Didn't like the way the whole Timber World chapter had come out so, I changed the story a bit. Seifer, Squall, and Riley will NOT be going to Timber World.

Life Begins at Thirty

Chapter 5

By Miss Dincht

Timber World was an enormous amusement park that had been built during the Reconstruction Period that followed the defeat of Ultimecia.  The world - famous playground was billed as "The Modern day Wonderland for both Young and Old", and it was far more than the typical amusement park.  It also had a zoo, water rides, several restaurants and shops, a huge video game arcade, a giant movie theater, and some of the largest roller coasters in the world, and for just 100 Gil (65 for kids under the age of twelve) a person could spend an entire day eating funnel cakes, riding roller coasters, and wasting their hard earned money.  Seifer had managed to convince Squall that a trip to the world renown park was just what they all needed, and despite Squall's protests, the over - bearing blonde giant managed to get both father and son into their jackets and out of the apartment.  

Seifer talked non - stop on the elevator ride down to the garage, and Squall appreciated Seifer's attempts to lighten the atmosphere and get Riley to feel more comfortable.  Riley was still very cautious of Seifer, but he was beginning to relax, and Squall was beginning to think that his son liked Seifer. Either that, or he was trying to better understand what was going on between his father and his father's former rival.  Riley tended to be shy with strangers, but he had been rather bold with Seifer from the beginning.  Squall wanted more than anything to tell his son about his burgeoning relationship with the blonde, but he decided that revealing the nature of his new relationship with Seifer would have to wait.  He didn't want to keep anything from his son, but Riley's behavior had been so unexpected, and in a way so frightening, that Squall wasn't sure if telling his son about his relationship was a good idea.  For now it was best that Riley thought they were only friends, and although Riley was intelligent enough to figure it out on his own, Squall would keep quiet about it until he felt the time was right or Riley wanted to know.  Besides, Squall still didn't know where he stood with Seifer.  To wake up next to the blonde had felt so right, like the most natural thing in the world, but Seifer had seemed less enthusiastic about the night they had spent together than Squall would have liked.   

Seifer decided that he was driving, but that they were taking Squall's car, and Squall reluctantly handed over the keys to his dark - blue Landcruiser after Seifer promised that he wouldn't wreck the brand new vehichle.  After relinquishing his keys, Squall moved to help his son into the back of the giant SUV, but the boy quickly made it clear that he didn't want or need Squall's help.  Squall didn't press the issue, he simply made sure that Riley was comfortable and then climbed into the vehicle himself.  Once they were all safely inside of the car, Seifer started it up and guided it out of the garage.  It made no sense for anyone to drive all the way from Galbadia to Timber World, so they decided that they would take the train from Galbadia Station.  

Needless to say, Seifer was utterly disappointed when it started to rain.  The water started coming down even before they got halfway to the Station.  Both Squall and Riley were highly amused by the look of childish disappointment on Seifer's face, and for the first time that day Squall felt as though nothing had changed between him and his son.  Squall turned to look back at his son, a smile on his face, but Riley simply looked away and gazed out at the rain that was sliding down the window.  Squall turned back around, sighing in exasperation.  He had no idea what Rinoa had told the child, but he was determined to get through to his son somehow, and he hoped that eventually Riley would want to talk to him. Squall didn't want to force the issue because he wanted Riley to adjust in his own way and in his own time.

"Fucking rain." Seifer grumbled as he guided the car toward the curb.  They had only gotten as far as the Galbadia Shops before the rain started coming down in heavy sheets.

"Maybe we should just go back.  We can't go to Timber World in this weather." Squall said as he looked up through the window at the dark, cloudy sky.  

Seifer shrugged.  "Fine.  No Timber World, but there are a million other places we could go.  Let's take the kid to the museum or something." Seifer said. 

Squall grinned.  "Museum?  You?" he said.

Seifer smiled. "What?  I've got SOME class, Leonhart.  I'm not a complete lowlife." He turned back to look at Riley.  "You like the museum kid?"

Riley shrugged.  "That's fine." he said.

"It better be, 'cuz that's where we're going." Seifer said.  

Seifer guided the SUV away from the curb and back into traffic.  The rain was still coming down pretty hard, but the museum wasn't that far off.  The Galbadian National Museum had been reopened after the War with Ultimecia.  The building had been neglected during that time because Galbadia had been pouring all of its money into its armed forces, but during the last few years, the city had spent a sizable amount restoring the building to its original condition.  Squall and Rinoa had often taken Riley to the museum when the boy had been younger.  They had always done a lot together as a family.  Squall and Rinoa had also done a lot of traveling back then, mostly because Squall had still worked for Garden as the Commander, and they had taken Riley with them whereever they went.  When Squall thought about it, that seemed like so many years ago.  It was so funny how a person's whole life could change in a matter of months, not to mention years.  Squall didn't really feel any different, but he was a completely different person in so many ways.  Perhaps he wasn't really different at all, since now he was just being who he really wanted to be.

Seifer managed to find a place to park right in front of the enormous structure after driving around the block several times.  The three of them rushed out of the car and up the steps of the museum, Riley and Seifer laughing loudly the entire way as the rain splashed down on them.  Squall couldn't help but wonder when Seifer had gotten so good with children.  He was a natural at it, and it seemed like everything he did made Riley more comfortable with the situation.  Squall couldn't help the warm feeling that settled over his heart when he considered what it would be like if he, Riley, and Seifer were a family.  Perhaps that was asking for too much, but Squall loved the idea.  He had been thinking of that possibility in some way, shape, or form, since the night he and Seifer were reunited at the nightclub.  

"Hurry up, Leonhart!  Shit!  Hyne, Riley, your father is slow." Seifer said.

Riley laughed, and the sound was indeed music to Squall's ears.

"Why is he so fucking slow?" Seifer shouted.  Some of the people entering the museum gasped to hear such language, especially so early in the day, but Seifer ignored them completely.

When Squall finally reached the top of the steps he snarled, in play, and glared at the big blonde.  "Seifer." he groaned, his tone slightly scolding.  

The blonde grinned.  

Riley covered his mouth with his hand and chuckled as he watched his father shake water out of his hair and jacket.  Squall looked at the boy and smiled, and much to his delight Riley looked at him right in the eyes, a lopsided grin on his face.  Squall really wanted to see his son's beautiful smile, but he would take what he could get.

"Hyne, he's so slow.  You're getting old Leonhart." Seifer said.

Squall just looked at the blonde and smirked.  Riley chuckled again.  Seifer laughed and held one of the large double doors open so that father and son could get out of the rain and get inside.

There was an enormous open space just beyond the set of doors.  A gigantic, stuffed T - Rexuar that stood on a large, stone base held court in the center of the open space.  Surrounding the giant beast were several other smaller animals that had also been stuffed and mounted on pedistals.  Two levels of rooms surrounded the open space, and there were two sets of stairs, one to the left and one to the right, that led to the upper levels.  Riley rushed over to the T - Rexuar and looked up in awe at the frightening beast.  Seifer looked at Squall and winked before waltzing up to stand next to the gawking boy.

"We used to fight those all the time, Kid." Seifer said.

Riley looked at Seifer and offered up a smirk to rival the blonde's own.  "I know." he said before walking off toward the Galbadian Natural History section.

"Damn.  Tough audience.  He's definitely your son, Leonhart." Seifer said as he and Squall followed Riley into one of the large exhibition rooms.

Squall sighed and shook his head.  "I've never felt so helpless in my life, Seifer.  I raised him, I'm his father, I should be able to reach him, but I just don't know what to say to him." he said.  He watched as Riley examined one of the displays. 

"He'll come around, Squall. You can't worry about it." Seifer said.

"How can you say that?  He's my son." Squall said.

"So, he's still his own person.  He ultimately decides who or what he chooses to believe." Seifer said.

Squall frowned. Seifer slid his arm around Squall's waist and pulled the brunette close.

"That's why this is so unlike him. He's quiet, but he has a strong personality. He can think for himself.  What could Rinoa have told him to make him turn away like this?" Squall said.

Seifer shrugged. "She probably told him a bunch of bullshit, and he believes it because he's confused.  No one ever wants to think their parents would lie to them.  Maybe it's just easier to believe Rinoa right now because he's feeling some of what she's feeling.  He'll eventually talk to you, Squall.  Just let him deal with it himself for a minute.  I mean, shit, I'd be kinda pissed too if my dad suddenly said he was gay and left me to go live it up with a big strapping blonde, even if said blonde did look as good as me." he said.

Squall uttered a sound of disgust.  "It wasn't like that at all.  I've been wanting to talk to him about this for months, but for awhile I just didn't know what to say, and Rinoa won't let me near him half of the time." he said.

Seifer smiled and squeezed Squall's hip.  "It'll all smooth itself out eventually, Leonhart.  You'll see.  Look how we ended up." he said.

A lop - sided grin spread across Squall's face.  "Why does that frighten me?" he said.  

Seifer smirked.  "You're just pissed that I turned down your proposal." he said as he leaned into the brunette.

Squall scoffed and pushed Seifer away from him.  Seifer chuckled as he slipped his hand beneath Squall's waist, and gently squeezed Squall's bottom.   

"Stop." Squall said, alarmed by Seifer's behavior. He pulled away from the blonde's grasp, but then Seifer leaned forward and kissed him.

"I don't wanna stop." Seifer said before kissing Squall's neck.

"Don't." Squall said.

Squall pushed at the blonde, and Seifer squeezed his ass so hard that Squall nearly jumped out of his skin.  Squall turned to look at his son, wondering just what the youth had seen.  Riley was standing in front of a display case that held several large, ornately crafted masks inside of it. As Squall tried to push Seifer's groping hands away, Riley turned to glare at them, but then quickly looked away.  Seifer was oblivious to the exchange, and he continued to torment the smaller man. 

"Seifer!  Stop now!" Squall said in a loud whisper.

Seifer laughed. "He didn't even see that, Leonhart. Hyne, calm the fuck down." The blonde said.

"He saw it." Squall said. 

Seifer laughed.

Squall sighed.  "Please, Seifer, just don't do that anymore. Not in front of him." he said.

"Aw, c'mon.  He's gotta know what's up, why bother hiding it?" Seifer said, already trying to steal another kiss from the flustered brunette.

"I'm not hiding anything, and he doesn't know." Squall said.

"Don't you plan on telling him anyway?" Seifer said.

"Yes, of course, but he doesn't need to see that, Seifer.  Not just yet." Squall said.

Seifer smirked and pulled Squall closer.  He kissed the brunette's lips slowly and sensuously.  Squall nearly melted in Seifer's arms the kiss was so intense, so hot.  When Seifer finally pulled away from him, Squall nearly lost his balance.  

Seifer smirked as he watched the brunette struggle to regain his composure.  "If you want me in the house with you when he's around he's going to have to get used to it." Seifer said.

Squall tried not to smile. "I'm serious." he said.

"Me too." Seifer said. "C'mon, let's go find him before he disappears." 

Squall nodded as Seifer took his hand and lead him through the clutter of glass display cases. Riley walked ahead of them, stopping every so often to look at some strange object hanging from the walls or resting in one of the glass cases, or to look at what Seifer and his father were doing. Squall was blushing like a school boy, and although he managed to convince Seifer not to engage in open displays of affection, that didn't stop Seifer from stealing a kiss or whispering suggestive words in Squall's ear whenever Riley wasn't looking. Squall managed to convince himself that he was mortified by Seifer's rash behavior, but he was actually enjoying the attention. He had wanted Seifer for so long, and now that he had a taste of what it would be like to have Seifer around all the time, to have Seifer be his lover, he couldn't imagine living life any other way. It all felt so right, so real, and Squall only hoped that Riley, and even Rinoa, would come to understand that this is how he had to live his life to be truly happy.  He and Seifer were made for each other.

As they went on through the exhibits - Seifer holding Squall's hand - Squall observed many of the other people in the museum, many of the other families. He didn't remember ever seeing so many people in one place: husbands, wives, and their children.  As Squall watched the people in passing, he wondered again what kind of family he, Seifer, and Riley would make.  It would be an odd family he supposed, but not completely unusual.  Squall wondered if Riley could ever learn to adjust to such an idea. He also wondered how Seifer would be as a father.  Seifer continued to talk to the boy, and with each conversation, no matter how brief, Riley grew more relaxed. He was still reluctant to talk to Squall, but he didn't turn away as much when Squall tried to make eye contact.

When they came to an enormous exhibit about the War against Ultimecia, Seifer really began to ramble on, and Riley listened intently. Squall had told Riley about the War a million times, but this was Seifer's version of the story, and as exaggerated as some parts of the story was, Seifer's version was - for the most part - a somewhat truthful account of the events that had taken place. After Seifer finished his story, Riley went off to examine one of the displays about Ultimecia, while Seifer and Squall went to sit down on a nearby bench. The exhibit was filled with all sorts of artifacts from the War. There was even a case that held Squall's old Gunblade, Lionheart. Riley had always been intrigued by the War, something that upset Rinoa tremendously, but Squall had been secretly pleased that his son had always thought of him as a hero. Squall wondered if Riley still felt that way, if Riley still respected him. Squall knew his son still loved him - at least he hoped Riley still loved him - but it hurt so much to see his son behave this way.  

"Damn, we were such assholes back then." Seifer said, interrupting Squall's thoughts. "Now you’re a responsible adult and you've got a kid and everything, and I'm still basically just an asshole."

Squall looked at the blonde and smiled. "I wouldn't have you any other way." he whispered, his voice low and suductive. It had been totally unintentional, but just being near Seifer made Squall feel sexy and wanted.

Seifer grinned and squeezed Squall's knee.  "So, ah, I've been thinking.  Maybe I really could get used to this." he said.

Squall smiled.  "Have you changed your mind then?  About marriage?" he said.

Seifer smirked.  "I didn't say that, but I have to admit, I kind of like the idea of being able to fuck you whenever I want.  I ain't making any promises yet.  I'm not sure that I should change my whole life because you say you wanna be with me." he said.

Squall leaned against the blonde.  "But I do." he said.

"We'll see." Seifer said.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Squall said.

"Just what it sounds like." Seifer said.

Squall gazed into the blonde's green eyes and sighed.  Seifer looked at him for several mintues before turning away when Riley tentatively approached them.

"So what's up, Kid?" Seifer said.

Squall turned to look at his son.  Riley had an odd look on his face, as though he was confused by the two men's behavior and didn't like it.  Squall immediately pulled away from Seifer's grasp.  

"I'm hungry." Riley said.

"Okay, son, we can go get something." Squall said.  "What do you want?" 

Riley was silent.  He just shrugged and went to stand before a nearby display case.  Squall sighed and turned to Seifer.

"There is a cafeteria downstairs." Squall said.

Seifer stood up.  "Fuck that.  I had enough cafeteria food at Garden to last me a lifetime." he said.  "Let's go out." he said.

"Why don't we go home?  I can make us dinner.  I don't want to keep Riley out too late." Squall said.

Seifer shrugged.  "Sounds good to me." he said.

Squall stood up and followed Seifer and Riley as they left the exhibition room and entered the main lobby.  The rain had eased up considerably, and it was actually shaping up to be a rather nice day.  Though still cool and damp, the sun was slowly appearing from behind the heavy, dark clouds.  The sidewalks were once again crowded with people, going about their business, tying to make the most of the day despite the inclement weather.  It would have been nice to spend a few more hours outside, enjoying the day, but Squall was reluctant to do anything else that would give Rinoa a reason to argue.  She had too much to find fault with as it was, and any little thing he did would anger her.

It was a little after 7:00 when they got back to Squall's apartment.  Squall checked his messages as soon as he got back in.  One was from Zell, asking about Seifer, another was from Irvine, who had called to cancel the trip to Timber World, the next from Quistis, and the last message was from Rinoa.  Squall groaned when he heard that particular message, but his mood brightened somewhat when he learned that Rinoa didn't plan to come and get Riley until tomorrow afternoon.  Squall decided that he would call her back after dinner.  

"So what do you guys want?" Squall asked as he headed into the kitchen.  Seifer and Riley had since removed their coats, and they were sitting on the couch in front of the television.

"What've you got?" Seifer called.

"Steak, chicken, some Grat cutlets, a little bit of everything." Squall said.  "I still have a lot of leftover food from the party."

"That's fine, just heat it up." Seifer said.  Then: "That cool with you kid?"

"Okay." Riley said.

Squall smiled slightly as he pulled a plate of leftover chicken from the fridge.  He stuck the plate into the microwave and grabbed three paper plates from one of the overhead cabinets.  Seifer strolled into the kitchen and went to look in the fridge as Squall stood by the counter and rationed out the food.  

"What are you looking for?" Squall said.

"Beer.  You got any?" Seifer said.

"I think Irvine took most of the liquor.  There may be some wine coolers on the top shelf." Squall said.

Seifer rummaged through the fridge for several minutes until he managed to find a bottle of beer.  He unscrewed the cap and leaned against the refrigirator door.  "After dinner I have to go back to the club.  They'd burn it down if I wasn't there to run things." he said.

Squall turned to look at him.  "Alright." he said.  "Will you call me?"

Seifer smirked.  "I'm gonna do even better than that.  I'm gonna come back when the kid is asleep." he said.

Squall grinned and turned slightly to look at the blonde.  "So are you ready to answer my question?" he said.

"What, about marrying you?  You just got divorced, you sure you want to get married again." Seifer said.

Squall laughed.  "Well, there is that, but I'm talking about that guy I saw you with.  Or should I say all the men you've been with." he said.

Seifer licked his lips and grinned.  He placed his beer on top of the fridge and sauntered over to the brunette.  Squall moaned slightly when he felt Seifer's arms slid around his waist and the blonde's exceptionally large arousal press against his thigh.

"What the Hell.  Since you keep begging, I'll fess up." Seifer said.  "I'm single, okay.  Just wasn't able to find that perfect boy that made me want to give up all the pussy I was getting."

Squall grinned.  "You're such a pervert, Seifer." he said.

"Yeah, but you like it." Seifer said.  He kissed Squall's lips.

Squall sighed after their lips parted.  "Enough, Seifer.  Not here.  Riley is right in the living room." he said.

Seifer licked the smaller man's cheek and reached down to squeeze Squall's ass.  "He's glued to the television." he said.

Squall moaned softly.  "Not here." he whispered.  

"C'mon." Seifer whispered.  His voice hoarse with desire.  "Can't I even get a little kiss."

"I don't think that's all you want." Squall said.

Seifer grinned.  "Damn, I'm not that much of a pervert.  Just one little kiss, Sweet Thang.  You're just so fucking sexy." he said.  He kissed Squall again.

"You taste like beer." Squall said.

"Fuck you." Seifer said as he squeezed Squall tightly.

The blonde leaned forward and began to suck on Squall's lush lips.  Squall turned his face slightly, but Seifer placed a hand firmly on the side of the brunette's head to prevent him from moving.  Squall was soon panting and moaning in the blonde's arms, despite his initial hesitation.  It just felt so good, so right.  It felt so wonderful to finally have Seifer in his arms and not feel that anything was wrong with loving another man in this way.  Squall lost all sense of self and surroundings as Seifer's warmth envoloped him, for when Seifer held him it was almost as if nothing else existed, nothing else mattered.  Squall let the blonde's hands and lips roamed over his body, and in that moment he completely forgot himself.  He forgot that he was standing in the middle of his kitchen, not exactly the most private room in the apartment.  He forgot the dinner that the dinner he was supposed to be watching was burning in the microwave.  He forgot that his son was right in the next room.  

When Riley suddenly appeared at the doorway, Squall gasped loudly and pushed Seifer away from him, pushing so hard in fact that Seifer nearly fell back over the kitchen table.  Squall had heard the sound of the television being clicked off, but he had been too wrapped up in Seifer to think too much about it.  He quickly pulled his unbuttoned shirt back up over his bare shoulders and zipped his pants.  Riley, blue eyes wide, looked at him, then looked at Seifer.  Seifer looked down at his shoes and scratched at his wild, blonde hair.  Squall looked to the blonde for assistance, but there was none coming from that direction as Seifer managed to be embarrased by what had happened.  Squall looked at Riley again, and in that moments, when he saw the boy's face, the way the boy's feature's just seemed to fall, Squall felt like the most horrible person in the world.  

"Riley..." Squall said.

And Riley turned and ran.   

"Riley!" Squall called.

By the time Squall reached the living room, Riley had already gone out of the front door.  Squall rushed after the boy, but Riley was fast despite being younger and smaller, and he was already at the end of the long hallway when Squall finally got out of the apartment.  

"Riley Christopher!" Squall called as he dashed down the hall.  Riley stopped for a moment at the end of the long corridor, trying to decide which way to go, then made his decision when one of the elevators opened.  Riley pushed through the young couple that was coming off of the elevator, knocking the young man down and knocking several packages out of his girlfirend's hands.  Riley pushed frantically at the elevator buttons while simultanoeusly watching as Squall ran toward him.  The doors closed before Squall could reach them, and after uttering a quick apology to the stunned couple, Squall hoped onto the other elevator.  The elevator Riley had taken had been going down, and Squall hurriedly pushed the botton for the lobby, hoping that that's where Riley would end up.  Squall dashed into the lobby even before the doors to the elevator had completely opened, and he let out a sigh of relief when he saw the boy running for the front doors.  

"Stop him!" Squall called out to the doorman.  

The man looked slightly bewildered.  He reached out for the youth, but wasn't able to catch him.  Riley pulled at one of the doors, but it wouldn't open, and that gave Squall just enough time to catch up to the boy.     

"Let go!" Riley" cried.  "Lemme go!"  

"Riley!" Squall cried loudly. 

"No!  No!  Let go!  I hate you, let go!" Riley screamed as he lashed out and struggled in Squall's arms.

One of the boy's flailing fists connected with Squall's chin, and Squall decided then and there that enough was enough.  He placed Riley on the floor and grasped the boy's shoulders in a firm grip.  "Riley Leonhart!" he said in his most commanding voice, and looking Riley right in the eyes. "Stop. Now."

Riley stopped immediately. He looked down at his sneakers and his thin shoulders slumped.  Squall immediately regretted using that tone with the boy, he hardly ever used that sort of tone with his son, and he hadn't wanted to force Riley to talk to him, but there was nothing else he could do. 

"Riley, look at me." Squall said.

Riley looked up and glared up at him, trying his hardest not to cry, but the tears came anyway. Then the boy flung himself at Squall, and Squall sighed in relief as he felt his son's arms tighten around him. He held Riley tightly as the boy began to sob.

"I'm here. I'm here." Squall whispered. He placed a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead and held Riley even closer.  "Come on." he said as he took Riley's hand.  

Riley continued to cry.

"You need anything, Sir?" The doorman said.

"No, but Thank You.  We'll be alright." Squall said to the doorman as he led his son back into the lobby.

The stunned man just nodded.  

Squall took his son to sit with him on one of the lobby benches.  He took the edge of his shirt and used it to wipe the boy's face, but Riley's tears just kept coming.

"W - why d - do you hate me?" Riley managed through the sniffles.

Squall gently pulled Riley into his arms.  He sighed heavily before kissing the boy softly on the forehead.  "I could never hate you, Riley. You're my son, the love of my life. I love you more than I've ever loved anything else in this world." he said, his tone soothing.

Riley sniffled and shivered. "M - mom, she said if y - you loved me, that you wouldn't have l - left us." He managed.

Squall closed his eyes. "Son, listen to me. I…I haven't left you. I love you. I love you so much that I…just couldn't lie to you, or your mother. I didn't mean to hurt anyone, but things began to change.  I began to change and realize some things about myself, and I couldn't let things stay like they were knowing I wasn't being truthful with the two of you." He said.

Riley hid his face against Squall's side and sobbed. "But I - I don't w - want you to go to Hell!  Mom said people like you go to Hell!" He cried.

Squall's eyes snapped open, and for a moment he wondered if he could get used to life in the D - District prison after he was sentenced for killing his ex - wife. "Did your mother tell you that? Did she tell you that I was going to Hell?" he said as he wiped away more of Riley's tears.

Riley nodded. "She s - said you would go to H - Hell to…live with Diablos." He said.

Squall sighed and uttered a sound of disgust. "Riley, that's not true, and your mother probably doesn't even believe that herself. The Gods don't care about who you love as long as you love someone." He said.

Riley drew back slightly and gazed up at Squall, his eyes brimming with tears. "R - Really?" he said.

Squall smiled.  "Really." he said.

Riley nodded slowly and leaned against Squall's side once more.  "Do you...love...him?" he whispered.

"Yes." Squall said.

Riley looked up at him again. "I g - guess that's why you k - kissed him." He said.

Squall laughed nervously.  "Yes, but I didn't mean for you to see that." he said.

Riley smiled slightly and looked down at his hands.  He was silent for several seconds.  "Will I like boys too?" he said finally.

Squall smiled.  "You'll probably marry some lovely young woman who will adore you as much as you adore her." He said.

"Are you going to marry him?" Riley asked.

Another nervous laugh. "I don't know, but I have thought about it, son." Squal said.

Riley sniffled again.  "So...you don't love m - mom anymore?" he said, his voice cracking slightly.

Squall held him close.  "I will always love your mother Riley.  Things just didn't work out for us, but it wasn't because of you.  Things haven't been good between your mother and me for awhile now, and this would have happened eventually.  I just couldn't live that way, knowing I was lying to myself and the ones I loved.  I love you very, very much, and I always want to be honest with you.  I want you to look at me and know that I have never lied to you about who I was.  It's hard for me to explain this to you, but...I feel...emotionally fulfilled being with another man.  That's just a part of who I am, who I always was, and if I was ever wrong about anything it was lying to everyone for so long.  Yet, I can't regret my life, Riley, because Rinoa and I had the chance to have you, and I love you so much." Squall said.

Riley was silent for several long moments, then a look of humor suddenly stole across his face. "I guess that's okay, but what do I call him? I can't call you both daddy." He said.

Squall laughed and pulled his son into a tight embrace, and as Riley's arms tightened around his waist Squall breathed a heavy sigh of relief.  All he ever wanted was for Riley to understand his feelings, and why he had done what he had had to do. 

"Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww, ain't that just the sweetest thing."  Squall and Riley turned to look at Seifer as he came waltzing over to them, a big smirk on his face and his hands in his pocket.  "I thought something had happened to you two." he said.

Squall got up from the bench.  "We're alright now." he said.  He looked down at his son and smiled.

Riley got up and grabbed Squall's hand.  "Everything will be okay." he said.

"Everything will be okay." Squall agreed.

Seifer smirked.  "Well, things won't be okay if I don't get some damn food in my stomach. Can we go eat now?" he said.

Squall nodded and smiled.

Squall and Riley walked hand in hand as they followed Seifer back to the elevator.  Seifer and Riley chattered on and on about some new Anime film during the ride back up to the apartment, and Squall couldn't help but smile as he watched the two children get worked up about the movie.  He smiled as he watched his son, and to say that Squall was happy would have been a gross understandment.  Things were indeed going to be okay.  Squall was so happy that he could provide his son the love and caring that a child needed, and although he had been unsure of how to handle the situation, he was just glad that things worked out - even if he was still rather embarassed about Riley having seen him with Seifer - and that he had finally been able to get through to his son.  The elevator finally reached its destination, and as Riley and Seifer hurried off of the elevator, Squall lagged behind, arms folded across his chest, watching the two as they continued on about the film.  Riley was positively verbose at this point, and Squall couldn't help but wonder how long it would take before he was really calling Seifer "dad".  

"Hey, Squall!" a voice called suddenly.  

Squall looked up and was rather startled to see Irvine, Zell, and several children standing outside of his apartment.  No one had passed them when they were down in the lobby, so Squall guessed that they had come up through the garage.  Riley and Seifer were also surprised to see the rather large bunch, but Riley quickly regained his composure and immediately looked for some means of escape.  Sadly, it was far too late for that.  Seifer called out to the group, and everyone turned toward them.  All too soon a chorus of shrill screams filled the hallway.  

"RIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYY!" a tiny voice cried.

Then another: "Riley! Riley!  There he is!"

Two little girls, one dressed in a pink ruffled confection that was totally innapropriate for anything other than a visit to one of Hyne's shrines, and another dressed in ripped jeans and a red T - Shirt that read "I'm proud to be a Dincht", came barreling toward eleven year old Riley Leonhart. Riley's blue eyes widened and he stumbled backward. He only had time to gasp before the two girls slammed into him and he was caught up in a whirlwind of grasping white arms and waist - length, platinum - blonde hair. Chi Chi and Mi Mi Dincht, both no more than nine years old, covered the boy's face with wet, sloppy kisses as each tried to pull Riley out of the other's grasp.

"Hey! Get off guys!" Riley shouted.

The two violet - eyed girls completely ignored him.

"MINE!  LET GO!" Mi Mi said. The little tomboy pushed her sister in the chest, and Chi Chi stumbled back.

"Noooooooooooooooooo, he's mine!" Chi Chi shouted. She pushed her sister back, trying her best to knock the girl down.

"Ow, get off!  Somebody, help!" Riley cried.

Seifer laughed loudly and clutched at his stomach. Squall grinned, but went to gently pry the girls off his son.  A moment later Zell rushed forward and grabbed his daughters' hands. He pulled them back, but each of them clung on to Riley as though anything else meant death.

"Hey, you two! Stop!" Zell cried.

Chi Chi started crying though no tears fell from her large eyes. "Dad, she hit me!" the girl wailed.

Mi Mi let Riley go and balled up her fists. In that moment she looked exactly like Zell as she began to bounce up and down on her heels. "SHUT UP." She said before she hit her sister in the shoulder. Chi Chi wailed again and Zell swept the screaming girl up into his arms, and she buried her face, rather dramatically, in the collar of Zell's blue, button down work - shirt.  He grabbed Mi Mi by the hand.

"Hyne, Zell, where did you get these damn kids?" Seifer said.

Zell grinned. "They don't act like this around Fu." He said.

Seifer chuckled. "I'm willing to bet they don't." he said.

"Can we come in?  We got rained out at Timber World, so we thought we would just come on over." Zell said.

"You don't even have to ask.  We would love to have you." Squall said.

"'We'?" Zell said.

"Don't start." Squall said.

Zell grinned widely and winked, before heading back down the hall.

"Hyne, I can't believe Fuujin has kids." Seifer said.  "We really are getting old." 

Squall smiled. "No, you're getting old." He said.

Seifer smacked Squall's ass as the brunette headed for the door.  

Irvine, much to Squall's relief, had only three of his kids with him:  Fifteen - year - old Winona, twelve - year - old Caleb, and his youngest child, 9 - month - old Ginger.  Winona, who was wearing a floral print dress too revealing for one so young, and far too much make up for a girl her age, smiled at Squall seductively as he approached, and Squall tried not to laugh as he turned to unlock his front door.  Irvine noticed the exchange and said something to his daughter under his breath.  She folded her arms over her flat chest and sucked her teeth.

"Hey Irvine." Seifer said as he strolled up next to the aubrun - haired man.  "These all your kids?"

Irvine grinned and nodded.  "Winona, Caleb, and this here is little Ginger." he said as he looked down at his baby daughter, who he was holding in his arms. 

"Wow." Winona said as she strolled up to Seifer.  "You're that Sorceress guy, aren't you?  Dad didn't tell me you were so hot."

Seifer laughed and looked at Irvine.  Irvine shook his head.

"Just get inside, girl, and stop being so fresh." Irvine said.

Winona sucked her teeth and followed Squall into the apartment.  

Once inside, the adults tried to get dinner together while the kids spread out on the living room couch and watched television.  Caleb and Winona fought over the remote control while Mi Mi and Chi Chi fought over who was going to sit next to Riley.  Ginger just rested on her little Chocobo blanket and sang to herself while she played with her feet. Seifer and Irvine were in the dinning room setting the table, while Squall and Zell were in the kitchen.  Squall warmed up the food in the microwave, while Zell raided the fridge looking for beer and soda.

"Did you get my message?" Zell asked as he pulled a few cans of beer from the fridge.  He set them on the counter and leaned against it as he watched Squall chop up some carrots.

"Yes, but I wasn't going to call you until later." Squall said.

"Yeah, right.  Too busy?" Zell said.

Squall smiled.  "Whatever." he said.

Zell grinned.  "So where did you guys end up today anyway?  We figured you guys weren't going to make it what with the rain and all." he said.

Squall shrugged.  "We went to the museum, came back here, then you guys showed up." He said.

"Riley, seems to be doing okay." Zell said.  He snatched up one of the carrot sticks and popped it into his mouth.

Squall smiled.  "I think it will still take some time for him to adjust to it completely, but we finally managed to talk.  I really should have tried to talk to him erlier, but I had no idea what to say." he said.  "I was so worried that he wouldn't want anything to do with me.  He was so upset today, Zell.  I was completely caught off guard." he said.

"He seems fine now." Zell said.

"I know, but I still don't know what Rinoa could have been telling him." Squall said.

Zell groaned slightly. "I saw her the other day, and I was telling her about the party.  I think she got angry." Zell said.

Squall just shook his head.  "Thanks, Zell." he said.

"Sorry." Zell offered.  

Squall smiled.  "No, but that probably wasn't it.  I hadn't seen Riley in awhile, so Rinoa had ample opportunity to turn things in her favor.  I just don't understand why she does this.  If she's angry with me fine, but she shouldn't use him that way." she said.

Zell nodded.  "At least Seifer's been here for you." he said.

Squall looked over at his friend and grinned.  "What is that supposed to mean?" he said.

Zell chuckled.  "You know what I mean, man.  So did you two, you know, "do it"?  I'd say yeah, 'cuz you're smile is just way too big today." he said.

"Zell." Squall warned.

Zell grinned rather sheepishly.  "Okay, okay, I shouldn't have said that, but I am your best friend.  You can tell me." he said.

"What's to tell?" Squall said.

"I mean I wanna know.  How do two guys 'do it'?" Zell said.

Squall tossed a carrot stick at the blonde.  "If you think about it, I'm sure you can figure it out." he said.

"I mean, I know, but I wanna know how it actually works.  Does it hurt?" Zell said.

Squall grinned.  "Thinking of coming over to our side, Dincht?" he said.  "I'm certain tons of guys would be interested in a cute, little thing like you."  Squall licked his lips and ran a finger down Zell's chest.  

Zell began to cough violenty.  "What!?  No, I just - " he began.

Squall laughed and pushed the blonde out of the kitchen.  "Just go round up the kids so we can eat." he said.

Zell went out to the living room and quickly rounded up the small crowd of children.  Riley was the first to get up when the food was ready and the table was finally set.  He immediately took a seat between Squall and Irvine, and so Zell's twins were deprived of sitting next to their beloved Riley.  When the two girls realized that all was not lost, they spent several minutes fighting over the chair directly across from him.  It was unbelievable really; Zell's energy and Fuujin's temper, all rolled up into one in two little girls.  Only Zell had the energy to keep up with them, and eventually he managed to get his daughters under some amount of control.  He solved the problem, by taking the seat across from Riley himself and having his daughters sit on either side of him.  Seifer went in the kitchen to get some beer, and sat down beside Squall when he returned.  He grabbed several chicken wings off one of the trays that had been set out and piled them on his plate.  He held one beneath Squall's nose, and the brunette shook his head.  Seifer shrugged and began to tear into one of the spicy wings.  

Once everyone was finally seated the conversation started immediately

"So", Winona said, pointing to Seifer, and looking at Squall. "He your boyfriend?"

Seifer looked up from his plate and grinned through a mouthful of food.  "What if I am?" he said.

Irvine coughed and Caleb's eyes widened.

Squall looked over at Riley.  The boy was trying to pick up one of the wings on his plate, but it seemed as though he hadn't heard the comment.  Although things were, for the most part, resolved between him and Riley, Squall knew it was still a rather delecate situation, and although he had the uttmost confidence in his son, he was still worried about how Riley would react if he was pushed too much and he didn't want to be.  Squall knew that the healing process would still take some time to complete.

"You can't be his boyfriend." Caleb said suddenly.  "He's a man."

Seifer laughed.  "So?" he said.  "Hey, Kinneas, what have you been telling these kids?"

"Nothing." Irvine said.  He shrugged.

"Yeah, sounds like it." Seifer said.

"EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!" Mi Mi cried. She laughed loudly. "BOYFRIENDS."

"Okay, quiet down guys." Zell said.  

"Figured he was.  I mean I always knew Uncle Squall was gay." Winona said.  She rolled her eyes and lifted her hands toward the ceiling.  "The good ones are always gay."

"I thought Uncle Squall was married?" Caleb said.  He looked bewildered.

Squall cringed and looked over at his son again, but Riley was still obsessed with his piece of chicken.

"Eat your food and shut up." Irvine said.

"Yeah, guys, eat.  Don't play at the table." Zell said.

"You should talk." Seifer said.

Zell stuck out his tongue.

"So, is he your boyfriend?  Really?" Chi Chi asked Squall.  "Did you kiss him?"

"KISS.  KISS."  Mi Mi said.

Chi Chi looked over at Mi Mi and the two laughed loudly. 

"He's his booooooooooooyfriend." Chi Chi said.

Mi Mi giggled so hard that soda came out of her nose.

"So what?" Riley snapped as he glared at the blonde twins.

Seifer laughed, but Squall shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

Chi Chi stammered and searched for something to say.  

Mi Mi frowned and punched her sister in the shoulder. "STUPID." she said.  "Riley ANGRY."

"Owwwwwwwwww!" Chi Chi cried.

"No, I'm not angry." Riley said.  "Now just shut up guys and eat."  

Seifer laughed.  "Right on kid." he said.

Riley looked up at Squall and smiled.

And Squall's heart soared.

Heh.  A lot happened there, but hey, your life can change in one day, plus I wanted the kids I had created for Irvine and Zell to make an appearance (though brief) and they fit easiest into this chapter.  Whew, but at least the end is near.  This story has been hanging over my head for the longest time, and I don't know why I haven't been able to update it in a timely fashion.  I actually like this story, but it got too complicated for a minute, so now I've decided to trash my original ending and make a new one.  I hope it works.  The Celebrity story is probably the last lengthy multi - chaptered story I will do.  Seifer and Squall just want too much attention, and they are starting to annoy the hell out of me in some of these stories, especially the really long ones.  They just don't want to behave!  Bad, bad, boys!  Shonen - Ai type scene next chapter, and finally, THE END as well.  Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!  Somebody catch me.  Sorry it took so damn long!

Return to Archive | next | previous