She had just finished setting up the computer, and was making sure it was connected to the network when the icon for videoconference started to flash. Selphie blinked, double-clicking on it. Squall's brows were furrowed, and he looked annoyed.
'Oh. Great.'
Selphie sighed, turning up the volume and waited for him to speak first.
"Just what is going on up there?"
"Nothing."
"That's not what I heard."
"What did you hear?"
If Irvine had said something… Hyne, he was starting to get on her nerves. Earlier, at breakfast, he ignored her, then didn't show up for lunch. She had no idea what his problem was, but he'd better fix it and soon.
"Did something happen between you and Seifer?"
Selphie blinked.
"Irvine told me…"
Squall paused, looking down. "He told me he saw you leaving Seifer's room this morning."
Selphie's eyes widened. Irvine was so dead, he just wasn't aware of that fact yet.
"Yes. I did leave his room this morning, after sleeping on the floor, because he had a nightmare. Or were you asking if we have had - relations commander?"
"Well, I…"
"No. We haven't slept together. Is there anything else you'd like to know?"
Squall sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
'This is not going as planned…'
"Look. I don't want to do this, but… I think it would be best if he returned home."
"No."
Squall looked up, eyes flashing. "This is an order from your Commander. I could strip your rank and status…"
"What bullshit, Squall. You're just mad that he might make into Garden, you're still upset over what he did to you. Rinoa forgave him. Why can't you? And what about Matron? Look at what she did, but we all forgave her easily enough. Why can't you do that for Seifer?"
"…."
He stared at her, then shook his head.
"Fine, Tilmitt. Have it your way. But don't say you weren't warned."
"What…"
She didn't get a chance to finish her question, as Squall turned off his end of the link.
'Aw, hell.'
When Seifer saw Selphie later, she was at the fitness center. She was pounding away on a punching bag, with a taped picture of Squall's face on it. Unable to help himself, he laughed. She froze at the sound, turning around slowly. When she saw who it was, she smiled.
"Hey, Seifer."
"What's this?"
He made a motion at the bag.
"Long story."
Selphie sighed, taking another swing, causing the bag to sway back and forth.
Seifer waited, crossing his arms. Her smile faded slightly, as she looked away.
"It seems Irvine saw me leaving your room this morning. Squall called me on it."
A pause, as she bit her lower lip. She was determined that Seifer would not see her cry.
"And he said… He said he could strip my rank if I didn't make you leave."
He was silent, till she turned to face him again, tears starting to streak down her cheeks.
"I told him no. Why couldn't he forgive you like we had Edea? And he implied… That we… That we had…"
Seifer felt the same anger as yesterday, when Irvine had so crassly asked what Squall thought. However, he didn't think that Puberty Boy would dare bring something like that up. And to Selphie, of all people - who was more innocent then the snow that fell around here, likely.
"And?"
Bitterly said. He might as well go pack now.
"You're not leaving till I'm through with you, Cadet."
It would have sounded tougher if she hadn't choked back a sob. With a sigh, Seifer unfolded his arms, holding them open. She seemed to fly into them, and he ignored how his arms molded around her as though they were meant to, that her head against his chest was nothing special.
"I'm so sorry, Seifer."
"What are you sorry for?" He was finally able to question, after a moment of stunned silence.
"That all this seems to happen to you. It's not fair. You're such a nice guy."
Seifer scowled. "I am not."
"I say you are, so you are."
"And that's final?"
"Yes."
Selphie tipped her head back, smiling. It slowly started to slip as Seifer dipped his head.
"A nice guy wouldn't do this."
The kiss brought back the feelings she'd been trying to surpress. This was different then the one they had shared outside of Shumi Village. That one had been a surprise, shocking her to the very core. Now, having tasting him once, she'd fought the longing of wanting to have it again. But now, with his lips against her own, eveything just seemed to fade away.
Everything, except for the fact that her boyfriend was here, and had already accused her of sleeping with Seifer. If he saw this, Hyne only knew what could happy. She place her hands on Seifer's shoulders, starting to push him away, when a low drawl met both their ears.
"I thought so."
'Irvine?!'
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Disclaimers: Don't own. Ya' know?
Sorry this took so long to post. I got into a writing mode, and wanted to be a few chapters ahead. Next one will be up sooner, I prmise. =)