[Closed] Catch-all

[silentnarration]

WHO: Squall, misc
WHAT: Catch-all for the month
WHERE: Here and there
WHEN: January
WARNING: Mentions of mind control, child soldiers, other warnings pending.

[Closed starters within. Hit me up if you'd like to plan something. I'm available on Discord: Shirochu#4072 and shirobiro]

Comments

Seifer is not prepared

[firacrux]

[That'd be a good way to get another scar in the middle of his face.

Squall's lucky that Seifer's had some time to calm down and reflect on events of the past, or he might have been a hell of a lot more difficult to convince into cooperation. He's willing to give Squall a chance, even if right now he really doesn't want to.]

[As for the command to just listen he rose an eyebrow while simultaneously scowling further, as if about to argue that that's the last thing he's about to do. Still, he just leaves it at the scowl while Squall barrels on.

All of this sounded too outlandish to be true, and deeply concerning given that Squall's allowed them to prod around in his head. Is he an idiot? Clearly he must be an idiot, that's the only answer here. In fact, there's so much conversation just going on in Seifer's expression alone he doesn't even need to use words. The looks he's giving Squall probably say everything loud and clear.]

[Eventually, finally, he finishes, and Seifer sighs, reaching a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. Hyne, that's a lot of annoying to try to swallow all at once.]

Fine, tell me more about this Arkady.

[Since Loki sounds out right out of the gate, and the Force people... are a maybe.]

[silentnarration]

[Seifer can be ridiculously easy to read sometimes or maybe he's been annoying Seifer too often lately. He shoots Seifer back a look that's just 'shut up. I did it already' as he continues to talk. Seifer's not the only one who knows how to double down on terrible decisions.

He folds his arms to wait for Seifer's decision, expression softening with surprise when he's allowed to continue.]

She was one of twelve children born at the same time and in the same place, with similar features - hair color, eyes, pale skin. Born with powers and given up by their parents to the government because of it.

I thought she was weird when I met her but she's nice enough.

[A pause.]

... she thinks I should have asked you before I did this too. Said I should apologize.

[firacrux]

[It helps when he's actively attempting to project exactly what he's thinking in the incredulous expressions he's wearing. He isn't trying to hide that he thinks Squall's an idiot right now. Because this is one of those things that Leonhart, formerly Puberty Boy, needs to know.

Of course, he can't help the faint smirk at Squall's softening expression. Not expecting him to be willing to listen now, is he? Squall wasn't Garden administration, Seifer had far less reason to fight him tooth and nail on it. Who knows, maybe some good will come out of it in the end anyway?

Thoughtfully he scratched his chin.]

Government... I wonder if I've spoken with her before. Someone on the network was mentionin' stuff like that before. [A beat, and he fixes a fierce stare on him, one eyebrow raised expectantly.] Well?

[Where's the apology?]

[silentnarration]

[He's received this message loud and clear since he did the thing! Leave him alone! (But don't actually do it. He doesn't want to be alone.) He tilts his head. It'd be helpful if he's met her before-- wait what?

He stares at Seifer dumbly.

Processing...

Connection established.]

Again?

[firacrux]

[If there's one thing Squall can rely on, it's that Seifer will never leave him alone. He's welcome.

He waits, continuing to stare Squall down expectantly.

...

About time.]

Yeah. Again. I want one without your girlfriend breathin' down your neck.

[silentnarration]

[Look. Seifer's just being demanding at this point.]

I didn't do it because of Rinoa.

[It definitely served as motivation but it wasn't the only reason. He sighs, fingers pressed against the back of his scalp as he tries to work himself into the right mood.]

I'm sorry.

[firacrux]

[Seifer's just making sure Squall's not just pretending to be a decent human being so his girlfriend will start talking to him again.]

In that case it shouldn't be a problem for you.

[He insists, folding his arms. But... alright it might not be the best apology as it's entirely out of duress, but hearing one that didn't sound nearly as dismissive as his half-assed one at the beginning was satisfactory enough. Seifer nods once, curt, but approving. Alright, he'll believe it now.]

So. What are you expectin' out of me in all this?

[Now that the apologies are out of the way.]

[silentnarration]

[Hey, he was a jerk but not that big of an asshole.

He sighs when Seifer gets back to business. Bossy as always.]

Give it a shot. It won't change anything but maybe you can stop getting sick and feeling out of it every morning.

[firacrux]

[Seifer doesn't know that. He barely understands this new and improved Squall.

Is he surprised?]

Tch. [He narrows his eyes.] Easy for you to say just "give it a shot" like it ain't a big deal.

[A beat, followed by a somewhat resigned tone.] It's the price of failure, better hope you don't get your own taste, Golden Boy.

[Squall's not the one who's already had someone rooting around in his head in the worst possible ways.]

[silentnarration]

Sorry. [He mutters. A little more heartfelt than before. Look, he gets that he doesn't quite understand it. He just feels like there has to be a way. He doubts he'll always succeed. He doubts Seifer will always fail too.]

Failing doesn't have to be the end of everything. [A pause.] I meant it. What I said to you and Rinoa that night. I know now I love you both. I don't know how that works but... Let me help where I can, okay?