- 11 -

A Happy... Ending?

"Good morning, sweetie," I called as I entered his office.

Zell looked up from his desk - and it seemed I saw him in this position more and more the last few weeks - and grinned. "Hey, kitten." He stood and received my tight hug as well as my brief and soft kiss. "Sorry about canceling work-out this morning with you and Janine."

I softly rubbed at his tattoo as I smiled up at him. "It's okay." It gave her and I a chance to fine-tune your surprise for my birthday party this weekend. "You don't do it very often. Besides." I looked down at all the papers on his desk. "I know how busy you've been lately."

Zell kissed my hair and then pushed gently back. "I know, and I've gotta finish grading these papers before I can do anything else."

I stood on tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek and then stepped back. "You want me to get breakfast and come back up?"

"That would rock. You mind?"

I giggled. "Of course not, silly. I'll be right back."

I turned and headed out of his office on the second floor to make my way for the elevator. I could hardly wait until the senior candidates got approved for being teaching assistants for Zell's junior classes. It would lighten his load so much.

I stepped aboard the elevator and pushed the button for the main floor. I giggled. I could hardly wait until my party. I was going to surprise him with a present the same as him for me: a freelance position as a submission reviewer. Combat King had said that he could pick and choose which submissions to review! Which meant he could basically 'make his own hours'. All Zell had to do was sign the contract and it was set.

I hugged myself and giggled again. He'd love it.

Then my smile drooped. I lowered my arms to my sides. I just wish the city council would hurry up and decide about Winhill. Poor Zell. I could tell he was distracted by the waiting. Marshal said that they wanted some specific things dealt with in a renewable contract. Unfortunately, I didn't have the clearance to find out what those things were. And there was no way I was going to ask Seifer or Commander Squall. I figured Zell probably drove them nuts asking every day anyway.

I smiled again. Janine had heard Zell and I talking about it one day and voiced her own interest. I didn't know if she really wanted to transfer to a security office in Winhill or not, but she said that she was going to at least talk to Seifer about details.

Her and Seifer talked a lot. Especially after hours. I leaned back against the elevator. It was nice to see them getting along so great. After what had happened that first day, I thought they wouldn't like each other very much. But they spent a lot of time together talking about gunblades and people they didn't like very much. Sometimes I heard them arguing in the cafeteria about something or other, but then they'd start laughing so hard that I figured I must have misunderstood.

Anyway, it was nice to see.

I stepped off the elevator and headed toward the cafeteria. I hesitated when I saw Seifer heading toward me. Sally, relax. I took in a deep breath and forced myself to continue forward. I smiled. "Good morning, sir." Are you coming to my birthday party this weekend? I wish I could ask that.

"Regal," he greeted with a simple nod as he passed.

I released a relieved breath-- and then heard a snap of fingers and the sound of him turning. Too soon.

"Oh. Regal."

I turned and swallowed as he stepped up to me. I looked up. "Yes, sir?"

"Larabie won't need a ride. She's going with me."

I blinked. "Oh. O-Okay." He's coming to my party? I smiled. "You're coming, sir? Really?"

Seifer's lips twitched upward in a smirk. "Regal, I still don't know why the hell you invited me. You're more damned afraid of me than... than... Hell. I don't know."

I blinked up at him yet again. He's talking to me? "Um... Well... You're very scary to someone like me." I pointed at him very cautiously. "Y-You're very tall. And you f-frown a lot."

Seifer 'barked' out a laugh. "But you still come to work every damn day."

I shook my head, still wondering if I was dreaming or if Seifer Almasy was really talking to me. "Nuh-uh. I have weekends off." I smiled. "A mini-vacation."

Seifer laughed again. "Mini-vacation my ass. Regal, you spend every damn weekend with that maniac Dincht. How the hell can that be a vacation? He's a security mishap waiting to happen."

My mouth dropped open. "No he isn't." Sally! You contradicted your boss! I cleared my throat and lowered my gaze. "Sir."

Seifer chuckled and shook his head. "Fine. Whatever. See you in 30 minutes." And he turned and walked away.

I stared after him in total and complete shock. Sure, I'd noticed him changing a bit here and there over the past month, but I hadn't realized... Wow. What got into him? I absently flicked my middle fingernail with my thumb as I shook my head and turned back toward the cafeteria. I would never understand Seifer.

"Hey, Sally."

I looked up to see Janine coming out of the corridor from the dorms. Her spiked black hair, sassy attitude, and twinkling brown eyes made her the most unique person at Garden. I smiled. "Good morning again, Janine. Thanks for working out with me so early this morning."

Janine waved it aside. "Sal, it was a pleasure. Sorry I couldn't stay the entire two hours." She smirked. "Appointments, you know."

I nodded. "I wouldn't want you to miss anything important on my account. Did it go okay?"

"The appointment?" Janine asked, and it looked as if she wanted to laugh.

"Uh-huh. It was a good one, right?"

Janine slightly nodded. "Most definitely. Every time."

"Oh. Tutoring someone before class?"

Janine chuckled. "Something like that."

I smiled. "You're so nice." My smile faded to an annoyed expression. "Most Instructors just tell the candidates to go study on their own in the library, or find a study partner. It doesn't really help if your study partner doesn't know how to find the answers either." I stretched my hands out. "I mean, how would I have known the Quarterstaff was all wrong for me if Zell hadn't offered to help?"

Janine suddenly started laughing.

I blinked at her in surprise. "What?"

Janine shook her head, waving it aside as she tried to the laughter. "Nothing," she struggled out. "I just realized that you've never..." And she broke off with another fit of laughter.

"Never what?"

Janine took in a deep breath and let it out slow. "Nothing. Never mind. You're fine." She motioned down the corridor. "I better get. I'll try and show up tomorrow morning, but I don't guarantee anything."

I nodded. "It's okay. I understand about how important the tutoring can be. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't had the time with Zell before my Fire Cavern exam."

Janine smirked. "I'm glad he was there for you, Sal gal. Now I better scoot. See you 'round."

And she moved past. I watched her go, smiling. I really liked Janine Larabie. She was fun and creative and so very... different. I gave a happy shrug and continued toward the cafeteria to get my sweetie his breakfast.

When I pushed into the cafeteria, the door stopped part way and I heard a crash and splash on the other side. My eyes widened. Oh no... I stepped through the slight opening... I gasped and covered my mouth as I stared wide-eyed at Ahndra, who stood coffee-soaked on the other side of the door.

I stepped forward, arms and hands extended. "Oh my gosh Ahndra ma'am I'm so sorry I didn't know you were there or I would've opened the other door Oh my gosh I didn't mean to dump it all over you Is it hot Here let me grab you some napkins" came pouring out as Ahndra just stood there staring down at herself and then staring blankly at me as I attempted to pat down her SeeD uniform.

"Regal."

Tears threatened as I stopped and looked up at her. "Yes?" I squeaked.

"It's fine."

I nodded but it turned to shaking as I stared at her in misery. "I'm sorry," I choked out.

"Accepted." She shook the extra coffee drops from her hands and then took another handful of napkins from the dispenser clutched in my hand. "Marshal and I will be there. This weekend." Ahndra glanced up at me from her work of drying herself off. "Thank you for inviting me."

I dumbly nodded. Sally! Say something! "S-Sure."

She tossed the soiled napkins into the trash and faced me again. Then she very slightly smiled before stepping past and leaving the cafeteria. I blinked and turned to stare after her. Then I gave a silly smile and giggled. Who needed a birthday party when my life had become practically perfect over the past month?

My job was great. Almost entirely stress-free... Well, mostly.

Zell and I were doing great as a couple and as best friends.

Quistis and Zack were dating on a regular basis, and she had freed up almost all her time at Garden to Janine so that she could be at the T.V. Station.

If anything else wonderful happened, I swear I'll float away!

Janine chuckled. "Sal gal, if you don't stop bouncing up and down, I'm going to bop you."

Selphie nodded and giggled. "No doubt. Calm down. The boys will think you're high."

My eyes twinkled and my smile was permanently affixed on my lips. "I don't care. I am! It's my birthday and I'm going to a birthday party and all my friends and family are going to be there." I bounced over to Janine and Selphie and pulled them into a hug.

We waited for the boys in the parking lot.

Janine laughed and pushed back. "Please. Watch the hair. It took me an entire fifteen minutes to get it like this."

Selphie giggled. "Janine, I wish my hair took only fifteen. I had to wrestle it into these curls for three hours!"

Janine scoffed. "I woulda shaved myself bald before spending that much time on hair. It took me nearly that much time to get into this dress. Damn thing's like a second skin!"

I giggled, practically sick with giddiness, as I looked at the two. Janine had dressed in an absolutely skin tight black leather dress that could barely be called a dress. It had long sleeves, a low neckline, and a zipper that went all the way down... Well, to mid-thigh anyway. That's as far as the dress went. She looked wonderful, but... oh my goodness.

Selphie was dressed in her favorite color: yellow. It was a cute, short, silky dress that was sleeveless and somewhat low-cut but not really. Her hair was curled in ringlets with some hanging near her ears and some on her neck but mostly all on the top of her head. She looked like a doll.

Me? I was dressed in pale orchid. It was silk, too, and I loved how soft it was. It made a whispering sound when I walked, which was totally adorable. It had short sleeves and went down to almost my knees... but it had a slit on the left side that... well... went a little higher than I would have liked, but Janine insisted. My hair was down, Janine and Selphie had both agreed it looked cuter with the dress, and little pearl drops had somehow been twisted into my hair to stay.

I felt as beautiful as they said I looked.

"I think I hear it coming," Selphie squealed.

"About damn time. I couldn't believe it when Seifer told me he was dragging me to this thing in a damn--"

"There they are," I cried.

And three white carriages drawn each by a pair of white horses pulled up into the parking structure. Two of us squealed with glee. One just smirked and crossed her arms while raising a single eyebrow.

I hopped and bounced until Zell came up to me in a black tux with a matching bow - orchid of course - and presented me with a white flower as he bowed. I took the flower, squealed, and threw myself into his arms with a giggle and an "Oh Zell you look gorgeous I love the matching bow-tie and the carriage" and "Is it the same one you rented before I hope so that would be so romantic Did you see Selphie Isn't she pretty" all the while that he laughed and tried to answer my questions as he led me to the carriage and helped me up.

I was all smiles and giggles and glorious giddiness as the carriage pulled forward. All I could think about was the present I would get and the present that I would have for Zell. Neither of us had any idea of what the other was getting.

"Wow, Sally. You look... Wow."

I giggled - or maybe I was still giggling - and wrapped my arms around his. "Janine and the girls helped me pick it out last month I've been sitting on pins and needles wanting to show it to you I'm so glad you like it Did you see the pearls in my hair Aren't they pretty I don't know how they got them to stay there."

Zell laughed and covered my hands with his. "Breathe, Sally. Breathe."

I giggled and snuggled again. "Sorry I'm just so excited I can hardly believe this is happening!"

He kissed my hair. "Believe it, kitten. Happy birthday."

My hold on Zell's arm tightened and then loosened and then tightened again and again as I tried to keep from giving him his present early-- "Zell, I have a present for you Can I give you your present now I want to do it in private so that if you don't like it you don't have to feel like you have to take it Okay?"

Zell chuckled. "Sure, Sally, but I thought this was your birthday?"

I sat up and pulled my little matching purse onto my lap. My fingers were shaking horribly, so I could barely get the snap undone. But then it was open and I was pulling out the carefully folded piece of paper and then looking into his gorgeous blue eyes.

Zell took the paper from me and slowly unfolded it. Then he read it, his lips moving as always, and I watched as his smile faded to an expression of shock and amazement.

Zell looked over at me, eyes wide. "Are you serious?" He lifted the paper. "Combat King... They really want me to... Review? Anytime?"

I nodded, eyes twinkling and lips smiling as I held his gaze. "Uh-huh. And they said you wouldn't have to move anywhere, either. You could go online to view the submissions and just pick and choose which ones to review, submit them online, and even do video demonstrations of the good and the bad on the submission." I giggled, my eyes crinkling at the corners as I pointed at the letter. "It's all in there, sweetie. They'll even book tours when you're ready!"

"But I thought... I thought we were going to wait on this until... Winhill?"

I nodded. "And that's what's so great, Zell. You can wait if you want. They're willing to hold the offer." I pointed to a specific portion of the letter. "See? Right there." I looked back up again. "When I wrote to them I explained about the security office possibility in Winhill, and that's why they offered the 'online, anytime you want' portion of the contract."

Zell looked back down at the contract. "I... I don't know what to say, Sally. I... I mean..." He met my gaze and then drew me into a hug after placing a kiss on my lips. "Thank you, kitten. Thanks a lot."

I wrapped my arms tight around him. "I'm just glad you like it, sweetie."

He lightly kissed my neck. "I like it a lot."

We snuggled and held each other the rest of the way to the hotel in Balamb, not really hearing the laughter and the chatter coming from the other two carriages. It was my birthday, and I was with my sweetie, and he loved my present, and he loved me... Life was good.

Life got better.

We arrived to the party to shouts of "Happy Birthday" and "Congratulations" and "Happy Two-Zero" and a bunch of other greetings all shouted at the same time. I recognized almost everyone, but mostly everyone hadn't been on the agreed upon guest-list. I looked over at Zell wide-eyed.

"Happy Birthday," he said with a boyish smile.

"You invited... everyone?"

"Yep."

I hugged him again. "Thank you, Zell."

"Sure, kitten. Now let's hit this party full-force."

I giggled and nodded and accepted his help down from the carriage and into the party, accepting greetings and hugs and squeezes as I giggled and smiled and laughed my way into my birthday party. I couldn't believe all the people they had crammed into and around the hotel. There were people I knew from Galbadia Garden, mostly everyone from Balamb Garden, and a few people I had met online from Trabia Garden.

"Hey, Meg," came a call from the crowd.

I looked and looked, narrowing my eyes to try-- "Marshal!" I squeezed Zell's hand and giggled as I looked over at him. "Marshal's here!"

Zell laughed. "Of course he's here. He's the guy who helped me set all this craziness up!"

"Really?" I asked, wide-eyed. I turned and stepped forward to give Marshal a hug once he had finally emerged from the crowd. "Marshal... Thanks so much!"

Marshal chuckled and pushed back. "Hey now. I'm here with Ahndra, so don't get any ideas."

I giggled and then looked wide-eyed at the vision standing a little behind him. "Oh my gosh," I breathed.

Ahndra was dressed in a strapless satin dress of silver that matched her hair and brought out the vibrant color of both eyes. The dress fell clear to the floor, but it had a slit up the right side that went way farther than mine.

And she looked gorgeous!

I stepped over to her and hugged her before I could stop myself. "Oh my gosh Ahndra you look gorgeous And I love the way the dress brings out your eyes" and "It's so pretty and soft" and "Wow you look really pretty Marshal's really lucky to be here with you Don't you think so Zell?"

Marshal and Zell howled with laughter as I blinked at them in confusion. "What?"

"Regal."

I faced Ahndra again, and she wore that very slight smile that I'd seen earlier in the week in the cafeteria. I smiled.

"Calm down," she instructed.

I giggled and lowered my hands from her arms. "Sorry. I've never had a birthday party before and I'm just really glad everyone could come and it's so pretty--"

"Regal."

I halted mid-sentence and flushed dark. Then I lifted my shoulders with a whispered "Sorry."

One side of her lips twitched and then she handed me a small box wrapped with pink paper. I took it, eyes wide as I stared down at it. "Happy Birthday."

I could feel the tears coming, but I didn't care. Tears were me.

Zell stepped close and put his arm around my waist. "Sweet," he exclaimed. "They got you a present. Way to go, Dawg." Zell kissed my hair. "Open it up."

Shaky fingers unwrapped the pink paper and then lifted the lid-- I gasped and very gently lifted the china angel from the box. It looked like it had seen better years, because I could see a crack where it had been broken in half and then glued back together again, but it was beautiful and it was from Ahndra...

I looked up, tears streaming and vision blurry. "Oh my gosh. It's so pretty!" I stepped forward and gave her another hug. "Thank you thank you."

Zell gently stroked my back as he whispered "That rocks, guys. Thanks."

And then my life changed.

It neared midnight when Zell stood on the stage, recently cleared by the live band he had hired to play, and gathered everyone around and got everyone quiet. Then he grinned and motioned for me to climb up there with him. He helped me up and kept hold of my hand as he looked out at the crowd.

I watched him with a silly smile.

"As all of you probably know, Sally and I have been dating each other for about six months."

There was a wave of laughter and mumbling and my eyes crinkling at the corners as Zell motioned for them to be quiet.

"Yeah, yeah," he said, smiling. "Seifer, shut up. Marshal, wipe that stupid smirk off your face. Zack, no comments from you either. Anyway..." Zell faced me, still with that boyish smile. "Sally, this has been the best six months of my life. I never knew being this close to a girl could be so awesome. I mean, I can tell you everything and you actually listen and think it's important. You stand up for me. You do things just because you know I'll like them, even though you normally wouldn't because you're so shy.

"We've had our rough spots and smoothed them over because we wanted our relationship to work. We talked, sometimes we argued, but it was all good. No, it was great. I mean... Damn. You love me, and I've never had that with anyone."

My heart got lodged in my throat as every romantic movie I had ever watched started replaying one specific section over and over in my mind. My hand tightened on his. Oh my gosh...

"Dincht! Get on with it!"

Zell smirked and looked out at the crowd. "Pipe down, Seifer."

Then he focused on me again. My smile had long since vanished to an expression of amazement and disbelief. Then he went down on one knee and I gasped and covered my mouth with my hand, tears flowing and heart doing flips and jubilations.

The crowd roared.

"Sally Regal," Zell asked as he pulled an opened velveteen box from behind him, "will you marry me?"

There sounded a chorus of squeals from throughout the room as I stared down at Zell, at my sweetie and my hero, in wonder and glorious silence. I had dreamed of him asking me that question for three years... I blinked the tears from my eyes and gave several quick nods, definitely not trusting my voice as he held my hand and slipped the ring on my finger... It twinkled in the light, winking at me and letting me know I'd finally found the right guy.

Then Zell stood-- I threw myself into his arms with an "Oh Zell!" as I hid my face in his neck and cried. Life's lessons on stress had taught me about love and friendships while showing me that life was definitely worth living every minute to its fullest potential.

The End

If you want to find out more about Janine Larabie and Seifer Almasy's relationship, read The Reluctant Knight (rated R for sensuality and language) on my website mintfield dot net.