With a sharp inhalation of breath, Seifer opened the door. The room he entered was dark and quiet. Too quiet, really, for his liking. Though he'd never officially graduated, his years of SeeD training injected him with enough observation skills to sense when something was off. The room was empty, he was sure. It wasn't supposed to be. Frowning, he flipped the light switch to his right. That's when he heard a well-known click near his opposite ear.
"Mr. Almasy," a voice droned behind him. "You are under arrest. I wouldn't move if I were you."
Seifer held back a grin. It wasn't often anyone got the jump on him. He was impressed, and pleased at the thought of a decent fight.
"Oh yeah? And if I do?"
"We will have no choice but to use force."
"Bring it."
Not bothering to continue hiding his smirk, Seifer struck out with his left arm, knocking the gun from the accoster's hand. He swung around and followed up with a sharp jab to the side of the man's neck, knocking him back several steps. The dull sound of flesh hitting bone was music to his ears.
The second man recovered from his surprise and countered with a fist of his own. Luckily, Seifer saw it coming and evaded the blow when he ducked to the side. Unluckily, the move put him closer to the first man and deeper into the room. When he aimed a kick at the second man's abdomen, it was too far away and he easily dodged. By this time the first man had recovered. Darting forward, he nabbed Seifer with a short left hook to the head and went in deep to his stomach with his right.
With a dry heave, Seifer let the air out of his lungs and the two men shifted back, watching him cagily.
"Give up?"
"You wish," Seifer jeered, pushing forward again.
The first assailant swung a heavy hand in his direction. Seifer had no trouble ducking under it. He dug both fists into the other man's sides. He bent over in pain and Seifer then hooked his hands up toward his face. The second then jumped in, grappling him. Seifer twisted but allowed a blow to fall on his left shoulder. He grunted and jerked back with an elbow to the man's face, keeping one hand free to continue clubbing at the bent man's kidneys. The latter man slowly went down to one knee. Looking up hazily at Seifer, sticky blood oozed from a cut on his forehead.
Seifer tried to take a step away but found himself in a stranglehold by the attacker behind him. On instinct, he immediately dropped his hips. His chest tightened and he felt the man's breath coming out in short gasps similar to his own. He pressed the shorter man's forearm against his collarbone, placing one hand above and one below his elbow. Then, in one fierce motion, he swung his body around, using the other man's arm as a hinge. Once free from his grasp, Seifer lifted his knee into the aggressor's inner leg, causing him to let go completely with a pained moan.
Now that he was free from both men, Seifer stepped back, rolling his shoulders. He regarded his would-be enemies with a raised brow and rubbed his jaw.
"Not bad," he said. "Not bad at all. I almost broke a sweat that time."
The first man coughed from where he still knelt on the floor of the supply room. He grabbed hold of a shelving unit and hauled himself up. The blood on his forehead was only just beginning to dry. "I still think if you'd been a typical intruder we woulda had you," he said, wincing and not relinquishing his hold on the shelf.
"Me too," the other man chimed in, rubbing at his knee. He ran a hand over his closely cropped brown hair then attempted to straighten his uniform. "It's not like we get a lot of ex-SeeD war criminals breaking in on a regular basis." At Seifer's answering glare, he grinned.
"Not the point." Seifer folded his arms over his chest and checked a flinch of his own. Apparently they'd got in a few good hits, after all. More than he'd ever care to admit.
"Your instructor's right," an amused voice called from the doorway. "You never know who is going to show up - or when."
In tandem, all three men rotated on their feet and stared.
Quistis smiled, highly entertained by their expressions. She twirled the guard's dropped revolver around on her forefinger and then palmed it. Clasping the weapon by the barrel she held it out and addressed the unfamiliar men who had yet to stop their gawking.
"I believe this belongs to you?"
The shorter of the two started then leapt into action, reaching forward eagerly. "Th-thanks!" He took the proffered gun and then took a step back, still holding it outwards. His awkwardness was all too apparent. He looked like he wasn't sure if he wanted to stand at attention or cross his arms and play it cool. Instead, he ended up scratching his head and smiling while handing over the weapon to its rightful owner.
The man standing next to him appeared just as thrown. He returned the gun to the holster at his side then nudged his fellow sentry with an elbow. Unable to hide his nervousness, he hissed in the other man's direction.
"Dude, that's Quistis Trepe!"
Seifer was not nearly as thrilled with the interruption as his subordinates. In fact, his emotions drifted much more toward fury than anything else. Even the casual way Quistis leaned a hip against the door frame pissed him off. It had been a while since he had last encountered his former instructor but she looked exactly the same. Same hairstyle, same black boots, same prissy glasses. Sure, she tried to appear nonchalant with her jacket looped over an arm and head cocked to one side but he knew better. No matter how much time passed, the Trepe would never change.
Glaring at the two guards, Seifer barked out their dismissal and ordered them back to their posts. His scowl deepened when they both gave Quistis a fumbled salute as they exited. She gestured back in kind, eyes twinkling.
Her cheerful demeanour irritated him further. There was nothing that annoyed him more than reminders of his past. Quistis was one of the biggest symbols of a time of his life he wished he could heave in front of a moving train.
"Ah, kids." Enjoying the irony of the statement given the two men were probably older than her in physical age, Quistis watched the guards hurry away and shook her head. Still smiling, she turned back to look at Seifer. "Were we ever that young?"
Her attempt at camaraderie went unappreciated. Instead of responding, Seifer blew past her into the hallway. He decided ignoring her completely was probably the safest alternative to throwing her out the window.
Inconveniently, she did not take the hint and matched his long strides with her own.
"What are you doing here, Trepe?"
"It's nice to see you too, Seifer. How have you been?" Not to be deterred from her mission, Quistis kept her voice level. When he didn't reply or acknowledge her presence, she continued. "I am well, thank you very much for asking. Dollet is lovely in the fall, don't you think?"
Seifer stopped and spun around, blond eyebrows lowered and arms crossed. "How the hell did you get in, anyway?"
"How do you think?" Quistis smirked then mimicked his pose, happy to have a real reaction from the man. "I once slept with the guy at the front gate."
With a curse, Seifer reverted back to tramping down the hall. He thrust open the doors marked "Authorized Personnel Only", words Quistis had evidently ignored, and headed into the central hall toward the building's exit. It was bad timing, however, as they immediately ran into a group of students from the local elementary school on a tour.
Struggling not to laugh, Quistis hurried to catch up with him. When she reached his side she heard him mutter something about firing the whole damn building and had to bite her lip. She dodged a crowd of children and moved with him toward the main doors.
"Seifer, I was joking. Where's your sense of humour?"
Not for the first time, he had to wonder what was wrong with the woman. Obstinacy was not her most attractive quality. He nodded to the guards standing by the front door before heading into the sunlight. Why couldn't she go back to her meticulous office and leave him the hell alone?
"I had a morning appointment with Her Grace," she said, having no trouble keeping up with his brisk pace. "I thought I may as well see you in person since you refuse to return my calls."
Seifer snorted. "Did you tell her you were here to steal one of her valued employees?" He took a sharp right and cut her off. She didn't trip like he'd been hoping but she did have to stop herself from running into him.
That was something.
"So you have read my emails then!" Quistis beamed at him, squinting in the mid-afternoon sun. "What do you think of Cid's offer?"
In reply, he let out a stream of nasty oaths and unflattering epithets which pretty much summed up his opinions on Garden, its Headmaster, and what she could do with both. Unfazed, she rolled her eyes and watched as he swiped his ID to enter a smaller building on the other side of the lawn.
Chasing after him, she caught the door just before it closed. If he thought she was going to give up that easily, he clearly did not know her very well. There was no way she was leaving until she had convinced him to at least speak to Cid in person. Even if it meant letting go of a bit of pride.
She followed him inside what appeared to be quasi-military barracks. Despite all the time she had spent in Dollet assisting them in numerous military operations, she had never seen the interior of the small garrison before. From the outside it appeared to be just another standard government structure, similar in style to the legislature and barely noticeable when compared to the ornamental architecture of the official residence next door. Undoubtedly it had been built many years after. Once inside, she didn't pay much attention to her surroundings. Tracking her target down a narrow corridor she reached him just in time to be met with a door slamming in her face. Enough was enough. Quistis straightened her shoulders, adjusted her skirt, and yanked open the door without bothering to look at the posted sign.
Realizing he wasn't going to shake her, not even inside the men's shower room, Seifer swore again and turned to face his pursuer. "Do you mind, Trepe? I'd kinda like to take a shower. You can watch if you want, but it'll cost you."
"Ha ha ha." Quistis rolled her eyes for what felt like the eightieth time. "C'mon, Seifer. I just want to talk to you for five minutes, if it's not too much to ask."
At least she had resorted to using sarcasm now. Anything was better than that irritating fake-happy voice she pulled out when speaking with the media on television. He smirked and ran a hand through his hair.
"As a matter of fact, it is."
She pursed her lips and watched as he unbuttoned his uniform and shrugged out of the jacket. "It's a good offer. You'd be an idiot not to consider taking it. I assume you've seen the proposed salary?"
"Sure. It ain't enough. No amount of money is enough." Chucking the jacket on a bench, he pulled the white t-shirt he wore underneath over his head. "I'm not interested. Tell Cid he can fuck himself and leave me alone."
"Why don't you tell him yourself?" Quistis figured she'd better prepare herself for a fight. He wouldn't back down without one. She tossed her jacket next to his and put her hands on her hips. "With all he has done for you, the amount he has put on the line to save your ass, you owe him at least that."
Seifer scowled at the reminder. He knew exactly who he owed for his acquittal, and it wasn't Balamb Garden's Headmaster. "I owe him shit. Seriously, Trepe. Given all he's done to you, how can you stand there and defend him?"
"I haven't the faintest idea what you are talking about." She frowned and put a hand to her forehead. "He has been like a father to me, to all of us. How can you be so ungrateful?"
"Fucking Hyne!" With a shake of his head, he stalked in the direction of the showers. "For being supposedly so smart, you're pretty fucking clueless." Reaching one of the stalls, he bent to remove his boots.
"All I ask is that you agree to come to Balamb to talk to him." Once more, she found herself wandering after him. It was a task she was starting to loathe. "He wants you back at Garden, Seifer. He thinks you belong there. He's not going to give up until you tell him yourself."
He wrenched off one boot and threw it against the opposite wall. "No."
"Why not?"
"I already told you." Jerking at the laces on his other foot, he spoke slowly. "I am not going back to Balamb. Ever."
"Fine." She shifted her weight onto one hip, folding her arms.
Her petulant expression reminded him of a six year old girl he once knew, in another lifetime. It almost made him smile. Almost.
"Then I guess I'll just have to keep calling you. Should I pencil you in for another appointment? Say, two or three months from now?" An eyebrow rose when he threw his other boot.
"Is that a threat?"
"More like a promise. I told you. He's not going to give up."
Seifer appeared to mull this over and then shrugged a shoulder. "So I'll take off, go somewhere you can't piss me off."
"Where?" Her eyebrow remained quirked. "Considering you are banned from Galbadia, Timber, and Trabia, it's not as if you have many options."
"There's always Esthar." Moving into the shower stall, Seifer tugged the curtain closed and turned on the water. He hoped to drown out the rest of her words but her experience as an instructor enabled her to project over the sound of squealing pipes.
"Don't be so sure," she called out. "Garden has quite a few connections in that part of the world." When Seifer dragged open the curtain to glower at her, she adjusted her glasses and smiled. "One boat ride, Seifer. That's all I want. Two, if you count the trip back. Do you want me to beg?"
"Are you always this eager to drop to your knees?" It was a sneer. "No wonder Cid keeps you around."
Her eyes narrowed. "Watch it. The Headmaster wants you back in Garden. He didn't say it had to be in one piece."
He sighed. The banter was far too common and devolving by the second. He was too tired to play the game all over again. Suddenly, he felt much older than his almost twenty-one years.
"All I have to do is talk to him?"
"That's it." Her expression cleared and she lifted a hand. "Just once."
"And if I agree you won't bother me again?"
"Nope."
"No more emails, no more late night phone calls, no more random visits?"
The look in his eyes was hard for her to read. She heard something in his voice that made her suspicious and she wondered if he was setting her up.
"I'll even put it in writing," she replied, somewhat cautiously.
"Will you pinky swear?"
"What?" At his ludicrous request she could do nothing but stare. When he continued to look serious, she glared at him. "Yes, fine, whatever."
"You have to say it." Raising both brows he held out his right hand, little finger pointed up.
Quistis closed her eyes and counted to ten. To her mortification, when she reopened them he was still holding the same position, somehow managing to look far less ridiculous than he should have. On a sigh, she held out her own finger and linked it with his.
"I pinky swear."
"You pinky swear what?"
It was an effort, but she succeeded in withholding a growl. "I pinky swear that if you meet with Cid in Balamb, I will leave you alone for the rest of our lives. So help me, Hyne."
Nodding, he released her finger and they dropped their hands. Quistis bit her lip as she looked up at him.
"So… Will you?"
He went silent, tapping a finger against his chin. When he broke into a grin so wide it would rival the Grand Diddy, she knew he'd just been playing with her.
"Hell. Fucking. No." With that, he stepped back into the stall and shut the curtain.
"Come on, Seifer! Do you always have to be such an asshole?" She wanted to scream.
"Fuck off." After removing the rest of his clothes, he stepped under the spray and closed his eyes. The sound of the water rushing in his ears helped him tune her out completely.
On the other side of the curtain, Quistis sighed. She leaned back against the tiled wall to wait, wondering how long she would have to stand there. A glance at her watch told her she had another three hours before she had to be at the harbour. She made a silent prayer that she would make it in time. The man's stubbornness was infamous.
"Quistis? Is that you? Don't you just pop up in the strangest places!"
The voice was an amiable drawl and Quistis smiled as she looked in its direction. There was something about the Dolletian accent that appealed. Locals always sounded so friendly, even when they were angry.
"Not that I am complaining." The man's smile was welcoming.
"Chief Lubomir, it's nice to see you." Quistis moved away from the wall and held out a hand for him to shake. "I trust all has been well."
"Yes, indeed." His grip was as warm and confident as his tone. "So well we haven't had need of your services, which is a bit of a shame. It's been too long since we've seen you."
"That's very kind of you, but I am glad to hear all is running smoothly. Galbadia has been behaving itself?"
From underneath the shower, Seifer was able to make out the sound of someone talking. Assuming it was still Quistis yammering on about duties and other Garden bullshit, he paid no attention. If she wanted to listen to herself lecture, that was her problem. He scrubbed at his hair and attempted to formulate a plan for getting his former instructor off his back.
She wouldn't leave without making him squirm first, he knew. There was too much history between them to think it could be simple. They had known each other too long, fought each other too much, and she knew every single one of his buttons. Then again, he knew all of hers. Though it had been over a year, with all the time they had spent in each other's company during his trial after the war, they had developed a mock relationship built on grudging respect. Now that she was no longer his superior, his instinctive need to push back against authority was less of an issue. She was still as bossy as all get out and he hated the way she acted like she knew what was best for him, but they got on well enough in certain circumstances. At least, as well as he got on with anyone, which wasn't saying much. If she hadn't been such a beacon of all that was Balamb Garden, it might have been possible for them to be friends. As long as she remained a mouthpiece for an institution he was inclined to despise, he could never see her presence as anything other than aggravating.
Switching off the water, he grimaced. The bruise forming over his oblique muscle gave him a pang. The guys were definitely improving; he'd have to step up his training. His job on the Dolletian government security team wasn't glamorous or heroic but he was proud of his work. It felt like he was finally accomplishing something for himself. It came with its drawbacks, of course, and it hadn't been without turmoil. Raijin's face flashed into his mind before he shunted it way. He couldn't think of last month's episode without a barrelful of guilt. Nonetheless, he was serving a purpose again and he'd done it all alone. That meant more to him than anything.
As he pulled on his pants, his ears picked up on the chatter in the locker room. One of the speakers was Quistis, obviously, and the other was equally familiar. He frowned when he recognized the laughter of the Chief of Security, his official boss.
"So is that why you are here," the man was asking. "Checking up on us? Or are you on a mission?"
Quistis laughed as well. Seifer pictured her rolling her eyes. "Of sorts."
"I have to say, Quistis," the Chief chucked again. "I never expected a favour to turn out so well. Truly, I feel as if we owe you now."
"Not at all," she said, using that damn television voice again. "I am just so pleased everything worked out. I always knew he was very capable. It is gratifying enough to see him perform so well."
His fists clenched and he glared at the thin curtain separating them. The puzzle pieces fell neatly into place before his eyes. Seifer may not have been a genius, but it didn't take Quistis Trepe to figure out the implications of their conversation. It all made sense in a nauseating way. He felt like an idiot.
Tearing open the curtain he faced them both, working to keep his emotions in check. Quistis jumped a little at the quick movement but otherwise the two looked back at him candidly, as if they hadn't just been talking about him behind his back.
"Almasy! The man of the hour!" The Chief smiled and clasped a hand on his shoulder. "We were just talking about you. I hope Quistis here hasn't been trying to sneak you back to Garden." He winked at both of them.
Seifer saw her eyes widen slightly and he smirked. He relished her discomfort. It was a nice variation to the typical theme. Alas, she recovered without too much delay and tilted her head.
"I don't think there is much chance of that," Quistis shot him a quick glance. "Seifer is far too loyal."
"That's right." He looked over at his superior officer with a nod. "Balamb holds no attraction for me now whatsoever."
"Glad to hear it. We are depending on you." Clapping his hand against Seifer's back once more, the older man moved away. "Guess I'd better get back to the grindstone. It was good to see you again, Quistis. Don't be a stranger now."
Quistis bowed her head and waved goodbye, firing another look at Seifer. His face remained impassive. As the Chief exited, he moved toward the bench to gather the rest of his clothing. Wordlessly, he picked up his t-shirt and tugged it on, his back to her.
"He is a good man," said Quistis, sounding hesitant. "Chief Lubomir. Do you get along?"
"Well enough."
Seifer gave another one shoulder shrug and scanned around for his footwear. It felt strange to be making small talk, after what he had just learned. An oppressive feeling of resignation broiled in his abdomen.
"How do you know him, anyway? Did you sleep with him, too?"
Out of the corner of his eye he saw her mouth drop open.
"How dare you! That is completely…" She closed her mouth when she noticed his shoulders were shaking with laughter. "Shut up. You are such an ass, sometimes. You know that?" Scooping up her jacket, she rammed her arms through the sleeves and muttered to herself. "Why do I even bother talking to you?"
Seifer only grinned in reply and sat down on the bench to lace up his boots. Riling up the Trepe was always good times. The way her eyes flashed and her cheeks reddened made his heart swell with glee. When she dropped her guard, she made it all too easy. One could take the boy out of the schoolroom but…
"Look, can we start over? You don't want me here anymore than I want to be here. Is there anything I can say that will change your mind? For old time's sake? I will consider it a personal favour."
It was that last word that had his smirk fading and his hands tightening. He rose to his feet and looked back at her with sober eyes. Scrutinizing her gaze, all her found in her blue depths was a heartfelt plea. As much as he hated himself for it, he was not immune.
"Okay."
Quistis blinked. "Okay? What does that mean? You'll come to Balamb?"
Abruptly, he averted his eyes and turned toward the locker room door. "Yes, I'll go to Balamb."
"Really?" The shock in her voice was unmistakeable. She shot ahead of him and blocked the handle, forcing him to look her in the eye. "You mean it?"
"Yes. Fuck. Don't sound so surprised. Do you not want me to go now?" With an elbow, he edged her aside and then jerked at the handle with his opposite hand. Now that he'd given in, he just wanted to go about the rest of his day. There was no need for her to make him crawl.
"Of course." She followed him down the hallway once more, still sounding a little stunned. "I just didn't expect you to give in so quickly. I haven't even pulled out the big guns."
Seifer rubbed his face. He realized he'd forgotten his uniform jacket back in the showers, swore, and then kept walking. He had another one in the control room. It was far preferable to continue on than turn around and confront more questions.
"Why do women always feel they need to manipulate men to get what they want?" It was an evasive manoeuvre, but he hoped she wouldn't notice. He looked over and saw her lips curve.
"Hmmm," Quistis began, toying with a loose strand of hair before prodding it behind her ear. She spoke with a teasing lilt. "Oh, I don't know… History books… Personal experience… Romantic comedies..."
He shook his head and rolled his eyes. "No wonder your species is so screwed up, if you get your advice from crappy movies."
"Our 'species'?" Quistis had to laugh. It helped block her astonishment when he held open the door for her. She waited for him to join her outside before she continued. "You are starting to sound like Zell."
The black scowl he gave her in reply was worth having to run after him again. She was starting to understand a little why he pestered her so much back when she was his instructor. It was kind of fun getting a rise out of someone when it would lead to no real harm.
"I'm really glad you changed your mind, Seifer." She spoke more seriously this time. "Cid will be glad too."
"Yeah, whatever." He waved her off then stopped walking. "The original condition still stands. I will go if you swear this is the last time and if I only have to talk to him long enough to tell him to fuck himself." Facing her head on now, he had to squint in the sunlight that shone just over her head.
"Those are two conditions," she corrected - out of habit - then quickly covered at his frown. "But yes, those are the terms. Will Saturday work for you?" When he nodded in response then switched his gaze to something above her shoulder, she reached out and touched his arm. "I really do appreciate this. I owe you one."
Almost instantly he stiffened and she dropped her hand. His eyes were dark and unreadable.
"That's a third condition," he said, jaw clenched. "After this no one owes anyone anything. It's a blank slate. No more favours."
The words were bitten off, but he hadn't been able to keep the harshness from his tone. She didn't appeared offended, just startled.
"Okay," she nodded slowly, licking her lips. "It's a deal."
"Good." He turned away, scratching at his forehead. "Look, I gotta get back to work. Stuff to do, idiots to order around, you know the drill. I assume you can see yourself out?"
She watched him roll his shoulders, feeling the need to lighten the mood. His hair looked almost white in the bright sun. She couldn't say why but it felt almost like a wall had been broken down. It was strange to think that way as when she looked in his eyes, she saw more guards up than usual. And yet, his words contained less violence somehow. Studying him, she wondered what he was thinking. A million questions popped into her brain. Things she would love to ask. Things she knew he would never tell. Rather than push further, she contented herself with watching him. Even after all this time, there was something magnetic about the man. It was impossible to look away.
"I will send an email with the arrangements. Garden will cover the cost of your transportation, of course. I can also make sure to have a room prepared for you, in case you decide to stay."
"Yeah, right." The look he shot her was condescending. "Better make sure it's a round-trip ticket, Trepe." He started heading back to the main building.
"Oh, I will, don't worry. I am just saying it's fine if you don't use the whole thing. As a SeeD, I have to be prepared for all alternatives." When he shot her a look she gave him an innocent smile. "It's a good offer. You'd be in charge of your own team, able to set your own hours… You might want to consider it."
"Not. Happening." He spoke through grinding teeth, angry all over again. The sun felt hot on his back. He couldn't wait to get back inside and away. "You can give up on that fantasy right now." With one last extended stride, he made it to the doors.
"We'll see." Sailing past, Quistis entered the building ahead of him without bothering to spare him a glance.
"Trepe."
The school kids were apparently just wrapping up their tour and filled the front entry way. If he'd wanted to follow, he would have had to dodge over twenty snot-nosed seven year olds. Rather than enter the morass, he stood in place, still holding the door and staring after her.
"See you later, Almasy!"
Quistis lifted an arm and wiggled her fingers in a backwards wave then strolled beyond the guards, smoothly twisting around the children as if they weren't even there. It was odd to her how well her interaction with Seifer had gone. Odd and bewildering. At the moment, she wasn't inclined to deliberate over it more than necessary. Perhaps she was simply pleased with having the last word for a change but she was suddenly in a very, very good mood.
Disappointingly, Quistis' high spirits only lasted as long as she remained away from Garden. About five seconds after her return she was confronted with yet one more mini-crisis requiring her to take emergency action. As much as she loved her job, and she considered it intrinsic to her being, it would be nice if she wasn't perpetually on damage control. Between protective parents freaking out over rumours of T-Rexaurs loose in the cadet dormitories, self-styled journalists posing as students in order to break a scandal, and Commander Leonhart telling the Mayor of Fisherman's Horizon to do something inappropriate with his flip flop, she didn't have a lot of spare time to contemplate Seifer's impending arrival in Balamb for the first time in almost three years. It was just as well. Lack of contemplation also meant lack of stress. At present Xu gave her a hard enough time about potential wrinkles.
It was strange. When Quistis awoke the morning she was due to pick him up, she didn't feel the sense of foreboding she anticipated. Rather, she felt almost invigorated at the thought of a fresh challenge. Life in Garden was hardly dull. However, it could be a lot of the same problems repeated over and over again. She found herself talking to the same people, running through the same motions, and following the same schedule. Seifer, as exasperating and as vexing as he could be, had a way of being quite distracting. And distraction, she felt, was precisely what she needed right now. At the very least, he would be someone new with whom she could speak.
You know you're lonely when… Quistis thought with an inward sardonic smile. If she was looking forward to meeting with Seifer Almasy just for some stimulating conversation, she must be more hard-up than she'd imagined. On top of ribbing her about her skin, Xu also made it clear Quistis should ramp up her dating life from the standstill it had become. Perhaps she was right on both counts.
She chewed on this as she braided her hair in preparation for her daily run. It wasn't that she didn't want to date. Far from it. Although, her last relationship had left her so fried she'd felt like she'd done nothing but cast Thundagas for three months. It had seemed intelligent to step away, give herself a chance to recover. The only consequence to that was the longer she stayed out of the fray, the less she was motivated to jump back in. But she knew she couldn't hide in her room every night forever. It wasn't healthy. Not to mention, she missed the physical intimacy, if nothing else.
The halls were still dark when she exited her apartment. She loved the early morning. There was something private about the building before the light of day. It felt almost as if the place was hers, as if she was completely alone and free. Quistis always thought Balamb Garden beautiful but in a scientific, soldierly sort of way - if anything akin to military could be beautiful. At night and at dawn, with the soft lighting and the quiet thrum beneath the floor, it felt almost like a real home.
Or, rather, what she imagined a home would feel like.
Rinoa's rooms weren't too far from her own so it wasn't long before she paused at another door. As quietly as possible, she keyed in the code to open the lock and then kneeled down when the door slid aside.
"Angelo," she whispered. "Hi there, pretty girl."
Like she had expected, the dog was right at the entrance waiting for her. The canine's senses were always impressive. Quistis was willing to bet Angelo knew she was coming to take her for a walk before she did. If only dogs could talk or wield weapons, Garden would probably have a whole kennel. Their observation skills alone would make them quite the little SeeDs.
Quistis clipped on the dog's leash, as per Garden policy even Angelo had to be under restraint at all times, and stood. When she keyed in the code, the door closed with a small jolt that she hoped was quiet enough. The last thing she wanted to do was wake the dorm's occupants.
Silently padding down the hall on sneakered feet, Quistis walked with Angelo toward the central corridor and the front gate. With luck, she would make it there without running into anyone. Dr. Kadowaki had been making a habit lately of bumping into her at odd hours and she wasn't up for evading questions before her morning exercise. These days, she needed the outlet more than she needed coffee or oxygen.
To her relief, she made it out the main exit without being accosted. Quistis smiled and looked down at her canine friend.
"What do you think, puppy? Are you ready to run?"
Dropping the leash, she stretched her arms above her head then outwards, rolling her shoulders. There was a strong chill coming off the ocean that made her glad she'd worn a jacket over her tank top and running skirt. Fall was such a hormonal season in Balamb. She never knew what to expect.
Bending over, she moved to un-clip Angelo's leash from her bright blue collar when she was interrupted by an unwelcome drawl.
"Quistis. Well, I'll be."
The sun was on the precipice of rising above the horizon so it was still fairly dim. The man's grin was brilliant enough to light up the entire island if it had been pitch black. She barely withheld a groan as she straightened back up, subconsciously lowering a hand to the dog's warm head.
"Irvine." Quistis' answering smile was brief and tight. With a nod, she tried to swing past him but he shifted to block her movements. She could feel Angelo tense ever so slightly. The dog's loyal reaction to her emotions reminded her to remain calm.
"What're you up to so early?" Tipping back his hat, Irvine looked at her directly and she noticed his countenance was far more serious than his tone.
"I'm walking Rinoa's dog." She matched her voice to his, keeping it level and without nuance. Her eyes, she hoped, were just as cool.
"That's quite a get up for a casual stroll," he replied with a waggle of two thick, auburn eyebrows.
At one time, she might have laughed when he leered in an obvious fashion at her short skirt. But not today.
"I didn't know you were an expert on sartorial matters."
"I make it my business to be an expert on all things related to women."
Quistis managed to stop herself from rolling her eyes. It wasn't easy considering the man was still standing in her way, winking at her. The thought of making a scene did not appeal but she was running out of patience.
"One day you'll learn, you can't con a ladies man." Irvine made a wild gesture. "Where are you really headed?" Clearly, he wasn't interested in letting her by.
"Just walking Rinoa's dog." Cocking her head, she casually twirled the end of Angelo's leash. She'd never noticed it before, but the dog accessory would make an excellent weapon. "How about you? Just getting in after a night on the town?"
Her mild tone didn't deceive Irvine. He was one of very few who could read her far better than she preferred.
"Target practice." Grinning, he twirled his gun in imitation of her actions.
With monsters or with women? The teasing question sprang to her lips and almost escaped before she caught herself. The dialogue was too similar to countless conversations they'd had in the past. It was easy to forget all that had changed.
Angelo took the opportunity to emit a soft whine. Grateful for the excuse, Quistis excused herself to continue on her way. Naturally, Irvine tagged along, his long legs having no trouble keeping up. So much for her plans. She'd have to cut her run short in order to get to Balamb in time to meet Seifer's boat.
"I didn't know you were that close," Irvine commented with a sidelong glance.
"Angelo and I?" Deliberately misinterpreting, Quistis looked down at the dog sniffing along the ground beside her. "She is a surprisingly good companion. She keeps her judgments to herself."
Even if Irvine had less of a sensitive spirit, the dig would have been overt. He lowered the brim of his hat. "You know who I meant."
She did indeed.
"Yes, well, Rinoa and I have become much better acquainted recently. Ever since she became one of few people who will actually look me in the eye." Quistis' jaw set and she held the leash with both hands. If he wasn't going to take her subtle hints, she would have to be more direct.
"That's not fair, Quisty."
His use of an old nickname combined with the hurt in his voice made her realize she was being a bitch. Unfortunately for him, she couldn't force herself to care.
"Isn't it?"
"What do you want me to say?" The words were uttered in a low tone and she could feel his eyes on her. "It hasn't been easy for any of us."
"I don't-" Her forehead creased and she forced herself to collect. "Look, Irvine, I don't blame you. I get it. Your girlfriend is terrified of me and your best friend despises the ground I walk on." She lifted her chin and finally met his gaze. "I understand it and I forgive you for it. But don't expect me to forget it."
She swore she heard him sigh. It was such an out of character sound for him, she almost stopped walking.
"I thought we were friends." He mumbled it, shoulders slumping ever so slightly as he walked along the road beside her.
The lump that appeared in her throat at his injured plea was anticipated but most undesirable. Despite the mountains that now drove between them, she knew his sadness was sincere. She wished she could touch him; almost wished he would touch her. If she was going to keep her wits, she had to focus on her anger and mask the pain.
"We were. Just as Selphie was my friend and Zell was my friend and once I even imagined Squall was my friend." Her tone took on a harder edge at that last which caused Angelo to look up from the flower she'd been sniffing at the side of the road. The dog's questioning gaze soothed her and she exhaled. "Things change."
"I'm worried about you. So is Selphie. She is worried the team is breaking up."
He did touch her then. Lightly, on the shoulder. Instead of bridging the gap, she felt further from him than ever. She had to get away before… Just before.
"I'm fine." It came out bitter but that was the last thing she felt. "I take all of the blame for everything that happened. It was my failure, my cowardice, my lack of control. But there's nothing I can do about it now."
Irvine dropped his arm and decreased his stride, allowing her to move further ahead. When he didn't say anything further, she kept walking, eyes on the low mountains up ahead. The sun was rising fast. Judging by the open sky, it was going to be a bright autumn day. Quistis shivered.
"You'd better get back. Aren't you worried someone is going to see you fraternizing with an evil monster?"
"Nobody thinks that." The timbre of his voice was low. She pictured him frowning in disapproval, the way he always used to when she said something self-deprecating. Back then, she would have quirked her eyebrows and made a joke that he wouldn't have fallen for.
"That's bullshit," she said now, with vehemence. Revolving to face him, she allowed the sense of betrayal she felt to show in her gaze. "I thought we had promised never to dish each other crap. You can't sit on the fence this time. You've chosen your side. Live with it."
He looked stricken, like he hadn't expected the force of her anger. Perhaps she should have felt guilty. She knew she was being selfish. Losing her friends hurt and she hadn't finished mourning. The loss of Irvine, an old confidante during difficult times, felt especially raw.
"I'm sorry," she said, turning back around. "I have to go. I have paperwork to do."
Quistis waited until she reached the trees before she released Angelo from her leash and broke into a run. She was proud of herself for not looking back, though she felt like a jerk at the same time. Trusting the dog to watch out for monsters, she followed her down the trail and let her mind wander. The tears came almost instantly.
It felt very lonely inside her head. For the first time in almost a year, she longed for the invasion of a Guardian Force.
EN: That last was much more angst-ridden than I planned! I promise to lighten up in the next chapter!