t something he’d come right out and admit. Frankly, it wasn’t something I’d come right out and admit to him, either. And the longer I thought about it, thought about how our interactions had been, how our lives had intersected and how we’d interacted with each other, I realized that I really did care about Squall. More than I thought I had.
Squall ran his finger over the scar I’d given him, the one that mirrored the one he’d given me. It was his silent declaration. I was his. I repeated his movement, confirming for him that I felt the same way.
Then I thought about something and asked, “You are the girl in our relationship, right?”
His eyes narrowed so fast I thought he was going to call one of the demons and smite me where I stood. “Depends,” he said at last, his voice quiet.
“On?”
“On whether or not you can be the man.”
I smiled, broadly and lazily. “Oh, don’t worry about that, Squally-boy. When this whole thing is over, I’ll prove it to you.”
Squall just nodded. Then he looked past me toward the station, where the Forest Owls’ train waited. He inclined his head.
I shrugged. “We can’t spend forever out here. They’re expecting you to come up with a plan to attack the t.v. station.”
Squall folded his arms over his chest and looked to the side. It was his usual pose when he was faced with a decision he didn’t want to make. Finally, he blew out a sigh and looked toward the train. “I’ll have to explain why we’re doing that. They’re going to wonder how I know the information.”
“Which is that Deling wants to tell the whole world he’s planning to relinquish control to the Sorceress in order to create peace and prosperity for everyone, but you can’t tell them that you’ve already experienced this, and that’s how you know.”
Squall scowled but nodded.
I rubbed my chin, seeing his problem. He’d already shot down the Forest Owls’ - Rinoa’s - plan to attack the decoy train and had pointed them at the t.v. station. No one but Squall and I understood why he’d said that. He was going to have to explain it, and if I thought he was crazy when he’d first told me the whole story of his Before, everyone else would think Squall had gone absolutely mad. I asked, “Why does Deling want to use the t.v. station here? Wouldn’t it be easier for him to broadcast from Galbadia?”
“Because this t.v. station is the only one that can handle broadcasts over the air. Radio waves. Everywhere else is with HD cable.” Squall’s eyes went slightly wide. He looked at me and his lips twitched. “I could kiss you right now.”
“Yeah?” I grinned, shifting so he could do just that. “You want to tell me why I’m so brilliant, too?”
He put his hand to my chest to stop me. “I can tell them we’re attacking the t.v. station in order to declare Timber’s revolution to the entire world. The only difficult part would come when we had to get inside. With the president there, security would be incredibly tight.”
I was beginning to see where he was going with this. “Except I’m supposed to interrupt the broadcast on live t.v. by attacking Deling.” I pointed out. “That sets in motion the events that bring you to Galbadia Garden and the attempt to assassinate Edea. If I don’t do that, then who knows what’ll happen.”
“Are you suggesting I let you go and do exactly that?”
I shook my head. “No, not exactly. I’m suggesting you let me take Rin and the others to try and sabotage their broadcast. If it gets interrupted right before Deling introduces Edea and the Forest Owls are able to do their broadcast, then maybe we can keep as close to the other timeline as possible.”
Squall canted his head to the side as he considered my words. I knew he was loathe to put me in such close proximity to the sorceress. If he could have his way, he wouldn’t even let me get within a ten-foot-pole’s distance of her. Except we both knew Squall couldn’t have his way. If we didn’t get caught up in the current of events that would bring us to the end of this path he’d set us on, we’d never really get anywhere. It was like throwing a rock into a still puddle. Once the ripples stopped, the puddle went back to being still. I knew Squall’s main objective was to protect me from turning to the other side, to protect me, and to protect himself by stopping the events that would force him to raise his gunblade to my throat, but I also knew he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. If we didn’t fight Edea, Ultimecia would win. She would hunt down that Ellone girl and win. Even if we didn’t change much save for a few steps here and there, I knew we had no choice but to enter into the Third Sorceress War, as Squall had called it. It was the only real way to save what he wanted to save.
And he knew it, which made his task all the more harder for him.
“Fine.” Squall said, his tone of voice stating he clearly didn’t like it. “But you promise me that you won’t engage Deling or the sorceress. She came only because you threatened him.”
I grinned. “Don’t worry, Ice Prince. I know what to look out for.”
He just looked at me. Then he brushed past me and headed back to the train. I followed, smiling the entire time. I could see the commander in him. His steps were measured and heavy. And, I had to admit, he had a nicer ass than any of my previous leaders. And now that ass was mine.

“Sei-ei-fer.”
I turned to look at Rinoa as she approached me. Her hands were clasped behind her back as she stepped toward me in her usual ‘I’ve-Got-Something-To-Tell-You’ walk. Zone and Watts were hanging back, their heads together as they discussed something under their breath. I was pretty sure it had something to do with Squall. After we’d returned to the train and explained Squall’s reasoning for going to the t.v. station, Rinoa was all for it. The first broadcast over radio waves in seventeen years being the declaration of Timber’s independence? It was too good to ignore. But I knew, even when Rinoa, Watts, and Zone plunked themselves down on the floor of the train to come up with a plan, it wasn’t going to matter. Whatever they planned to do would be foiled, one way or another. The only reason we were going through the whole charade was to keep anyone from figuring out that Squall - and I - already knew what was going to happen.
“What’s up, princess?” I said.
She smiled at the use of the nickname I’d given her. “This Squall. He’s the same one who’s your rival, right?”
“One and the same.”
“But he’s a SeeD and you’re not.”
“Yeah.”
“He wasn’t very happy when I showed him the contract Cid gave us.”
Contract, bah. I smirked, but it was more biting than amused. Squall had asked to see her contract on purpose in order to get Zell and Selphie to stop pestering him about why he kept insisting we aid the Forest Owls any more. Clearly, the mission was a failure, right? We all could just go home, our reputations slightly smeared, but in one piece. Except the contract stated that we were under Rinoa’s command until Timber achieved independence, which wouldn’t happen until we defeated Ultimecia.
“He’s never happy. Squall is very serious when it comes to his missions. He’s always been that way.” I replied. I glanced up at the giant outside television screen above us. We were supposed to be waiting for the signal to sneak into the t.v. station, which was the broadcast itself. Squall’s team of himself, Zell and Selphie were supposed to be dealing with the security so we had an easier time of getting in. Once the broadcast started, I was to lead Rinoa, Watts, and Zone into the station so they could sabotage said broadcast and do their own. I was not to engage Deling. I was not to be seen, or get anyone else seen. And, above all, I was not to attract the attention of the sorceress.
Rinoa’s head tilted to the side as she studied me. “You’re hiding something.” she said quietly. Her face was serious. “There’s something you don’t want to tell me.”
There were lots of somethings, I wanted to say, but instead I lifted my shoulders in a shrug. “The SeeDs are doing all they can to make sure you guys stay safe. It’s their job to head onto the front lines and take the brunt of the attack.”
“I don’t mean to be rude by asking this, but you’re not a SeeD, Seifer. So why are you here? Why did Squall give you the more important job of protecting us while he and the others just get to watch the broadcast?”
“I’m here because Squall decided my skill set would only bring success. Besides, I know you. My knowledge would come in handy for Squall and the others in case something happened.” It was almost the same story Squall had given Cid. I figured it’d work here, as well. “And I don’t think I got the more important job. If anything, this is more about stealth than pure brute force. He’s trying to do the right thing. He wants you to achieve your goals.”
“He doesn’t act that way.” Rinoa pouted. She folded her arms over her chest and glowered at the street. “He just blew off our plan to attack the president on the train! Then he completely changed our plans! And while I admit his plan is better, he didn’t even ask us our opinion!”
I turned to look at her more fully. “This is his first assignment, you know. He doesn’t want to fail you. He doesn’t want to fail, period. So, yeah, he’s gonna be harsh. I mean, I know you’re serious, but he doesn’t know you at all. What he sees is a girl playing at resistance member. The three of you plop down on the floor to discuss strategy, which to him, is completely inappropriate for a resistance group who’s serious to do. Second, you made a plan without checking all the facts first. He isn’t going to trust his people to a job without assuring they - or you - won’t be placed in unnecessary danger.”
Rinoa’s face fell. She hadn’t considered all of this when Cid had agreed to send SeeDs to aid her and her movement. Her team had made wonderful plans, but they had been careless in their execution. She hugged herself tightly. “Maybe this was all a big mistake. I thought everything would work out fine once SeeD came to help us. But... I guess it’s not that easy, is it? You aside, they were all hired. It’s not like they’re one of us. He must think this is all a game to us.”
I reached out and put my hand on her shoulder. I gave it a tight squeeze and made her look me in the eyes. “He doesn’t think it’s a game to you. He knows just how serious you are. But he also knows you’re not used to combat. Not like he is.”
“But why didn’t he ask us first?”
“My guess is that he didn’t want you getting used to asking his opinion about every decision you make. A SeeD is trained to take orders and fulfill them, whatever they are. But you have a indecisive leader and you have the recipe for disaster.” I withdrew my hand and shrugged. “Like I said, he’s got six lives he’s gotta watch out for. He needs to make the best decision that he can to protect those lives and achieve your goal.”
Rinoa studied me, studied my face, for the longest time. Then she smiled and I knew I’d won her over for Squall. “I guess you’re right. I shouldn’t be so angry with him, I suppose. Squall’s only trying to do what’s best.”
He’s only ever tried to do that, I thought. And here Squall was, sent back to his past to try and change everyone’s future. My future. He’d already done that in spades, but now we had to work toward making sure we stopped Ultimecia for good. Because she wouldn’t stop. She wouldn’t stop until she had succeeded. “Look, Rin,” I started, gaining her attention again, “the best thing you can do is work with him, not against him. All right?”
Rinoa smiled. “All right.”
I grinned and then turned back to wait for the signal. It didn’t take long to come.
The static of the screen cleared and an image solidified. Rinoa, Zone, and Watts stared up at the screen in awe. Even I had to stare. But with the broadcast starting, it was time for us to move. I pulled on Rinoa’s wrist, jerking my head toward the causeway that would take us into the station. She nodded, then pushed on Zone’s shoulder to get his attention, and Zone pushed on Watts. They fell into step behind me as I started to lead the way into the station. Squall and the others had done their job with brutal efficiency, though I was pretty sure it had been Squall alone. There were no guards to bar our way as we headed into the station, no guards as we headed to the designated meeting zone.
Zell and Selphie were there, setting up equipment for Zone and Watts to use. Squall stood near the door, watching us as we entered. I nodded to him; he nodded back. Then he looked at Rinoa. “Everything’s set up for you. Once you hack the signal, you can start your broadcast. You won’t have much time before they try to get the signal back and more than likely send someone after us.”
Rinoa grinned. “Don’t worry. We’ll be quick.” She scampered over to Selphie and Zell with Watts and Zone right behind her. Squall watched her go before he turned to me, his head tilting to the side in askance.
I shrugged. “We talked.”
His head tilted the other way.
“It wasn’t that eventful. She’s going to cooperate more, and not complain as much.”
Squall’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Guard the door with me.” He stepped into the hall. I followed him.
“Do you think they’ll succeed?” I asked softly, looking back into the room and watching Zone and Watts argue with Zell over which cable went where and where the camera ought to be.
Squall shrugged. “Doubtful. The most they’ll be able to do is interrupt the broadcast by hacking the signal, but those two couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag.” He tilted is head to indicate Watts and Zone. “I’m betting the guards will come running once Deling’s broadcast is stopped. At that point, we’ll need to fight our way out.”
“Wouldn’t that cause the sorceress to come?” I asked. I kept my voice low, so no one could overhear.
Squall shrugged again, but he didn’t answer me verbally. My answer came in the way he held himself. He was nervous; I could see it in the lines of his body. He was tense to the point he might shatter if I touched him. He didn’t want the fight because he knew that I would be the one in most danger if it came to that.
“You don’t think I could resist her?” I asked.
Squall tilted his head to the side as he considered my question. “I believe you could... but she’s able to manipulate your emotions. To make you think the way she wants you to think. She messes up something inside you.”
“I’m stronger than that.”
“I know you are.”
“But you’re still afraid.”
Squall nodded.
I ran a hand through my hair and glanced down the hallway, expecting guards at any moment. I wondered just how powerful this Edea woman was because of Ultimecia. I wondered how she could dominate someone as strong-willed and bull-headed as I am. But I knew better than to second-guess Squall at this point. If he was nervous, I had a legit reason to be downright terrified and on my constant guard while we were here. Except I wasn’t afraid. I almost wanted to dare the sorceress to come and try to take me away. I wanted to prove to Squall that I was stronger, that I could beat her off. Except that would mean confronting her, and I was sure that was the last thing Squall wanted me to do
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One (Last) Chance