Author's note: I do not own Final Fantasy VIII or its characters. This is set after the game.

Spring

With the wind snapping through his hair, Seifer could smell the salt of the sea and a hint of the light floral perfume Quistis was wearing. The wind was also wreaking havoc on Quistis’ neat braid, pulling little golden wisps of hair free to dance around her face. She didn’t seem to care though. His lady wore a happy smile where she stood at the bow of the sailboat. It was spring, and that meant it was time for the annual supply run. Oh, there were supply runs all year, but none of this magnitude. This was when everyone in the village put in their orders for special orders they needed and anything special they wanted. There was everything on the list from copper cooking pots to satin for a wedding dress.

But they could worry about the shopping when they reached land. Right now it was just the wind, the water, and the two of them. Seifer liked it that way. This was where he felt most at home. Well, other than when he was in Quistis’ arms. Their romance had blossomed over the year. He had been uncertain about it to start with, but now it was clear that they really were suited for one another. Seifer fit with Quistis in a way he never had with anyone else, not even Fuujin and Raijin. Not that it was always easy with Quistis. They had some spectacular fights at times. Still, he would rather be with her than anyone else.

Quistis’ laughter pulled him out of his thoughts. She was leaning over the bow now, watching a pod of dolphins. She turned back to smile at him, and Seifer couldn’t help but smile back.