Fall was closing in. Fall was closing in and it seemed like everything was back to normal. Students still goofing off, students still stressing about grades, and students still partying. I turned my attention to the T.V. Noctis put in our shared room. Another dead man, strangled in the woods, high off his ass too. Seeing as the prep took all the mans valuables, it was a drug deal gone wrong. Well according to the anchor that is. Shaking my head I turn off the T.V. Everything was back to normal and I loathed everyone for it. Everyone but Noctis, Jecht, and Cloud. Though it was still awkward for Cloud to visit after everything, he made it work unlike my so called friend. Yes, there was even some resentment toward Zack.

He just moved on like it was nothing.

Not even a few months ago, our friend died. He lost his life and his mother lost hers. Months passed and we still didn't have a reason. Not one I could accept anyway. Something about a murder-suicide and Tidus was really off, but no one really paid it much mind. Even though we found evidence that someone had been dragged, the path just didn't lead to where they found Tidus. So, we were back to square one. They didn't know him like we did. They didn't see how happy a guy he was. They'd be challenging this case as well if they knew just how much he loved his mother. Then again, the months passed, so naturally talk died off, people were less interested, and even the case closed. Eventually more cases took their attention, so they had to move on. I bet for the students who barely know Tidus it only took a day. Those who sometimes spoke to him, could've got over his death in a week. His friends however, his friends would never forget. Which bothers me that Zack can be so happy, maybe he's accepted it, but I can't seem to get over Tidus' death, nor Raine's, and Squall's absence helps nothing.

"Why can't I be like everyone else?"

"Blind to every world but your own?" Noctis snorts and shakes his head slowly entering our shared room. "Not worth it, been there done that, it's overrated."

I sigh into my pillow slightly tensing up when I felt a dip in my bed. Peeking an eye out I see Noctis examining Tidus' necklace. He flips, twists, and turns it before sitting it back down. He'd also asked to see it yesterday examining it the same way, as if he would find a clue, but he never did. Instead of leaving like he usually would. Noctis stuck around today. He began reaching over to the diary that belonged to Tidus. I'd forgotten to put it up the night before. I had taken it out quite a few times to read it, but never had the courage to actually do what I intended to. When my roommates eyes clashed with my own. I gave a small nod, all the permission he needed to confirm his unasked question. He picked up the diary scanning through it first. A picture and a few letters fell out. A family photo, love letter, and an unfinished speech Noctis informs. He gave all three to me. Keeping the diary in favor of finding something. As he immediately immersed himself into the book, I started in on the love letter. It was addressed to Yuna of course.

I remember her, at least I should make sure she gets this.

He really loved her. There was no doubt about that. Each sentence more heartfelt than the next, each promise bolder than the one before and each time he said I love you. Every time he wrote those words. Somehow you just knew it was from his heart. I set the letter to the side, making a mental note to give the letter to the should be owner as soon as I could. Next I picked up the half done letter, I could already see the conflict he encountered with this letter. The pencil marks, faded words, and small tears into the paper. Most likely from a pencil with barely an eraser on it. He was determined to write the best damn speech on earth. He talked about his home town and their support. Then went on to thank family and friends, typical Tidus. I scanned the paper one more time, squinting at one faded sentence. He was happy that he was the one to bring the Blitzball trophy to Garden. Then I remembered what Wakka told me all that time ago. I sat up careful not to disturb Noctis. Once successful I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to get dressed. That's when I made the inconvenient discovery that I have to make a run to Laguna's soon. Nearly all of Squall's clothes and my own were dirty. I shook my head making a mental note to bag them up as I got dressed. Five minutes after wrestling Squall's clothes on. I come out to see Noctis still lounging in my bed with his nose in the book. It isn't until I grab Tidus' necklace and put it on that he looks at me.

"Heading out somewhere?"

I check myself in the mirror and nod. "Yeah"

"Yeah and where?" He pestered.

"Blitzball season starts today right?"

Noctis crinkles his nose and shrugs." I don't know? I guess so? Why does that matter?" He asks sitting up.

"Gonna watch a bit, hopefully it will put me at ease."

"You're still in mourning aren't you? You think this will make you feel better?"

"I don't know" I say truthfully glancing down at the necklace. "Is that what you see?"

"As a narrow minded person yes, but as a friend I'll let you know Tidus would kiss you, if he knew you were taking an interest in Blitz. Hey maybe you'll even join the team?"

"I doubt that Noc, they wouldn't even spare a glance seeing me."

"Sure they would, just no weird underwear. I'm pretty sure you'll be sharing a locker room with other guys. I don't think teddy bears and lollipops would be good for your image."

I face-palm rolling my eyes at the image. "Whatever."

When I reached the front door. Noctis rushed out of the room with the love letter I set aside. I took it giving him a few pats on the back and headed out the door. The feeling of peace didn't last long as I felt someone's presence, make that a few presences. Not wanting to deal with fans or Bartz and Zidane I book it. Knowing Squall's fans have even stooped low enough to use Tidus as an excuse to comfort and talk to me. Makes me all the more disgusted of them. As for Bartz and Zidane they've been trying to get me to have Seifer do a food truck rally. Apparently what Rikku told me about left over food was true.

I'm so glad for Noctis.

As disgusting as that is, it's more Seifer's problem than mine. If they want the change they should talk to him, not me. Seeing as I've been doing a great job avoiding Seifer. Who was trying to get ideas out of me to raise money for Grad bash. I have enough on my plate, I'd like to keep it that way if I can. When all I could hear was loud cheering, I snapped back to reality. I immediately hid behind a pillar. After realizing the crowd wasn't for me. I slowly walked over trying to blend in. By the time I made it to the front of the crowd. The security was pushing us back. Other security guards were escorting these men in strange suits and gear. A girl with brown hair and orange eyes broke free from the barrier and hugged one of the men.

"I love you!" She cries.

A short lived fan fantasy for her. The guards appeared out of no where and ushered her away. A sad way to go, but the look in her eyes said it was well worth it. Before I could turn to the fanatic next to me. I spot a familiar face; it was Jecht. He hadn't looked upset and angry as I last saw him. He was more relaxed and even if I dare say it a bit happy too. The crowds roared louder when the wild man waved his hands. The noise slowly followed him in the dome and very soon I was all alone. Well save for the few security guards and bystanders. It wasn't until I saw a few students carrying Blitzballs, that I knew I'd reached my destination. Now Jecht's appearance made sense. He and Tidus were hometown heroes and superstar Blitzball players. Well Jecht, many people didn't really seem to know Tidus was a superstar. Seeing the way they reacted to Jecht, I can see why he kept it secret. When I surveyed the area a bit more, I found a poster of Jecht back to back with Tidus. An old photo obviously, in the poster Tidus looked no older than ten.

He's so young in this.

I chuckled knowing there was no way the Tidus I knew would take a photo like this with Jecht. This was actually the first time I could genuinely tell him and Shuyin apart. I took the poster down folding it and putting it in my pocket. I was back to reality after a harsh nudge to my shin and a impatient sigh. Instead of turning around to glare, my eyes widened. It was the AP teacher Wakka looking angry, tired and disappointed. He was leaning against the wall of the stadium. Unconsciously my hand shot up and grasped his shoulder in concern while helping him into a wheelchair that was behind him. He got the message that I was worried, and instantly gave me a one armed hug as well as a quick apology. The other one was holding something, it looked like a small bundle, maybe his lunch.

"Sorry, didn't mean to crash into you ya. People ain't so nice to the handicaps around here." He explains.

I was a bit ticked that he was more dead weight than help. He was tired and I could tell, so I forgave him this time. His body was limp and weighing me down while he tried to sit properly. When he finally looked at my face, surprise takes over his features.

"Leonhart again? You're just seeing me at my worst back to back ya." He mumbles.

"I know I'm being way too obvious, but you don't look too happy. Is something wrong Wakka?"

"It ain't brudda, I'm gonna break a promise and there's no way for me to live up to it ya." He hits his leg giving a growl. "My legs not doing too good, as you felt, I can't even navigate myself properly ya."

Now I feel like a dick, but more importantly. I can't let him feel bad for this, he's hurt.

"Promise or not, if you're hurt there's nothing you can do. Can't you just tell them you aren't feeling too well and next time? I mean it is obvious you're hurt." I suggest.

He shakes his head furiously. "Nah I can't, not this promise. I have to do something to make sure it happens ya? It was the one and only thing I've ever promised Tidus."

"Tidus...?"

Wakka looks up at me then at the ground. "Yeah, we've been dreaming about winning the national blitzball tournament for years."

"Years?" I parrot.

"I...I can't let him down ya? He's counting on me...but I'll fail him again, what kind of bro is that ya know?!" He yells trying not to tear up.

I frown remembering Squall. "A brother that gave a damn, even Tidus would understand this situation. You're hurt and he'd be even more upset to see you like this." I argue.

"I know, but what do I do ya? What other options do I have? I promised I'd bring that cup home to Garden."

That's what Jecht said too...maybe there's someone else?

"You could find someone to take your spot." I suggest.

"You're a funny guy Leonhart, I can't just grab some scrub off the campus and place my little brothers hopes and dreams in their hands. That's no good ya."

"Then teach them yourself, find someone as good as you, and then have them teach them. That way you know they won't just be some scrub."

Wakka grins smacking my back harshly in excitement. "You're right! That's what I'll do, I'll find someone and teach them blitzball from A to Z. I could even get Jecht in on it and help teach ya."

"Why isn't Jecht in the tournament?"

"He was intentionally injuring players-but that's not the point ya, the man is a blitzball genius!"

You just don't look over someone whose Intentionally hurting people.

Wakka went on about the greatness of Jecht for ten minutes, then immediately starts jumping to reveal a list of candidates. Internally I was just glad he didn't choose me. With figuring out what happen to Squall and dealing with everything else I had my plate full already. Suddenly Wakka pulls at the poster in my pocket with a grin. Creeped out I backed away slowly.

"It's a nice picture ya? I took it myself. If you're gonna make yourself a scrapbook, I got plenty of dups."

He laughed at the shock on my face when I heard crying. He looked down to a bundle in his arms, rocking it slowly. Hesitantly I walked over to him leaning in to see what he had. There in his arms was a baby with bright orange hair and brown eyes. The infant looked no older than a month. Wakka proudly smiled down at the baby before looking at me.

"It's kinda hard to hold a baby with crutches ya."

I nod in disbelief staring at the infant. "Yea-yeah, that would be a challenge. I didn't know you were a dad or is this someone else's kid?" I joke.

He looks more like Wakka than Lulu. Guess dad has the stronger genes.

"He's my son Vidina, he's gonna be a great Blitzball player just like his uncle and his God bro." Wakka shakes his head and sigh looking to the side. "That is if his mom will let me ya. She wants him to be a teacher like her."

"I'm pretty sure she will, you just gotta be more confident."

He caresses the baby's cheek and snorts. "You think so?"

I snort looking at the building and then back to Wakka. "You've got me here listening to you don't you?"

Wakka's eyes widen and he gives a loud cheer. Without warning he charges the stadium frantically waving me to follow. Surprisingly the guards stand a side for us as we rush down the corridors. Even with child, wheelchair, and the use of only one arm. I was barely keeping up with the ecstatic man. Between the chattering of the crowd and Wakka I could barely hear Jecht's voice over the speakers. It sounded like he was giving some type of speech. A speech he had obviously given many times as his voice was slightly bland and monotonous. A few more minutes later all I could hear was Jecht's voice. Wakka was no longer talking and the crowd had died down, and soon enough even Jecht stop talking. That's when I noticed everyone was staring at us. Wakka nudged me trying to encourage me to join the others on the stage.

You've got to be kidding me! I only came to watch, but now, now I don't have a choice!

I have never felt so nervous in my life. Walking to this stage was like stepping on broken glass with bare feet. Each footstep louder than the one before, my breathing heavy, and my heart pounding. I had never done anything like this before. Had it been any other circumstances I would've run back to my dorm and locked myself in there for the next few days. Jecht moved away from the mike to stand face to face with me. I couldn't bare to look him in the face though, I feared the face I would actually see through his.

"What the hell do you think you're doing Leonheart?"

My eyes locked onto Jecht who actually made everything better if even just a bit. I shrug knowing I can't show weakness in front of the teacher. If tactics taught me anything, it was that he loved to prey on the timid, shy, and unfortunate. Without a word I gestured to the others who I assumed were interested in Blitzball too.

"You want to join my team? Tough tit, I bet you don't know the first thing about the sport."

Damn it! This is the actual team? I swore I heard him saying something about trying for the team. I was hoping to fail that and go, what now Leon?

The older man rubs his neck and grunts. "This area is for those interested in Blitzball only, we are trying to win championships not debates. This isn't politics brat." He tries to shoo me off as he turns sideways.

"That's why I want to join the team." I quickly add making him quirk an eyebrow. "Let me try out, if I'm not good enough I'm gonna push it any further."

The faster I do this the better, I can't wait to vent this to Noctis!

He cracks his neck and crosses him arms. "What if I say I'm not interested in teaching rookies?"

"Then who do I look for? I only came to you because...Wakka recommended you. He said he saw a potential in me only you could unlock." I lie.

"Wakka said that?"

I shrug. "More or less with a 'ya' here and there."

Jecht barks out a laugh turning to find Wakka and giving him a thumbs up. The orange haired man waved back, he then held his baby in the air making Jecht laugh.

"That damn fool doesn't need a baby. If Lulu saw that, he wouldn't have balls anymore."

He waved a young woman over pointing to me then his team. She nods and runs off as he heads back to the mike and continues his speech for several more minutes. Anxious and uncertain I wait on stage with the others who are absorbing every word Jecht shouts out. I just wanted him to tell me I'm not good enough, so I could go and watch like I intended too. It isn't until thirty minutes later that the young woman returns with two boxes. One was no bigger than a shoe box and the other triple that size. She handed it over to me with a big smile and a wink. I give a her a slight bow then look down curious of the big box. I put the smaller one under my arm and peek into the bigger one. It was a uniform, a very bright, multicolored, and so not my style, but oh so familiar uniform. Checking the tag my suspicions were confirmed. It was Tidus' old uniform there in my hands. I felt a rush of pride flowing through me as I closed the box.

"When do I try out?"

Jecht snorts and childishly crosses his arms. "I already know about your secret lessons with Tidus, and according to him you're great. I'll get to see first hand if that's true or not."

Wait...Squall and Tidus played Blitzball together or at least practiced? I really need to read a bit of Tidus' diary later.

I use a hand to motion for him to continue. "What does being great mean?"

"Don't screw up."

I chuckle and put a hand on my hip. "Whatever."

It was then that Jecht announced me as the first new Blitzball player in two years. The crowd cheered for me, but no one was louder than Wakka. I grinned shamelessly taking in the crowds cheers and waving around the stadium. Jecht even rolled his eyes clapping for me before handing me a schedule. I looked at it with a sigh of relief. It had all the upcoming Blitz games on them. I had plenty of time to practice as well. Best of all, It didn't clash with any of my other extra curricular activities. Mechanics class was postponed, Gippal said he didn't want to do anything without Cid. Cid was filling in for someone until they got accustomed to Garden again. Most likely it was a part time, on call teacher. Then there was drama club. Well I didn't exactly know what Paine had in store for me yet. She was frantically trying to decide on a play for the winter semester. After everything that happened with Tidus. The play, the dance, and even Seifer's plans for renovation was halted. I was actually thankful for that though. During summer the drama club presented a murder mystery. According to Reno it was really good. He said it even had him guessing until the very end. Then which meant yet again, dancing was out of the question too. Even if I could go to this formal. I don't even know how Cloud fells about Squall. If they did have something going on, I think I already ruined it.

Then Shiva knows what Seifer has planned.

Before I could dwell on the subject any further a hand smacks me on the back; Jecht's of course. The glare I sent in his direction went unnoticed as he laughed. He rubbed and scratched his neck before turning back to me.

"Welcome to the team brat. My motto is we lose I'll make you suffer for it." Jecht yawns trying not to look too amused by my bewildered expression.

I roll my eyes "so losing isn't an option?"

"Hey you're pretty smart for a pretty boy Leonheart. I should make that my slogan."

"Shouldn't you encourage doing your best?"

Jecht gives me a disgusted look and shakes his head. "What type of bullshit is that? You're a weird kid Leonheart, but whatever." Jecht cracks his neck and sighs. "Be ready for practice soon, it's always Sunday, after Fath-ugh Professor Law's service. See ya later kid."

Who is Professor law?

"Thanks?"

I didn't want to stay for whatever festivities they were planning afterward. So I gave my goodbyes to Wakka and left out of the stadium. The peace only lasted a second as I bumped into Axel and Reno. Instead of the normal annoying charade they used to give, they nod and keep going. As much as it relieved me, it felt wrong, so I could only fathom what they feel. Against my better judgement I follow the two. Into the foundry hall, past the garden library and toward the dorms. They strolled up to a door and opened it. Leaving it just like that, I inwardly sighed knowing it was meant for me. I knew they hadn't been going to their dorm for nothing. The moment I got to the door I was pulled in and it slammed behind me.

"Well, well, well looks like a kitten followed us home yo." Reno announces loudly.

Axel ruffles my hair and I slap his hand away. "What should we name him bro?"

"How about Squally Wally?" Reno jokes.

"Squall ball?"

"Don't you two ever go home? How was the Blitzball Squall?" A familiar voice asks.

"I somehow accidentally joined the team thanks to Wakka."

The twins cheer and congratulate me as Noctis pops out a room. He patted my back while heading to the fridge and getting a pear out. Dumbfounded I look around then to the twins who are wearing matching grins. I blindly followed them back to my own dorm without knowing it. Before I can ask Noctis why the twins have a key, he continues reading the diary, which according to where his fingers were, only had a few more pages left. Reno and Axel plopped on the couch gossiping about something while someone knocked on the door. To my surprise this time it was Sora and Roxas. Roxas was firmly clamping a hand over Sora's mouth as they let themselves in. The two made their way over to Axel and Reno. I raised an eyebrow but said nothing else. Just as I was about to close the door everyone abruptly announces how boring it is and want to leave. So naturally when Axel got to the door, Riku showed up and my heart stopped. Luckily, the only sign of aggression they showed was in the gritty greeting they gave to each other. Hidden beneath smiles and chuckles. The fight I expected to break out never happened. Instead they all left together leaving me and Noctis who suddenly wanted to leave too.

He throws a jacket to me and jabs a finger toward the door. "Take a walk with me?" He asks suddenly.

I nod knowing the other probably hasn't been out of the dorm all day. He smiles putting the diary away and getting a jacket of his own. I was glad for the jacket later on. It was getting chilly. Another sign that fall was on the way. I looked at the browning leaves on the tree then the setting sun. I couldn't believe the day was nearly over.

"Didn't know you actually knew how to play blitz ball. Tidus taught you everything right?" Noctis asks.

"Yeah, how did you know?"

Noctis kicks a rock sighing. "It was in his diary."

Wait...so Tidus is closer to Squall than I thought. Why did he play it off when we first met?

"So can I ask a personal question?"

"Sure?"

"You knew Tidus since kindergarten right? Or at least he knew of you. Why did you two act like such strangers for a while? Is it because of Zack?"

"No...its not-it's not that. I mean-I'm sorry, it's personal."

"Oh, I'm sorry, didn't mean to offend you."

"Oh no you didn't, I promise."

You're not, believe it or not Noc, you're helping me so much.

I just thought about Zack, maybe he's the one who genuinely doesn't know Squall. I have evidence Tidus did, which makes everything all the more strange. Maybe Tidus pretended, so Zack didn't feel left out. It's weird and confusing, but my only conclusion and worst of all I can't ask Tidus why he did what he did. I look over at Noctis then to the sky remembering this afternoon. The cheering and the stadium still fresh in my head. I've never been one to be involved in sports events, let alone be a player, but I could see why Tidus loved it so much. I snapped out of my thoughts when Noctis' phone goes off and he answers it. With a few 'yeahs' and 'okies' he hangs up and heads toward the tactics field.

"What's this? You want to spar or something?" I ask a bit amused.

He snorts as he take a master key out unlocking the door. "I wouldn't want to beat you up Squall." He opens it revealing lots of people, decorations and presents. "Especially not on your birthday."

"Happy birthday Leon!" My eyes widen hearing my real name.

"Zack...he said you liked it, it was his idea to tease you by calling you Leon today. Because of your last name or something, I don't know, I'm just going with the flow. So don't try and go super Squall on me...happy birthday Leon." Noctis teases holding a box out.

Zack did that for me?

I take the box opening it up seeing a car key inside. I suddenly turn to Noctis who only points to a sleek black sports car with a big white bow. I could literally feel my eyes popping out of my head. This car had to at least be a cool hundred thousand or more. I didn't think the gift was real until he then gave me the owner manual and other documents with a blank face.

"How did you get this? Are you royalty or something?" I ask trying to hide my surprise.

"Long live Prince Noctis!" Axel shouts making Noctis roll his eyes.

"I guess if that's what you want to think. Anyway, I figured I had an extra car and I won't be using it anytime soon. Besides now you have to take me wherever you go." He says with a smirk.

"Seems like more of a present for you than me." I joke.

"Yeah well, I was cleaning around with Zack and we found your drivers license..." He says trailing off.

You mean Squall's, but small details don't matter.

"How was cleaning with Zack?"

"Ok, he didn't like my small talk though. He wasn't thrilled I read Tidus' diary either. I actually had to hide it from him, pretty embarrassing stuff in there."

"Oh I bet."

"If it's ok with you Squall, I'm just gonna give it back to Jecht." He puts his hands in his pocket leaning to the side. "There was nothing in there leading to a suspect. It's just a bit too personal even I felt I crossed the line."

"Personal?" I hum shrugging to Noctis. "If you feel like that's what needs to happen. Yeah, giving it back to Jecht sounds best then."

He only pats my back and leads me to the crowd. In seconds I'm assaulted with alcohol, presents and too much human contact. Riku jokes about how we usually would never celebrate. To which the red headed twins nod their heads furiously downing beers. I curiously look around seeing a few our professors downing the alcohol too. Ashe and miss Terra seemed to already be wasted along with Lightning.

I didn't even realize she was back.

Sephiroth even tried to recruit me to SOLDIER, he told me he and Zack already set up to tour the base with a few others. He told me I was free to tag along if I wanted. For some reason this made Zack look nervous. I just told him I'd prefer a solo tour. Strangely enough this made the raven hair man sigh in relief and move to the next group.

I hope he didn't think I would cramp his style.

When Angeal drunkly tries to recruit me to SOLIDER. Zell overhears it tries the same tactics to get me in to check out the SeeD base. I declined both offers as Squall would definitely hate me for that. I couldn't knock the curiosity though.

Maybe I'll do a secret meeting around graduation.

I shook it off for now continuing my meet and greets. Barret, Gippal, and even Genesis were singing some old song. They didn't even mind that Yuffie and her crew were singing off key with them. To be in a place like this on my birthday, on me and my brother's birthday. To be in this loud, overcrowded, and as everyone said, so 'not like Squall to be in' place. I was ok with it, today I didn't mind it, today I could be Leon NOT Squall. Then it dawned on me that Squall wasn't really one for celebrating his birthday. Only Riku knew, maybe a small few others so...

Who told them?

An arm slings around my neck and a hand ruffles my hair. "On the Bliz'bawl team? Con'grats t' ya Leonheart n' happy birfh'day yew slick mother #%$* !" Cid H bellows.

He's drunk as hell...

I break free from the mechanics hold as he thrust a box towards me. I stared at it for a moment then to him seeing the wide toothy grin spreading across his face. Whatever it was in the box he took much pride in. Seeing the man wildly gesture for me to open the box, I couldn't help but chuckle. It didn't take me long to open it up as Cid helped free it from its cardboard prison. I froze seeing at the weird machine inside. I couldn't really make out what it was as I had never seen it before. Lots of buttons and a huge screen like a mini T.V. set. The moment I took it out to show it to the mechanics teacher. He cheered and snatched the weird device along with my car keys.

"Ya don' havfta beg me, I'll install it fer ya." He says not bothering to hide his excitement.

I put a hand on my hip and huff. "What is that?"

"Best. $ %#. Sound sys'tum yer ever gunna have." He gloats opening the car and getting to work.

Axel and Reno had given me a coupon book. Each one had five coupons good for spying, lying, misc task, sneaking, and gossip. I shake my head trying to pocket the books but remember the poster. So when I try the other pocket I'm blocked again. Then I spot Yuna and remember the letter. Rikku had invited Yuna as she had also been mopping about. I pull a coupon out of Axel's book since he was closer and I begun to wave it at him. He grins coming over and snatching the paper.

"Need some work done, I'm your guy. What can I do for you boss man?" He purrs.

I hold out the paper to him and he grabs it. "Give this to Yuna and don't read it."

"Really? That's it? I offer my fine services and I'm a delivery boy? Do I look like Cloud to you?" He complains.

I cross my arms "if you were Cloud, I wouldn't ask you at all."

"Why think he's incompetent or something?"

I frown pushing the red head toward Yuna. "I would never think that about Cloud. He's a nice person, I don't want him in any of this crap I'm already in ok?" I sigh.

He grins devilishly and makes his way to Yuna. "Oh, now I see what's going on, you surprise me more each day. Nice person, you mean nice body."

I whipped my head around to him. "What did you say?"

"Nothing, you want me to deliver this to Yuna, I got it memorized. You know, you hand me all those coupons I'll make sure you have a very special birthday."

"You're so creepy, you know that?" I deadpan.

"Fine your loss." He shrugs.

Something about the way Axel grinned made me uneasy, but I brushed it off. I began to unwrap the presents on the table. Matching key chains for me and Sora, a planner from Roxas, a red orb thing from Vincent. Most of the girls gave me chocolate, bears, and other cute things I would later give away to Laguna. Maybe he could place them on Raine's grave...maybe he would take me there finally.

"President number one and two on campus drinking beer? Well that's not good, but what the hell."

I turned around to see Seifer. He had already taken it upon himself to enjoy the festivities with beer in hand. Seifer stood there awkwardly for a moment then pulled out a box dangling it toward me.

"Is this for me?" I ask dumbly.

He blushes looking away. "Who the hell else would it be for?" He grumps.

"Sorry, I'm just not used to you being nice." I joke half heartily.

"Well I'm not used to you being an asshole." He responds with a chuckle.

"touché"

"Happy birthday Squall."

I half open the box and he stops me. "What? Is this gonna explode or something?"

"No...just don't open it here and it's only for your eyes ok? I figured you're looking for something. Maybe this can help, help you remember."

Seifer wasn't usually like this. He wasn't usually concerned, careful, nor secretive if it weren't his own clique. Speaking of which weren't with him.

"Happy birthday Leon."

I felt butterflies in my stomach suddenly. "Cloud?"

"Been a while, thought I should pop by with Seifer." He explains.

I should've known Seifer didn't come alone. That's strange of him to bring Cloud though.

I put a hand on my hip. "What's that supposed to mean? I'm not dangerous." I joke earning a chuckle from the blond.

"I hope you don't mind everyone calling you Leon."

"I actually much prefer it, makes me feel like myself again."

"Ugh, you two make me want to drink myself to sleep." Seifer grumps crossing his arms. "Are you just gonna look at the sky or grab your gift from Cloud?"

Cloud who was shyly standing behind him also gave a box with the same directions. It made me actually agree to Seifer's words. I put the box Cid gave me and the other smaller presents in a new gym bag Wakka had gotten me. I had actually wanted to speak to Wakka. However he hadn't been able attend the party because it was so late, so he had Rikku bring the gift.

I guess Blitz can wait for now.

When I looked up Cloud was still there with a smile on his face. Before I had a chance to talk to Cloud more, Seifer escorted them out smugly letting me know I can stop hiding from him. He looks past my shoulder, and gives a thumbs up. I pinched the bridge of my nose turning to see Axel and Reno waving at him.

Sellouts

I decided to put the two small boxes in my car and enjoy the remainder of the party. A few hours past and the number of people decreased to three. Noctis, Riku, and I, somewhere down the line even party animal Zack left. A nice bonus was a sober Roxas drove my car to the dorm, as I was totally on the borderline of tipsy and flat out drunk.

Thank you so much Roxas Shiva knows I would've hit a streetlight or four by now.

"This was the best surprise party ever. I'm so glad you got him to leave Noctis. Because Shiva knows I've tried."

I roll my eyes at Riku. "Well he did ask me to walk and not party."

Noctis smacks his lips. "That was my original line, so I should be glad I didn't use it."

Riku quickly holds his arms out stopping us. "Do you guys hear that?" He asks seriously.

I pause for a moment slowly nodding hearing what I could only assume to be a hymn. Not just any hymn either, it was the one I'd heard Tidus and Jecht humming. We migrate toward the source seeing the priest from Tidus' funeral. He doesn't bother looking at us or at least he doesn't notice us. He only finishes his hymn slowly standing to his feet and lifting his cross to his forehead. Riku gestures for us to leave, but I couldn't move. It was more like something was keeping me there, so the young man would notice us. When Riku accidentally falls into us and knocks us down, he does.

"Children awake prowling around at this hour?"

Riku barks out a laugh. The youths blank expression and thinned lips were all the indication we need to know he was not amused. The priest sighs turning back around humming again. When Riku goes silent he turns to me awkwardly then straightens up looking at Noctis.

"Isn't this guy-"

"The priest from Tidus' funeral." Noctis finishes for him.

Riku rubs the back of his neck staring Noctis down. "Uh, is this kid supposed to be here? Isn't this like a restricted area or something?"

"Well yeah, but I don't remember letting him in. Ah he has headphones in too." Noctis turns to the priest waving, in return the priest gives his full attention to Noctis. "Excuse me, who let you in? You're not in any trouble, but you're friend might be. No one but teachers and faculty are allowed here."

The priest pulls out a similar key to Noctis' and smiles warmly. "Good thing I am a teacher. I also know for a fact you are not." He chuckles. "Am I too assume you three lambs are lost? Or trespassing?"

Our eyes widen as we stare at the teen. "A teacher?" We parrot.

"Justin Law at your service, but I guess to you all it would just be Professor Law."

He's the guy Jecht was talking about? He looks like he could be a freshman in high school!

"Uh, I'm Noctis , this is Squall Leonhart it's his-was his birthday and he's Riku-"

"I know who you all are, and I know why you all were here. Pretty fun get together, but just too rowdy for me." He chuckles.

Riku clears his throat looking the youth up and down. "You look pretty young for a teacher, like how old are you? What do you teach? Why are you here-"

"Let's not be rude Riku." I chide pushing him to the side.

"It's quite alright, I am used to it, but thank you you for standing up for me. Would you boys like to take a walk? Preferably out of here, so you don't get in trouble?"

I nod thinking about the logic of the situation. We get caught in this place after hours that's a guaranteed kick out of the college. Naturally Riku opposes it, Noctis is hesitant and I have to convince them. Seeing as none of us really knew if this kid was a teacher, we didn't want to chance it. We followed him right out the door and through campus. After ten minutes of listening to him hum that hypotonic hymn. He stops and uses a different key to open up a building I hadn't really paid attention too. Seeing the stain glass, candles, and crosses everywhere I could tell where we were.

"You are more than welcome to gape in the church mister Leonhart." Justin snaps his fingers and all the candle are lit. "Please make yourselves comfortable. You've all been drinking, which is prohibited on campus."

My eyes widen totally forgetting about that rule. That one moment of getting away could be big trouble for a lot of us if the wrong person found out. Riku eyes the priest suspiciously until he left into a side door, taking the hint we follow him into the church.

"So I'm not the only one that saw him make light these candles with a snap right?" Riku asks.

"I'm just gonna pretend I didn't see anything and to tell the truth. I'm already buzzed and I don't want to get a headache from thinking too much." Noctis sighs.

Once inside Riku's eyes search for anything that seems out of place. Noctis had taken Riku's action to heart as well doing his own, more low-key search. Nothing, they found nothing suspicious other than the candle trick. When it came down to it, it was just an old church. When Justin returned with four tea cups on a silver tray they stopped in favor of having a drink. Without a word Justin sets the tray down and gestures to it, while grabbing one of his own. Noctis takes one first picking up a few white puffs and sprinkling them in. Riku then leans over the tray picking another up and taking a handful of the puffs and dropping them in the cup. Then they all turn to me, the priest once again gesturing to the last cup. Hesitantly I take it not bothering with the puffs. For some reason Justin laughs at this and we all look at each other confused. Luckily for us he had pity for the three of us tipsy students. Justin holds his cup to me, so I do the same clinking them together. My friends join in the silent union and Justin pulls his back taking a sip. When the rest of us sit there in silence, the priest clears his throat.

"It's hot chocolate and marshmallows. Pardon me for fining humor in this but, you act like I was trying to poison you or something." Justin takes another sip watching us turn red in embarrassment. "I have water too."

"We didn't mean for you to think that, it's just a little strange having a-" Noctis taps his cup then takes a sip before staring at the wall. "Having a stranger treat us to coco."

"I do remember giving my name, but that's not enough to satisfy curiosity. That makes sense I guess, you're all frightened a seventeen year old would kill you after bringing you to safety."

Riku's jaw drops and he sets his now empty cup down. "You're only seventeen?!"

"So are you're actions, but then again, maybe that's what's hip now?"

Noctis and I bark out a laugh trying our best to avoid Riku's glare. Justin wasn't a bad guy as we found out while talking. He wasn't even from this part of the world. Originally he'd traveled here as a boy. His parents had troubles, they split, and he went to live with his father. When his father past, he found out his mother was no longer living, so he was put into an orphanage. All this happened while he was at the age of only eight. The orphanage was his home until he was thirteen, he was adopted a few days after what he assumed is his birthday, by a man named Stein. Stein turned out to be the director of the orphanage. Justin says the man felt so sad for him. He felt it his duty, to raise the only child never adopted, in the orphanage's history. He and Justin would spend the next two years helping there. Stein had high hopes that the priest would take the orphanage over when he died. During those two years, Stein saw something else in Justin and decided he should use this knowledge for whatever he wanted. So naturally like the good person he was, Justin wanted to become a priest. He really didn't get into too much detail with it. His road to priesthood began with father Remington, Mother Frida, and others residing in the cathedral. Then It ended with their deaths shortly after. They'd been given a donation which had been tampered with. Justin claimed it gods will that he alone survived.

"I'm sorry." I say automatically.

"Ah, so you killed them, and you think sorry will fix everything?" Justin snaps.

"What? No! How could I even do that?!"

Justin shrugs picking the cups up. "Exactly, poor boy, just because you hear bad things, you are not obligated to apologize on the behalf of feeling pressured to do so...but thank you." He says sincerely.

I nod stepping back awkwardly. "Right...so how did you end up here?"

"That's a story for another time. However I think I might have something to prove my statements."

Justin hums to himself and sets his cup down. He leaves for a moment then returns with a acceptance letter similar to the one I received. Below it was a practice application for job shadowing and a certificate of employment. Riku still not convinced about the whole teacher thing took the certificate of employment to examine with Noctis. Not wanting to get in their way I just read other other papers. According to his acceptance letter, Squall was a sophomore when he came here. Justin quietly collected our empty cups and the letters in our hands to put away. I couldn't help but laugh at my friends who were still trying to digest the priest was a teacher. Noctis snapped out of it first, nudging my shoulder, and pointing to the abandoned job shadowing application.

Oops, he forgot one.

"Hey Justin, I forgot to give you a letter-wait...Seifer?!" I brought the letter closer reading the name. "You job shadowed with Seifer?"

"Oh why yes, he was an interesting young man. He was quite the riot too." Justin chuckles while grabbing the letter.

Riku snorts laying back in the bed."by riot I hope you mean no fun, manipulative, control freak."

Justin looks at me innocently tucking the paper under his arm. "Before all of that, he was your best friend Mr. Leonhart. What changed I wonder?"

"I'm his best friend now." Riku snaps childishly making Noctis roll his eyes.

Best friend?

Justin ignores Riku and adjusts the paper. "Why aren't you two talking like you usually would?" He persists.

"I-I...just things I don't want to talk about."

"Understandable."

Justin comes back in wearing a small smile as he collects the paper. He stares at it for a moment before putting it up in the next room and coming back to sit down. Riku taps me and I raise an eyebrow. He taps me again and I finally ask what he wants. Without a word he takes the cellphone I've become so used to carrying about and opens it up. Noctis sits up looking at me this the phone as Riku plays the recording. It had been such a long time since I'd heard it, I couldn't recognize anyone's voice. That was until cloud's rang in my ears. That sweet voice laced with guilt, sorrow, and disbelief. What I was most surprised at was Justin's lack of surprise hearing the audio. He simply listened until the recording ended and closed the phone himself.

"What is this proving?"

"Seifer, I'm showing who he really is. He set Squall up to fight him after he took his diary. He tried to get all of us terminated, he tried to-"

"Save you." Justin finished. "I know this because I sent him in that room to stop you."

Riku rolls his eyes taking a pillow to the guest rooms Justin pointed out earlier. Justin chuckles waving off me and Noctis' apologizes telling him he's used to such treatment. When we follow him upstairs, he's already pretending to sleep. I didn't bother with Riku for now, I wanted to know more. I knew I couldn't ask too much, as Squall not knowing a story about something involving him was very suspicious.

But at least I could ask that.

"Justin, what were you trying to stop us from?" I asked in confusion.

"Stealing, that was your original plan was it not? To go steal that diary back?" Justin supplies with a smirk. "You were in the room, you were so close, you almost had it."

"Wait you were there?"

"Imagine if you got away with it, imagine I never sent Seifer in there to give you that pep talk. You'd be terminated anyway."

My eyes widen as I barely stand up. "You know everything?"

"Some, not all." The priest sighs. "But I'd be willing to hear your confessions another day."

"How did you know we were even in there?" I ask narrowing my eyes.

"The same person who told you to go there Squall. You remember don't you?"

Someone sent Squall into that room, was this recording a setup?

"I-I don't, my memory has been hard on me this year. I don't like riddles, can't you just tell me?"

"It isn't my place, besides something's are best to be forgotten. You should try talking to your friend once in a while. He always comes here to talk about you."

"That heartless guy?" Riku snorts.

"Sometimes the heartless ones are the people who move on without giving redemption. Have you heard him out since then?"

I shake my head. "No...no I haven't."

"Well that's a pity isn't it?"

A bell rings and Justin stands up giving goodnights and blowing candles out. Im pretty sure Noctis and Riku fell asleep a few minutes later. Too much was happening in my head though. Between the blitzball and these unclear stories. I just felt like I was drifting away from what I wanted. Then my only option was to talk to one of the people I was told to stay away from. I know everyone wouldn't like it, but I'd have no choice soon. I needed answers and the only person I keep getting redirected to is Seifer. This former friend of Squall's that could be good or bad news.

I can't just give in now, what if Justin is on Seifer's side as a pawn? Justin did say they've known each other for years. He knows Tidus and Jecht too, so he can't be that bad.

I didn't dwell on it anymore. I feel asleep to the enchanting ringing of the church's bells.