Chapter Seven: Irvine

"They're here."

Seifer glanced up at the sound of her voice, but she'd already spun on her heel, and was walking away. Today was the first time he'd seen her since returning from Shumi village, and he was glad she hadn't lingered. Dark smudges were under his eyes, evidence of lack of sleep.

He rose, fixing his jacket before walking down the path to the front of the Garden.

She was easy to spot, clad in that lemon jacket. He shook his head, unable to understand how anyone could wear something that bright. A few students embarked, but he was searching for only one. Finally, a lanky youth stepped out, black felt hat affixed firmly to his head.

Irvine.

He saw Selphie bounce excitedly; giving him a few moments before running into his arms, almost causing him to drop the bangs he was carrying. When Irvine's arms wound around her, that's when he turned away, deciding to wait a few moments before going to claim Hyperion.

When he reached them, Irvine was stroking Selphie's hair, and she was… Cooing? Was that the word for it? Seifer scowled, clearing his throat to get their attention. They both glanced over, Irvine's brows drawing faintly together; wondering why he looked pissed off.

"So, do I need to make introductions?"

Selphie questioned, having felt the air grow thick.

"No. I'm just here for Hyperion. Then I'll get back to work."

"Right." Selphie was drawing a huge blank. "You'll join us for lunch?"

Seifer shrugged. "We'll see how it goes."

"Well. We want you to join us, don't we Irvine?"

"...Yes."

He sighed. "Yeah.. Okay..."

'Fuck.'

"Is everything alright?"

Irvine's glance flickered between the two of them, a thoughtful light in the violet depths. Squall had told him all about the little call.

"Everything is fine." Selphie frowned, having noted the blank look he'd given to Irvine before giving her a small, tight smile.

"Oh.. Here." Irvine carefully swung one of the bags off his shoulder, unzipping it to pull out Hyperion, carefully wrapped and tucked within its sheath.
"Quisty told me that if anything happened to it, she'd have my hide."

He handed it over to Seifer, who was smiling as he unsheathed it, glad that his weapon was back where it belonged. Irvine was curious as to how he'd perfected that one handed stance, that bad boy was heavy.

"That's Quisty. Always threatening somebody..."

Selphie was studying the Hyperion, the first time she'd seen the blade up close, if you didn't count the time she'd been attacked with it.

"It's beautiful..."

"Yes. It is."

Irvine zipped the bag up again, pulling it back on before pulling Selphie to him, giving her a quick kiss and a squeeze. "I know where the rooms are. I'm gonna go call Squall and let him know I'm here. I'll see you two at lunch, all right?"

"Alright." Selphie grinned up at him.

"Yeah. Lunch."

Irvine flashed another small smile, whistling a tune under his breath as he walked away. Seifer swore he heard the opening bars of 'Girlfriend' and rolled his eyes.

'What the hell does she see in that guy...?'

"Spill."

He began to back away, hands clasped behind his back, carefully cradling Hyperion.
"I got some stuff to do ... so..."

Selphie shook her head. "Alright. I'll let you off the hook this time, but! You will tell me what's bothering you. Cause you can't lie to me."

He paused, perfectly still for a moment as their eyes meet.

"I never lie."

Selphie looked away. "No, you just back away."
Softly, hoping he didn't hear her, then a tad louder. "Lunch at twelve. If you aren't there, I'm looking for you!"

He smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I'll be there."

She flashed him a grin, and they went their separate ways.

Seifer entered the makeshift cafeteria, after a quick glance around. He didn't want to appear too obvious. Selphie skipped in a few seconds behind him, humming a Salvia tune.

"He's over there, let's go!"

He smiled at the back of her head, unable to refrain, falling into step behind her. He was not a skipper.

Irvine was already seated at a table, watching the two of them stroll in, just a few seconds apart. His brows furrowed for a moment, wishing he knew why he felt so uneasy all of a sudden.

"You gonna get into line and get lunch for me?"

Selphie laughed. "Sure. Just no slaying my boyfriend as I do so. He's not as sharp as you are."

She glanced up, winking, and he ducked his head, grinning; managing to look sheepish.

"As if I would ever do such a thing."

Selphie giggled. "That might fool someone who doesn't know you, and I bet you haven't."

Irvine's left eyebrow started to twitch, watching their by-play.

"Oh yea, what did you want to eat? I'm getting a veggie plate - and you don't look a rabbit food person to me."

Seifer wrinkled his nose, causing her to grin. He looked so cute when he did that.

"Get me some meat, woman."

"Hai, Vegeta-san!" She bowed slightly, before making her way to the line; glad he was back in a good mood.

Seifer chuckled softly, before shaking his head and making his way over to Irvine. He sat down slowly, regally, offering his most winning smile to Irvine. Irvine smiled back, but it was just a slight upturn to his lips, a rather Squall-ish smile. It didn't meet his eyes.

"You don't look too thrilled to be here, Kinneas. Whatsamatter? You didn't miss your girlfriend?"

"I did. However, I'm beginning to wonder..."

Seifer maintained his neutral expression, save for one brow arching. "Wonder what?"

"... Just some things. You two seem to be getting along well."

Seifer shrugged, noncommittally. "Who doesn't get along with Selphie?"

Selphie was in line, chatting with a few of the workers. She was telling them to place every type of meat they were serving on Seifer's plate, no matter what it was.

"Everyone likes Selphie, she likes everyone." Heavily implied, he'd like to know just why she liked Seifer. He placed his elbows on the table, leaning forward to rest his chin on his hands. A level stare was all Irvine was able to get.

"I'm not so bad, Irvy, she'll tell you."

Irvine's teeth gritted at Seifer's use of his pet name, but he met that gaze evenly. "She's championing your cause, Squall was bitchin' bout it to me. I'd like to know why."

Seifer smiled that irritatingly smug 'wouldn't you like to know' smile and glanced over toward the lunch line before answering.

"I'm a nice guy, didn't you hear?"

Irvine smirked. "You remind of that fable about the farmer and a snake. He finds the creature nearly frozen to death, and holds it close to his body to unthaw it. For his kind heart, he is bitten, and dies."

Seifer snickered and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest and observed Irvine in his careful, self-satisfied way.

"I'm just hoping that won't be the case here. Either by you or because of you."

"You've been reading fairy tales again, Kinneas. I'm a little disappointed in you."

Seifer leaned forward again, his expression serious. "Don't make demands on me, cowboy. I'm not the person you seem to think I am."

"You have yet to show us otherwise." Darkly. "And as far as Selphie is concerned, I'll make any demands I damn well please - I love her."

"I don't owe you any explanations and I can promise you won't be getting any. Selphie doesn't need them so I don't imagine you will either."

Irvine growled, wishing he could use the business end of Exeter on the smug blonde before him. That was when Seifer began to hum 'It's gonna be me', causing Irvine to blink. Seifer smiled.

"You.. Listen to that?"

"Nah. Just a little tune I heard while me and Selph were on our way to the Village."

'Oho! He does lie.'

Selphie hid her smile as she approached the table, feeling the tension surrounding the two of them. Perhaps it was time to have a little fun. After all, Irvine did this often to her.
Irvine was looking extremely nonplussed, as he recalled having left a few CDs in her car. A few of his CDs.

Seifer stopped humming, a sunny smile offered to Selphie as she stepped up to his side.

"I didn't know what you wanted, so I got a little of everything."

"Thanks, sunshine."

Followed by a sweet smile and she almost started to giggle at the look that crossed Irvine's face. However, a slightly wicked grin crossed her lips.

"I hope this pleases you." She curtsied, holding the tray out before her, a side-glance given to Irvine.. Who was almost as purple as his vest.

A long-suffering sigh followed her words. "We shall see."

Irvine shook his head, knowing she was just joking around. Right? Right. But why with HIM?
'Seifer Almasy of all people to take up as a pet project. Fuckin' Hyne.'

"Well. If it doesn't, I'll make sure to let the cooks know of your displeasure." She hands over the tray, making sure their fingers brushed as the last word was purred out. "Master."

Selphie sat next to Irvine, earning a wink from Seifer as he snagged Irvine's fork. "I like that." A soft laugh.

Irvine began to snarl, relaxing when Selphie placed a hand on his arm.

"So, you checked in? What did Squall say?"

"To be careful. For you two to be careful as well. And be mindful of the weather, another storm is supposed to hit in about two days."

"Alright! More snow!"

"Happiness is mine." Seifer spoke, in monotone, causing Selphie to laugh at him.

"We'll build some snowmen, and make snow angels! It's be fun - like old times!"

"Old times? Lucky me!"

Yes, his joy was so evident, but he grinned at Selphie, to let her know he was only teasing.

"Yes, lucky you." She smiled, hugging Irvine, who had grown very quiet.

Seifer grinned slightly. "So, how's that dancing coming along?"

Irvine scowled, while Selphie started to snicker.

-

Notes: Yes, a new chapter. Rejoice.. Right.
A reference to DBZ in there. We're anime fans, and so are they. I know the ending to this chapter kinda stinks, but not to worry - the fur starts to fly next chapter.