"Whatever the Cat Drags In" ~ by Allora Atwater
A/N: Eh, a little something for Quistis/Seifer activists. (I don't like the term "Quiefer", for some reason it makes them sound like one person and not a couple). Not really a romance (although if you like it, I'll make it into a series), it just explains moreover how they become friends and learn to trust one another. If I get enough feedback, I'll turn it into a romance, so if you like it, please R & R!
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy 8 belongs to Squaresoft and not me. I'll get over it one day.
I almost wish my Instructor's license hadn't been reinstated. Almost. When I first became an Instructor at Balamb Garden, there was a certain amount of pride bestowed upon me. I felt as if my years of hard work had finally paid off, and I had the career of dreams. It wasn't just the salary that came along with my profession, it was the respect and attention I was given. All my life I had been a natural peacemaker, the mediator between two opposing forces. And although it's a disposition that requires patience and a lot of butting-in, I never really made myself noticed. While I tried to be a third wheel, I only ended up being a nagging voice in the back of one's mind. So naturally, becoming an Instructor for the most prestigious academy in the world was an opportunity of a lifetime. I finally got the recognition I deserved and the title I could only have dreamt of.
Now, as I sit alone at my desk, grading assignments and sipping my long-cold morning coffee, I realize this isn't who I am and not who I want to be for the rest of my life. I'm an 18 year old woman, a teenager. I should be out cruising through the malls or going to parties with friends. I should care about clothing and make up and music. I shouldn't be slumped over a large maple desk, my head propped up by my hand and my eyes passing over 35 identical test papers. And yet, if I weren't here, if I had never come to Garden, would I really be happier?
I finish checking the last test and shuffle through the stack of papers until they are completely alphabetized and paper clipped together. I put them in the lower left hand drawer of my desk, making a mental note to pass them back on Monday. Packing up my things and slinging my briefcase over my shoulder, I leave the room and welcome the solitude of the coming weekend. I love the way it feels to end the last class of the day and just fall back into a lazy stupor. Most people wouldn't think I have such a knack for being a slob; I can understand why, considering my classroom is incredibly tidy. But my dorm is a complete mess, clothes tossed carelessly across my bed, half-open books lying on the floor, the contents of my briefcase scattered over the small desk in the corner. I almost smile at the thought of what I will open my door to see.
I stroll swiftly through the halls, careful not to appear too rushed and risk losing my professional appearance. I've always prided myself on being punctual, polite, and sincere. I guess that's why people always mistake me for an older woman. I see a few of my students walk through the halls with their significant others, smiling, waving, and wishing me a nice weekend. It gives me a feeling of warmth and sadness; warmth for their kindness and admiration, and sadness for my own loneliness.
I'm not a desperate, love-starved little girl. I'm not even much of a flirt. I don't feel as if I need another person to complete me, or even to make me content with my life. It's just that sometimes I wish I had someone who would open their arms to me whenever I needed to fall. Someone who could say just the right things to lift my spirits and make me believe that I would always be cherished. I push those thoughts away before they have the chance to manifest in the recesses of my mind. No use in pining for something I don't have.
I arrive at my dorm and grin as the door swings open; it appears my previous expectations for my unkempt room were a bit too high. The bed was unmade, this week's laundry strewn about the floor and stacks of paperwork inundated my desk. I sigh in disappointment. The dorm is too messy even for me. I decide to change out of my uniform and into a pair of frayed jeans and a knit halter top - one of the few outfits I have that make me look my age and not 35. Although I know I have no where to go, no friends to visit outside of Garden, no family to speak of, I really want to go out for awhile, anywhere, even if it's just to take a stroll along the streets of Balamb.
As I venture through the halls again, some of the students give me second glances. They aren't used to looking at their Instructor as a peer, and it strikes wonder into many of them. I smile to myself; it's nice to know I still have the ability to surprise those around me. I quietly make my way towards the exit, smiling at the antics of a few of the class clowns who are foolishly pulling stunts with their T-boards. I pity to see what punishment befalls them when the Headmaster gets word of their violation. The guard on duty at the entrance/exit jerks up abruptly when he sees me; apparently he had been asleep on his feet yet again. He tips his hat and smiles, and I smile back. All is very normal and at peace here; it almost makes me long for something more dangerous and unpredictable.
I saunter down the road a ways, towards the city of Balamb which graces my line of vision in the distance. There is no reason for me to go, just as there is no reason for me to stay. I feel a slight pang of nostalgia, remembering the days I spent as an orphan, playing in the flower fields, wading in the shallow tides, surrounding by surrogate siblings who I loved equally. I miss the days when we were innocent children, basking in the profound beauty of the world. It seems that everyone's life is falling into place but mine. I don't know what I want from this world, or who to go for guidance. I like to think that I can be independent and not rely on anyone to shape my life, but sometimes I wish I could just turn to someone, someone who needs me as much as I need them.
It's different from having friends that you can confide in; friends will be there of course, but they also have a completely separate agenda and have problems that they need to tend to, and their own loved ones to depend on. I just want someone who will share my life, be a part of it in a way that no one else is. A lover perhaps? I don't really know. I think I just need the perfect friend, someone I can trust completely, who I can tell everything to without feeling as if I'm further burdening them. I shake the thoughts out of my head once again; no need to feel sorry myself. I've made it this far on my own haven't I?
I enter the gates of Balamb and an auto mechanic smiles at me from his work. I grin back; his face is pitch black with grease. Children are playing with a ball and it rolls in my direction. I kick it back to them and their round little faces peer up at me with wonder. I know, I must seem like I'm walking through some corny Disney movie. That's certainly what it feels like. But the people of Balamb are friendly, hard working people and their cordial greetings and amiable smiles are something I've grown accustomed to.
I continue down the cobblestone road, surveying my surroundings. How wonderful it must be, I think with a tinge of jealousy, to have such a normal, uneventful life. Selling flowers on a street corner, running barefoot in the rain, waiting tables, balancing a dozen shopping bags in one arm, all such normal things. I used to find them frivolous, and now I realize that being so engrossed in my work and studies, I never have time to enjoy the little pleasures that life offers.
I traipse along the dock, watching vessels arrive and depart from the harbor. There are several handsome workers hauling parcels into the cargo bay of one particular vessel, and I give in to temptation, watching them work in the intense heat. I almost blush, catching myself in the act. But I remain calm, knowing that the way I'm acting is normal. It's nothing these guys haven't seen before; in fact, I think they welcome my open once-overs. Maybe it gives them a boost of confidence, or at least incentive to show off on the job. I laugh at myself; I feel like I'm an alien trying to assimilate to foreign customs. Just let go, relax, I remind myself sternly. I sound like a teacher, even in my own head.
One dockhand in particular catches my eye; he's considerably tall with a lean build and platinum blond hair. I cock my head in inquiry as he seems to notice me too. He halts in the middle of his assignment and starts to approach me. I'm slightly nervous; as I mentioned before, I'm not much of a flirt. I fear I might come off sounding more professional than he might like. Relax, breathe, it's only a man.
Yet as he draws near, I recognize his self-assured grin. He's tanner than I remember, and his hair must have been slightly bleached from the sun. He has a lot more muscle tone, and in broad daylight his eyes seem to twinkle.
"Well well, fancy meeting you here Instructor Trepe."
"Seifer Almasy." I hear myself say, spitting the words out as if they were venom. "I never thought I'd see your face again."
To my surprise, he laughs, not in a cruel way, but with utter amusement.
"Yeah." He replies, a faraway look in his bold blue eyes. "Not many people expected me to show my mug around Balamb again."
I'm startled by his attitude; since when was he so damn nice?
"So," I say, looking around. "What are you doing out here?"
He laughs again, this time with a hint of mockery. "I'm working."
"A lazy lout like yourself?" I retort, a bit ruffled. "I'm surprised."
He nods, understanding the weight of my words. "So am I. But you know, a lot can change in just a few months."
I smile, my eyes crinkling a bit in disbelief. "Are you saying you ditched your ego problem and became a charity worker?"
He flashes a self-deprecating grin and rubs the back of his neck. "Nah, me? Hell Instructor, you know me better than anyone. You know me well enough to know it takes more than a war to get my confidence to an all time low."
I'm puzzled by his words. He thinks I know him better than anyone? Do I? Of course not, I reprimand myself, what are you thinking? It's a figure of speech, he's trying to prove a point.
"Just as I thought." I shake my head.
"Hey!" he crowed, and I can see the Seifer I remember seeping into his expression. "I'll have you know that I am very surprising. When I wanna be."
"Spare me." My voice is wry and dull. He looks ready to say something, but his boss yells at him to return to his work.
"You can talk to your lady friend in a while Almasy! Back to work!"
He rolls his eyes and leaves in a huff, turning his attention back to the task at hand and completely neglecting to bid me farewell. It's odd seeing him again, after so many months without his presence. He's certainly matured since the days when he harassed me from the back of the classroom. Not much, but I'll give him credit, while still immature, he's toned down his self-absorbed attitude.
I turn to leave and I hear him yell out to me. I can't make out his words, but I turn and wave anyways. He shifts a heavy package to one arm in order to wave back, and in doing so nearly loses his balance and falls off the dock. I laugh at his pissed off expression and head back into town.
I walk around for awhile, stopping to chat with random people. I play a game of cards with one young man, and buy a flower from the little girl on the corner. She looks a lot like I once did, with her round eyes and golden crown of hair. Dusk is finally falling upon the horizon, the last fingers of daylight dripping from the sky, leaving a trail of twinkling stars and pale gray clouds. I decide it's best I stay in town for the night, lest I walk back to Garden, in the dark and in the cold. It's not like anyone there will miss me for a night anyways, I think bitterly, not knowing what provoked such a harsh thought.
Still restless, I head into a small café, seating myself at a corner table. The place is cozy and fairly calm, sparsely inhabited and warm in comparison to the frosty night. The waitress looks relieved to have a customer; apparently she hasn't had a promising day in terms of business.
"Hello miss, and welcome to the Balamb café. What can I get you tonight?"
It's been so long since I've eaten outside the Garden cafeteria, I almost forget anything exists besides coffee.
"Umm, I'll have a decaf, no cream." Of course, one of the few times I leave Garden, I get the same damn thing I always do. I guess there are things that will never change.
"Make that two, Sirina." A masculine voice adds, sliding into the seat across from me.
"Sure thing Seifer!" she says with a flirtatious flip of her hair. Her curly hair, I might add. I always wanted curly hair. My hair is so straight and boring. I love the color, it's like golden honey, but it just hangs about my shoulders with no shape or bounce.
It takes me a moment for the fact to sink in; Seifer is lounging across from me, leaning back in his chair, arms folded behind his head.
"Haven't I seen enough of you today?" I inquire devilishly.
"Maybe, but I haven't seen nearly enough of you." He responds with a wink.
I choke, looking at him like a surprised doe. He laughs at my baffled expression.
"Calm down Instructor. It's not like I'd ever make a pass at a broad like you."
"The feeling's mutual." I mutter, examining my nails to try and hide my flushed face. We sit in silence for a few moments, taking in the quiet atmosphere. Finally, he speaks up, his voice taking on a seriousness that I had never heard from him before.
"So how are things at the Garden?"
"They're going well." I answer distantly. It's my turn to surprise him. "Do you miss it there?"
"Yeah, sometimes. It was my home for many years."
"I know how you feel." I scratch my neck. "I wish I could trade you though."
"What do you mean?" he inquires, and I feel compelled to give him an honest answer.
"I'm tired of being 'Instructor Trepe'. I used to love the authority and the respect that came with it, but now I wish I could just retire to a small community and make my way working a normal job. I'm only 18 and I spend my weekends alone, doing paperwork or evaluating the purpose of my life."
"Well yeah, that's all fine and good. But you have friends there, practically an entire family. It's a lonely world and I'm right in the middle of it. I work, train, eat and sleep. That's the complete outline of my life right now."
Sirina brings our coffee, careful not to interrupt our conversation. I take a sip, making a face as it sears my tongue.
"Don't think that just because I have friends, I don't know what loneliness is. I spend my days surrounded by people and feeling utterly ostracized."
He smiles into his cup, stirring it a little and sucking the excess off his finger.
"Sometimes I wish I head my head in the right place back then, back in the days when I was one of your students. It's hard to believe, but I really did have a good heart. I just invested it too much into my own affairs that I became stubborn and overzealous. I let my pride, my lust for power, get in the way of what I truly believed. Ignorance is a strong spell, and once it reels you in, it's hard to crawl out of the hole you made for yourself."
I look at him seriously, my face contorting in sympathy.
"Seifer, if you just go to Squall and tell him what you just told me, I'm sure he'll allow you back into Garden."
"That's the problem there Quisty. I don't trust Squall. I don't trust myself to spend the time confiding in him, when I already know the answer is clear."
"That's true." I point out, leaning forward on my elbows. "It's going to take a considerable amount of time for you to regain anyone's trust. You betrayed Garden, and therefore are going to have a hell of a time going back."
He looks like he's about to say something nasty, so I cut him off before he has the chance to make me angry.
"I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm not saying you even meant for your actions to get so out of hand. But the truth of the matter is, you did the crime and now your serving the punishment. It could have been anyone, Seifer."
Sirina drops the bill, and I offer, without saying a word, to pay for his coffee as well. I pull out a small amount of gil from my purse and groan as I realize I don't have enough money to stay at an inn for the night. The little waitress takes her money before I have the chance to reconsider, and I sigh, dreading the walk home.
"You didn't have to do that." Seifer says, looking slightly puzzled.
"I know." Is all I reply with, standing up and stretching my arms high above my head.
"Tryin' to give me a peep show Instructor?" Seifer comments, rather amused. At this point, I don't even feel compelled to blush. I simply shrug.
"You wouldn't know tact if it smacked you upside your big dumb head Seifer."
He laughs, grabbing his chest in mock outrage. "Ouch. Excuse me while I put some calamine lotion on these bitch bites you oh-so-lovingly gave me!"
To my own surprise, I laugh too. I never realized how funny he could be when he wanted.
"So where are you headed Miss Trepe?" he questions, rising to his feet as well.
"Back to Garden, I suppose. Unless you would like to contribute to my 'Rent Quistis a room for the night' fund."
He chuckles, amused with my dry sense of humor. I guess I must have left an awfully stiff impression on him during our last encounter.
"Ain't it a little late for a lady to be walking all by her lonesome?" he asks.
"Are you offering to escort me?"
"Sure why not? I certainly have no exciting weekend plans."
I consider his proposal for a minute. Although my conscience warns me not to accept his offer of friendship, my heart tells me that I won't be making a mistake.
"Alright. But if you kidnap me, I'm warning you, I haven't forgotten how to implement my Blue Magic."
He laughs as leads me out the door, holding it open for me and everything. The perfect gentleman.
"You don't know me very well Instructor."
I know it's true. But for some reason, I think I'm ready to get to know him, as a person and not as the troublemaker that sat in the back of the room.
To Be Continued???
So what did you guys think? Should I continue or what? Pleeeeeease R & R!
A/N: Eh, a little something for Quistis/Seifer activists. (I don't like the term "Quiefer", for some reason it makes them sound like one person and not a couple). Not really a romance (although if you like it, I'll make it into a series), it just explains moreover how they become friends and learn to trust one another. If I get enough feedback, I'll turn it into a romance, so if you like it, please R & R!
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy 8 belongs to Squaresoft and not me. I'll get over it one day.
I almost wish my Instructor's license hadn't been reinstated. Almost. When I first became an Instructor at Balamb Garden, there was a certain amount of pride bestowed upon me. I felt as if my years of hard work had finally paid off, and I had the career of dreams. It wasn't just the salary that came along with my profession, it was the respect and attention I was given. All my life I had been a natural peacemaker, the mediator between two opposing forces. And although it's a disposition that requires patience and a lot of butting-in, I never really made myself noticed. While I tried to be a third wheel, I only ended up being a nagging voice in the back of one's mind. So naturally, becoming an Instructor for the most prestigious academy in the world was an opportunity of a lifetime. I finally got the recognition I deserved and the title I could only have dreamt of.
Now, as I sit alone at my desk, grading assignments and sipping my long-cold morning coffee, I realize this isn't who I am and not who I want to be for the rest of my life. I'm an 18 year old woman, a teenager. I should be out cruising through the malls or going to parties with friends. I should care about clothing and make up and music. I shouldn't be slumped over a large maple desk, my head propped up by my hand and my eyes passing over 35 identical test papers. And yet, if I weren't here, if I had never come to Garden, would I really be happier?
I finish checking the last test and shuffle through the stack of papers until they are completely alphabetized and paper clipped together. I put them in the lower left hand drawer of my desk, making a mental note to pass them back on Monday. Packing up my things and slinging my briefcase over my shoulder, I leave the room and welcome the solitude of the coming weekend. I love the way it feels to end the last class of the day and just fall back into a lazy stupor. Most people wouldn't think I have such a knack for being a slob; I can understand why, considering my classroom is incredibly tidy. But my dorm is a complete mess, clothes tossed carelessly across my bed, half-open books lying on the floor, the contents of my briefcase scattered over the small desk in the corner. I almost smile at the thought of what I will open my door to see.
I stroll swiftly through the halls, careful not to appear too rushed and risk losing my professional appearance. I've always prided myself on being punctual, polite, and sincere. I guess that's why people always mistake me for an older woman. I see a few of my students walk through the halls with their significant others, smiling, waving, and wishing me a nice weekend. It gives me a feeling of warmth and sadness; warmth for their kindness and admiration, and sadness for my own loneliness.
I'm not a desperate, love-starved little girl. I'm not even much of a flirt. I don't feel as if I need another person to complete me, or even to make me content with my life. It's just that sometimes I wish I had someone who would open their arms to me whenever I needed to fall. Someone who could say just the right things to lift my spirits and make me believe that I would always be cherished. I push those thoughts away before they have the chance to manifest in the recesses of my mind. No use in pining for something I don't have.
I arrive at my dorm and grin as the door swings open; it appears my previous expectations for my unkempt room were a bit too high. The bed was unmade, this week's laundry strewn about the floor and stacks of paperwork inundated my desk. I sigh in disappointment. The dorm is too messy even for me. I decide to change out of my uniform and into a pair of frayed jeans and a knit halter top - one of the few outfits I have that make me look my age and not 35. Although I know I have no where to go, no friends to visit outside of Garden, no family to speak of, I really want to go out for awhile, anywhere, even if it's just to take a stroll along the streets of Balamb.
As I venture through the halls again, some of the students give me second glances. They aren't used to looking at their Instructor as a peer, and it strikes wonder into many of them. I smile to myself; it's nice to know I still have the ability to surprise those around me. I quietly make my way towards the exit, smiling at the antics of a few of the class clowns who are foolishly pulling stunts with their T-boards. I pity to see what punishment befalls them when the Headmaster gets word of their violation. The guard on duty at the entrance/exit jerks up abruptly when he sees me; apparently he had been asleep on his feet yet again. He tips his hat and smiles, and I smile back. All is very normal and at peace here; it almost makes me long for something more dangerous and unpredictable.
I saunter down the road a ways, towards the city of Balamb which graces my line of vision in the distance. There is no reason for me to go, just as there is no reason for me to stay. I feel a slight pang of nostalgia, remembering the days I spent as an orphan, playing in the flower fields, wading in the shallow tides, surrounding by surrogate siblings who I loved equally. I miss the days when we were innocent children, basking in the profound beauty of the world. It seems that everyone's life is falling into place but mine. I don't know what I want from this world, or who to go for guidance. I like to think that I can be independent and not rely on anyone to shape my life, but sometimes I wish I could just turn to someone, someone who needs me as much as I need them.
It's different from having friends that you can confide in; friends will be there of course, but they also have a completely separate agenda and have problems that they need to tend to, and their own loved ones to depend on. I just want someone who will share my life, be a part of it in a way that no one else is. A lover perhaps? I don't really know. I think I just need the perfect friend, someone I can trust completely, who I can tell everything to without feeling as if I'm further burdening them. I shake the thoughts out of my head once again; no need to feel sorry myself. I've made it this far on my own haven't I?
I enter the gates of Balamb and an auto mechanic smiles at me from his work. I grin back; his face is pitch black with grease. Children are playing with a ball and it rolls in my direction. I kick it back to them and their round little faces peer up at me with wonder. I know, I must seem like I'm walking through some corny Disney movie. That's certainly what it feels like. But the people of Balamb are friendly, hard working people and their cordial greetings and amiable smiles are something I've grown accustomed to.
I continue down the cobblestone road, surveying my surroundings. How wonderful it must be, I think with a tinge of jealousy, to have such a normal, uneventful life. Selling flowers on a street corner, running barefoot in the rain, waiting tables, balancing a dozen shopping bags in one arm, all such normal things. I used to find them frivolous, and now I realize that being so engrossed in my work and studies, I never have time to enjoy the little pleasures that life offers.
I traipse along the dock, watching vessels arrive and depart from the harbor. There are several handsome workers hauling parcels into the cargo bay of one particular vessel, and I give in to temptation, watching them work in the intense heat. I almost blush, catching myself in the act. But I remain calm, knowing that the way I'm acting is normal. It's nothing these guys haven't seen before; in fact, I think they welcome my open once-overs. Maybe it gives them a boost of confidence, or at least incentive to show off on the job. I laugh at myself; I feel like I'm an alien trying to assimilate to foreign customs. Just let go, relax, I remind myself sternly. I sound like a teacher, even in my own head.
One dockhand in particular catches my eye; he's considerably tall with a lean build and platinum blond hair. I cock my head in inquiry as he seems to notice me too. He halts in the middle of his assignment and starts to approach me. I'm slightly nervous; as I mentioned before, I'm not much of a flirt. I fear I might come off sounding more professional than he might like. Relax, breathe, it's only a man.
Yet as he draws near, I recognize his self-assured grin. He's tanner than I remember, and his hair must have been slightly bleached from the sun. He has a lot more muscle tone, and in broad daylight his eyes seem to twinkle.
"Well well, fancy meeting you here Instructor Trepe."
"Seifer Almasy." I hear myself say, spitting the words out as if they were venom. "I never thought I'd see your face again."
To my surprise, he laughs, not in a cruel way, but with utter amusement.
"Yeah." He replies, a faraway look in his bold blue eyes. "Not many people expected me to show my mug around Balamb again."
I'm startled by his attitude; since when was he so damn nice?
"So," I say, looking around. "What are you doing out here?"
He laughs again, this time with a hint of mockery. "I'm working."
"A lazy lout like yourself?" I retort, a bit ruffled. "I'm surprised."
He nods, understanding the weight of my words. "So am I. But you know, a lot can change in just a few months."
I smile, my eyes crinkling a bit in disbelief. "Are you saying you ditched your ego problem and became a charity worker?"
He flashes a self-deprecating grin and rubs the back of his neck. "Nah, me? Hell Instructor, you know me better than anyone. You know me well enough to know it takes more than a war to get my confidence to an all time low."
I'm puzzled by his words. He thinks I know him better than anyone? Do I? Of course not, I reprimand myself, what are you thinking? It's a figure of speech, he's trying to prove a point.
"Just as I thought." I shake my head.
"Hey!" he crowed, and I can see the Seifer I remember seeping into his expression. "I'll have you know that I am very surprising. When I wanna be."
"Spare me." My voice is wry and dull. He looks ready to say something, but his boss yells at him to return to his work.
"You can talk to your lady friend in a while Almasy! Back to work!"
He rolls his eyes and leaves in a huff, turning his attention back to the task at hand and completely neglecting to bid me farewell. It's odd seeing him again, after so many months without his presence. He's certainly matured since the days when he harassed me from the back of the classroom. Not much, but I'll give him credit, while still immature, he's toned down his self-absorbed attitude.
I turn to leave and I hear him yell out to me. I can't make out his words, but I turn and wave anyways. He shifts a heavy package to one arm in order to wave back, and in doing so nearly loses his balance and falls off the dock. I laugh at his pissed off expression and head back into town.
I walk around for awhile, stopping to chat with random people. I play a game of cards with one young man, and buy a flower from the little girl on the corner. She looks a lot like I once did, with her round eyes and golden crown of hair. Dusk is finally falling upon the horizon, the last fingers of daylight dripping from the sky, leaving a trail of twinkling stars and pale gray clouds. I decide it's best I stay in town for the night, lest I walk back to Garden, in the dark and in the cold. It's not like anyone there will miss me for a night anyways, I think bitterly, not knowing what provoked such a harsh thought.
Still restless, I head into a small café, seating myself at a corner table. The place is cozy and fairly calm, sparsely inhabited and warm in comparison to the frosty night. The waitress looks relieved to have a customer; apparently she hasn't had a promising day in terms of business.
"Hello miss, and welcome to the Balamb café. What can I get you tonight?"
It's been so long since I've eaten outside the Garden cafeteria, I almost forget anything exists besides coffee.
"Umm, I'll have a decaf, no cream." Of course, one of the few times I leave Garden, I get the same damn thing I always do. I guess there are things that will never change.
"Make that two, Sirina." A masculine voice adds, sliding into the seat across from me.
"Sure thing Seifer!" she says with a flirtatious flip of her hair. Her curly hair, I might add. I always wanted curly hair. My hair is so straight and boring. I love the color, it's like golden honey, but it just hangs about my shoulders with no shape or bounce.
It takes me a moment for the fact to sink in; Seifer is lounging across from me, leaning back in his chair, arms folded behind his head.
"Haven't I seen enough of you today?" I inquire devilishly.
"Maybe, but I haven't seen nearly enough of you." He responds with a wink.
I choke, looking at him like a surprised doe. He laughs at my baffled expression.
"Calm down Instructor. It's not like I'd ever make a pass at a broad like you."
"The feeling's mutual." I mutter, examining my nails to try and hide my flushed face. We sit in silence for a few moments, taking in the quiet atmosphere. Finally, he speaks up, his voice taking on a seriousness that I had never heard from him before.
"So how are things at the Garden?"
"They're going well." I answer distantly. It's my turn to surprise him. "Do you miss it there?"
"Yeah, sometimes. It was my home for many years."
"I know how you feel." I scratch my neck. "I wish I could trade you though."
"What do you mean?" he inquires, and I feel compelled to give him an honest answer.
"I'm tired of being 'Instructor Trepe'. I used to love the authority and the respect that came with it, but now I wish I could just retire to a small community and make my way working a normal job. I'm only 18 and I spend my weekends alone, doing paperwork or evaluating the purpose of my life."
"Well yeah, that's all fine and good. But you have friends there, practically an entire family. It's a lonely world and I'm right in the middle of it. I work, train, eat and sleep. That's the complete outline of my life right now."
Sirina brings our coffee, careful not to interrupt our conversation. I take a sip, making a face as it sears my tongue.
"Don't think that just because I have friends, I don't know what loneliness is. I spend my days surrounded by people and feeling utterly ostracized."
He smiles into his cup, stirring it a little and sucking the excess off his finger.
"Sometimes I wish I head my head in the right place back then, back in the days when I was one of your students. It's hard to believe, but I really did have a good heart. I just invested it too much into my own affairs that I became stubborn and overzealous. I let my pride, my lust for power, get in the way of what I truly believed. Ignorance is a strong spell, and once it reels you in, it's hard to crawl out of the hole you made for yourself."
I look at him seriously, my face contorting in sympathy.
"Seifer, if you just go to Squall and tell him what you just told me, I'm sure he'll allow you back into Garden."
"That's the problem there Quisty. I don't trust Squall. I don't trust myself to spend the time confiding in him, when I already know the answer is clear."
"That's true." I point out, leaning forward on my elbows. "It's going to take a considerable amount of time for you to regain anyone's trust. You betrayed Garden, and therefore are going to have a hell of a time going back."
He looks like he's about to say something nasty, so I cut him off before he has the chance to make me angry.
"I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm not saying you even meant for your actions to get so out of hand. But the truth of the matter is, you did the crime and now your serving the punishment. It could have been anyone, Seifer."
Sirina drops the bill, and I offer, without saying a word, to pay for his coffee as well. I pull out a small amount of gil from my purse and groan as I realize I don't have enough money to stay at an inn for the night. The little waitress takes her money before I have the chance to reconsider, and I sigh, dreading the walk home.
"You didn't have to do that." Seifer says, looking slightly puzzled.
"I know." Is all I reply with, standing up and stretching my arms high above my head.
"Tryin' to give me a peep show Instructor?" Seifer comments, rather amused. At this point, I don't even feel compelled to blush. I simply shrug.
"You wouldn't know tact if it smacked you upside your big dumb head Seifer."
He laughs, grabbing his chest in mock outrage. "Ouch. Excuse me while I put some calamine lotion on these bitch bites you oh-so-lovingly gave me!"
To my own surprise, I laugh too. I never realized how funny he could be when he wanted.
"So where are you headed Miss Trepe?" he questions, rising to his feet as well.
"Back to Garden, I suppose. Unless you would like to contribute to my 'Rent Quistis a room for the night' fund."
He chuckles, amused with my dry sense of humor. I guess I must have left an awfully stiff impression on him during our last encounter.
"Ain't it a little late for a lady to be walking all by her lonesome?" he asks.
"Are you offering to escort me?"
"Sure why not? I certainly have no exciting weekend plans."
I consider his proposal for a minute. Although my conscience warns me not to accept his offer of friendship, my heart tells me that I won't be making a mistake.
"Alright. But if you kidnap me, I'm warning you, I haven't forgotten how to implement my Blue Magic."
He laughs as leads me out the door, holding it open for me and everything. The perfect gentleman.
"You don't know me very well Instructor."
I know it's true. But for some reason, I think I'm ready to get to know him, as a person and not as the troublemaker that sat in the back of the room.
To Be Continued???
So what did you guys think? Should I continue or what? Pleeeeeease R & R!