Selphie sat in the cafeteria, eating a nice serving of chocolate ice cream. For some reason, it always made her feel better when she was a little depressed. Not that she was depressed... maybe just a little agitated.
She watched the perfect couple eating together. She agreed that Squall and Rinoa were the perfect couple. She wasn't jealous of them, just their relationship. It was hardly noticeable, but they were always touching. Like, holding hands or her head on his shoulder or him playing with her hair. It drove her nuts. She realized now that that was the reason she decided to go out with Zell.
Clearly, it had been a mistake. Their personalities had not fit together properly. They got into a fight (that she supposedly started) and he broke up with her the day before Valentine's Day. She wasn't mad at him anymore. She still didn't know why he got mad. But... it didn't matter. Their relationship wouldn't have gone the way she wanted it to. There was only one guy she knew she would be truly happy with... but, of course, she couldn't tell him that...
"Hey Selphie." He sat down across from her.
"Hey Irvine. How are you?"
"I'm alright. But what's bothering you? You seem awful down. Tell me what's bothering you."
She smiled at the nickname. "Am I that easy to read?"
He leaned back in his chair. "You're either sunshine or shadow... anyone could tell you're down from how much ice cream you're eating."
She looked down at her particularly large bowl. It was nearly empty.
"Well, Irvy, I guess you win."
"Good. Now you can tell me what's bothering you."
She wanted to tell him, but it always came out sounding silly. He would never see her point. She would say 'I'm lonely...' And he would make that irresistible smirk and say 'So am I...' and then laugh.
Sensing her hesitance, Irvine asked "Is this about Zell?" She saw some emotion in his eyes, but he quickly controlled it.
"No... look, I"m really making a big deal out of nothing and I-" She turned as she heard Rinoa squeal with excitement.
"Oh, Squall, it's beautiful!" Rinoa exclaimed as she threw her arms around his neck. Squall simply smiled.
Selphie rested her head on the table. "I'm very happy for them, but I also envy them. I want what they have. Is that selfish?"
"No. We're all looking for someone."
Typical Irvine answer, she thought. He pulled his hat down to shadow whatever emotion on his face.
She was amazed that someone could look so handsome without even trying. She smiles sadly. "I'm lonely, Cowboy."
"I am too..." He grinned as he looked up at her from his hat. "Want to do something about it?"
That grin. There was just something about it that made her knees go weak. If she had less self control, she would have jumped the table and kissed him.
He was carefully watching her. She attempted to conjure up the words for a reply. He had to know already that she was in love with him, but if she came out and told him, it might scare him away. That was the last thing she wanted to happen.
"Irvine, I-" The bells rang for the intercom.
"Good afternoon." Xu's voice echoed throughout the Garden. "All members of the Festival Committee please report to the Quad."
Selphie smiled. "Well, I gotta go."
He nodded. "I'll catch you later."
She ran off. He watched Squall and Rinoa for a few minutes. It made him sad to see Selphie so sad. But then, her moods would change so suddenly. The next time he saw her, she would probably be bouncing down the hallway with a huge grin.
The bells rang again. "This is Headmaster Cid. Irvine Kinneas, please report to my office."
"You needed me, sir?" Cid turned to him in his swively chair.
"Yes. Thank you for being prompt. I have a mission, and I want you to lead it."
"Me?" He said, confused. Usually Squall claimed leadership on SeeD missions.
"Yes. You may pick two other SeeDs to be in your party."
Irvine nodded. "What is the mission?"
"Well, Trabia Garden was just recently finished. They spent most of their funds on the renovations, and the students are weary from all the work. An undercover organization decided to use this time to attack."
"Trabia's being attacked?" He immediately thought of Selphie. Did she know? "Who?"
"They call themselves 'Gravija'. They are mixed in with the other students, so it's difficult to point them out. However, we have enough evidence to believe that their leader is a woman about your age, by the name of Rebecca Johnston." Cid stopped as Irvine froze. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, sir. When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow. We want you to take their leader down. You're our best sharpshooter, and she's very dangerous. Choose your party carefully and don't forget to junction your GF's."
"Yes, sir."
Cid turned back to his paperwork. "I would go tell your party to prepare so it won't be too short notice. Good luck."
"Thank you, sir." He tipped his hat as kind of a salute and left.
"Who will I choose?" He shook his head. "Rebecca... you've got to be kidding me..."
