Title: Squall's Journal

Author: LibraryGirl

Rating: PG-13

Notes: Language

Status: incomplete

Summary: No one expected that Squall Leonhart, of all people, kept a journal. And the one person who he definitely did not want to read it...

Disclaimer: I, in no way, shape, or form, own any FF8 characters. I do, however, own the plot. Thank you, and enjoy!

Prologue - What Started It All

            Squall Leonhart looked at the unwrapped gift, a slight look of disgust creeping across his usual look of indifference. He didn't know what to say. He knew he should thank his father, but he couldn't bring himself to do such thing after receiving such a Hyne awful present.

            "It's a journal," Laguna informed his son cheerfully.

            "Really?" His voice came out sounding more disgusted than he had intended. Thankfully, Laguna wasn't too keen on picking up on people's emotions.

            The older man smiled brightly and nodded. "We thought you might like one, to help sort out your thoughts."

            Father and son were alone in the President's personal office. Laguna had insisted that Squall visit Esthar for his birthday, to get away from the hectic life as Commander. Squall had been reluctant, not wanting to leave his work. So, being the secretive guy he was, he had been able to sneak some paperwork. He felt more comfortable doing work, and he didn't have to worry about leaving it behind.

            Currently, Laguna continued to look at his son, happiness mingling with pride in his dark eyes.

            "It's nice," Squall forced himself to say. Great, Squall, lie to your own flesh and blood. Watch out for that lightning bolt.

            "Really? You're not just saying that?" The President of Esthar, Squall realized guiltily had never sounded so hopeful.

            The High Commander forced himself to shake his head, and he suddenly found himself in a tight, almost suffocating, hug.

            "I didn't know what else to get you. Kiros suggested it."

            Note to self: Beat the crap out of Kiros. "Tell him I said thank you. It's lovely." Lovely? Hyne, Squall.

            Laguna beamed.

            Squall nodded absently and turned the journal over, examining it closely. He admitted to himself that it did look nice, with its royal blue fabric and silver lock. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

            "Look inside."

            "What?" Squall looked up at his father.

            "Open it!" Laguna practically bounced up and down, briefly reminding Squall of Selphie.

            The hero cautiously did as instructed, anticipating something to jump out at him. Instead of being attacked, he found a short note written inside the front cover:

            Squall,

            I can never make up for missing your childhood. However, you make me proud, and I will always be thankful for you. You have grown into a fine warrior and an honorable young man. I hope to be a part of the rest of your life, making up for those lost years. Happy Birthday!"

Love,

Laguna

            Squall could easily admit that was the nicest thing anyone had ever said for him. He still wasn't one to show his emotions, so he simply nodded his thanks and tried to smile. "Thank you." He was able, however, to give Laguna a hug.

            Though they were both new to having a family, they knew of that special bond. After the war, they had grown closer, yet not pushing anything to the point of annoyance. Now they communicated on a regular basis, and they were attempting to mend broken ties.

            "So, you really like it?" Laguna asked, just to make sure.

            A very rare smile crossed Squall's features. "Yes. It's very thoughtful."

            Again, Laguna beamed proudly and told himself to thank Kiros later.

            Squall figured that the gift couldn't be too bad. What evil could come of a journal?

            Little did he know, the answer would soon come to him.