"Donna koto demo yatte mit"
("No matter what it is, give everything a try")
Beautiful World
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Seifer awoke the next morning with a splitting headache, something quite accustomed by him. He massaged his temples and eased his eyes to the bright light of day. Class starts soon, then session with Instructor Tre—
Something felt off about his thought of Instructor Trepe. He felt slightly anxious, and odd since he felt like he had just seen her. He knew he skipped his session yesterday, something the instructor dearly did not approve of. Yet somehow, he felt he did see her the day before.
Perhaps he'd dreamt it? Walking into her classroom, talking to her, hearing her strict tone— kissing her…
He had dreamt it, he must've. It couldn't be possible he actually did something so wrong on so many levels. Of course, he dreamt it; Seifer would never do something like that with Instructor Trepe. It was just a dream…
"Seifer! Seifer let me in!"
Seifer could hear Rinoa's faded and distant call shouting from the door of his dorm. The already growing anxiety shot up as Seifer eyed the dorm entrance through his open room door. He groaned and squinted his eyes while trying to think of the night before, what had he done?
"Seifer please! I need to talk to you!"
No longer sure of his own actions, Seifer stood up, ready to face the music. Whatever he believed Rinoa had done, it probably didn't surpass what he'd committed. Reluctantly, he stood up and opened up the dorm's front door allowing in Rinoa who heaved and sighed as she'd obviously rushed here.
"Seifer listen, I'm so sorry! It just looked bad, nothing was happening. We were just talking! I've been looking for you since yesterday, and I- I—"
Seifer closed his eyes and swept his hand nonchalantly, "Let's just forget about it." He said quietly.
Rinoa's eyes beamed happiness as she leapt over Seifer in a tight embrace, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She planted a kiss on his cheek and stood suspended in the air from her grip holding Seifer's tall shoulders tightly. "Now come on let's get ready and head to class? Feels like you haven't walked me to a class in forever!"
Class… the real moment of truth would reveal, if something did happen in with Instructor the previous night, she wouldn't hesitate to tell him. He nodded and put on his casual smile hiding his fear and guilt eating at him.
'''''''''''''''''''''
Quistis tried hard to concentrate on Headmistress Edea. She tried even harder to be attentive to the plan for Selphie Edea discussed. Her mind simply failed to even pay the minutest amount of interest in Selphie or the Headmistress.
"Instructor Trepe?" Selphie asked cutely as she sat at the edge her seat, her little legs dangling childishly.
Blinking several times, Quistis slowly moved her head to the small brunette, "I'm sorry, did you say something?"
Selphie and Edea exchanged confused glances at one another. It was the second time Edea found herself explaining her very well made out schedule to Quistis and for a second time, she didn't understand or hear her.
Quistis noticed the awkward silence and began flushing red, she bowed embarrassedly. "Pardon me, Headmistress, I was up late last night. I can't quite seem focus well enough it appears."
Still slightly appearing confused, Edea bowed her head politely, "It's fine Quistis, come back when you're feeling better. Selphie and I usually have long days, we're bound to be here for awhile. I hope you feel up to your classes today."
"Y-yes, of course." With that, Quistis made a hasty exit passed the office foyer into the elevator. She leaned against the sleek metal wall of the small vesicle and hung her head in shame. She couldn't bring herself to stop thinking about the instance with Seifer the night before.
Worse than that, she couldn't decide what to do now…
Either she confronted him about it, and risk the unpredictability of his response being positive or negative. Whichever way he took it, Quistis didn't know if she wanted to hear any response. Mixed emotions swarmed through body as she thought of the amazing passion she felt from that brief kiss. At the same time, she knew Seifer had a girlfriend; perhaps mentioning it would put the two of them in a very complicated situation.
Or maybe a very good situation…
Quistis shook her head madly; she didn't look at Seifer that way! He was impulsive rude and arrogant. She could tolerate him now, yes, but that was a long shot of actually wanting to be in a relationship with him.
The excitement of having a kiss after so long made her head spin. That was it, a rush, no emotion involved.
That still left Quistis at a crossroads if she should ask Seifer about it or pretend it didn't happen. She exited the small elevator to the overcrowded second floor full of students busily heading to class.
"That bitch… I much prefer celebrating with you." Before Quistis pondered anymore on the subject, her answer came fleeting towards her.
Rinoa arms linked tightly with Seifer's came trotting the hall with a wide smile as she leaned her little raven haired head on his shoulder, or as close as she could get to it. Seifer smiled his normal thin smirk, haughty and proud. They walked in union, both appearing to be equally happy with one another.
The moment Quistis laid eyes on their happy-go-lucky scene, she knew immediately the events of the night before would better serve as a secret. She'd address Seifer as though nothing occurred. As she smiled good morning to everybody in her class, she sat behind her desk and sighed, a slight feeling of disappointment lingering in her chest.
''''''''''''''''''''''
Irvine groaned loudly, breaking the silence that held heavy in his room since he entered it the night before. Irritable from the fact he'd been sleeping alone since the night with Wimbly Donner, Irvine kicked off his sheets all to just roll over.
Outside of his door, Irvine could hear Zell scrambling about for his books and shoes. A few bumps and stumbles, followed by pained muttered curses, and finally came the familiar beating on Irvine's door. "Hey Kinneas! Have you seen my history book?"
"Just take mine, it's on the table." Irvine mumbled loudly not moving off his side.
"I had notes in mine!" Zell panicked still beating the door.
What a prick, Irvine forced himself up and stared at the door darkly. If Zell broke it again, they'd both be in trouble. He recalled the embarrassing event when they had to explain to Xu why his first door broke.
"So what happened here?" Xu asked, her arms crossed as she eyed the dorm door with a large perfect hole punched through.
"I was knocking, to get in— er for awhile." Zell uttered with shame, rubbing the back of his neck vigorously.
"And why didn't you answer it sooner Irvine?" Xu snapped at the seemingly innocent roommate.
"It was funny…" Irvine admitted guiltily.
He swept to his door and pulled it open. Zell, taken aback to see Irvine actually appear gave him an awkward smile as a good morning. "I dunnno know where your book is Zell, sorry."
Zell seemed to have dropped the subject as he swished his head side to side as though looking for something in Irvine's room. Irvine eyed him curiously, wondering if Zell actually was accusing him of stealing his book. "You alone in here?" He asked finally.
This sucks… "Yeah so?" Irvine replied nonchalantly, "I was tired last night." He shrugged it off, then suddenly overcome with curiosity of why Zell was so nosy! "What's it to you?"
"Nothing man, just weird since you came back to the room late, but not in the middle of the night or anything." Zell gave him a pat on the shoulder with his massive strong hand, "But even legends take nights off eh?" He chuckled and returned to looking for his book.
Irvine squinted his eyes with annoyance. The only reason he was alone was due to the fact he canceled his date to stay with Selphie. For some reason she appeared so frightened and frazzled, Irvine felt almost guilty to leave her. It took her hours to fall asleep and Irvine found himself asleep too. He woke up in the middle of the night and went back to his room once he was sure Selphie was deep in slumber.
"You coming to class?" Zell asked while shoveling clothes and papers out of his way.
"Might as well, I'm up aren't I?" Irvine yawned.
''''''''''''''''''''''''
Selphie got off early from class with Matron due to the fact she was supposed to start with Quistis today, but Instructor Trepe seemed to side tracked to take on a new activity today. Matron finished her lesson and dismissed Selphie ahead of time giving the afternoon much more free time.
What to do with the time though? Most days she'd find Irvine and practice fighting with him, and with her scheduled training with Instructor Trepe coming up she wanted to continue that habit eagerly, however she had an odd feeling whenever she thought about the handsome cowboy.
Lately, Irvine acted peculiarly around her. Ever since the day at the Student Festival Committee meeting, he acted cold distant, with random spontaneous bursts of sweet and caring moments. The behavior reminded her vaguely of Mr. Devin and fearing Irvine might actually be upset with her, Selphie decided not to seek Irvine out herself.
Every time she thought about him though, a warm fluttering of excitement filled her chest. Memories of the night before when Irvine came to her side and laid beside until she fell asleep swirled through her mind bringing an ever-growing smile to her small face. Unfortunately, Selphie woke up somewhere in the middle of the night to find Irvine left, as he said he'd only stay till she fell asleep. His absence made it hard to return to slumber and Selphie spent the rest of the night up in worry, fear, and loneliness. Even when she lived in Trabia, being alone at night was something she never enjoyed. Despite the uncomfortable situations with her clients and Mr. Devin, at least it kept her with someone, even if for a short while.
Still lost in her thoughts, Selphie didn't notice Nida crossing path and eventually halting her altogether. "Hello Selphie!" He greeted her brightly shaking Selphie out of her daze.
Taken aback, Selphie widened her eyes and stepped backwards putting her thoughts back in order. "Oh, h-hi Nida. What's up?" She finally said after a moment.
"I was just heading to the Quad, Wimbly begged me to put some more elbow grease this week, but since the SeeD exam could happen any day, I just go whenever I'm available, so it won't upset her when I do go off for my exam." Nida explained as he crossed his arms comfortably.
Selphie raised an eyebrow a bit confused and slightly disgusted, "Elbow grease? What the heck is that and why would you put it in the banquet? Grease is nasty!"
Nida blinked several times before he eventually smiled and laughed full heartedly. "Selphie it's a figure of speech! It just means hard work. You are such a funny girl!" He held his sides as his head bowed a bit through his laughter.
Turning a blooming red from embarrassment, Selphie turned her head away and bit the inside of her cheek counting the seconds of Nida's laughter.
"You know Selphie," Nida said finally ending his fit of laughs as he wiped his eyes from their forming tears, "If you're free, I'd very much appreciate the help."
Selphie lit up like a light bulb and nodded vigorously, "Tee-hee! Sure!"
'''''''''''''''''''''''
After class ended, Seifer waited patiently for every student to disappear behind the mechanical classroom doors before even sitting up from his seat placed in the back of the room. He eyed his instructor sitting at the front of the room not at all fazed by him delaying to get up. Her calmness drew him crazy!
With apprehension built up within his gut, Seifer stood up slowly, ready to face the music. Whatever happened with Instructor Trepe last night would finally reveal. She would confirm if he'd done something completely stupid and impulsive or put the fear to rest.
"Ah, there you are Seifer. Where were you yesterday? I was here quite late." Quistis said cheerfully as she raised her attention from her work on her desk.
Seifer stopped dead in his tracks as he let Instructor Trepe's greeting flow over him soothing his nervousness and anxiety. As the new swept over him, his witty smile touched his lips and he took a seat directly in front of his instructor.
"I got side tracked Instructor, I'm terribly sorry." He said snidely.
Instructor Trepe pursed her lips irritably and returned her gaze to her paperwork, "Is that so? Celebrating with Rinoa no doubt?"
"Something like that—" Seifer said choking on his words. The picture of Squall holding Rinoa's hand pulled at his chest.
His pain must've been written on his face since Quistis responded instantly to it, "Is something wrong, Seifer? You seem distressed. If something's on your mind you should say it."
Seifer turned his head away as he hated complaining about Squall aloud. It sounded petty, even to him. "It's all fixed now, why dig up a dead body?"
"Because it appears to be haunting you." Instructor Trepe replied smoothly.
What perfect wording she'd used— Seifer closed his eyes and groaned, "Rinoa and I just got over a big fight. It's been really estranged between us lately."
"But you seemed so happy with her today."
"Today, sure. That's only because we both hit a limit. Maybe not a big one but— urgh…" Seifer stood up and beat his fists into the nearest student study panel. "That damn Squall! I always saw them together and yesterday, I thought they were holding hands, in public! That's my girl and he's always all over her!" He faced Quistis, anger furling deep in his eyes, "I celebrated with Fujin and Rajin. Went drinking… and then—" Seifer quickly cut himself off.
"And then what?" Quistis asked, pulled in full heartedly to his story.
Seifer sat back down and sighed calming his temper down. He stayed quiet for a moment as he decided what to say next. "Rinoa came this morning and apologized for everything. I thought I did something really stupid last night and since I was guilty I thought let's just let bygones be bygones."
"But you're frustrated again."
"I realize I didn't do anything to be guilty for."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Trust me," Seifer said with a chuckle. He looked at Quistis with a burnished gleam in his eye, "if I did, it'd show itself… quickly."
Instructor Trepe stayed silent and looked at her lap. After sitting in thought for a few moments she rolled her head back to look at Seifer and gave him a small smile. "Letting it all go with Rinoa was wise of you Seifer. I know now that the root of your frustration does in fact fester from Squall, I don't understand why though."
Seifer shifted uncomfortably. The idea of Squall having that much influence over him bothered him thoroughly.
"I do know however, your progress doesn't come from him. Your relationship with Squall has only worsened but you've grown. You allow your girlfriend to befriend him, you don't get in get in sporadic fights with him, and you behave so much better with me." Quistis' grin grew, a film of forming tear shining in her eye. "You should continue this streak, Seifer. Just let it go."
Quistis turned away and stifled her tears, too proud to let any fall. She quickly released her hair from her to clip to give her something focus on until her desire of crying subsided. As her long locks fell on her shoulder, she combed through with her fingers waiting for Seifer to take her mind of the subject daunting her psyche. When he didn't, she quietly told him he was dismissed.
Just when Quistis believed Seifer would leave without a word he abruptly started. "Whoa,"
Quistis darted her eyes to Seifer confused with what could possibly startle him. "Yes?"
"It's nothing," Seifer said shaking his head with a laugh. He turned his face to the wall, "You just look very pretty with your hair out. You should do it more often."
Instead of thanking Seifer for his compliment, Quistis sat frozen as though she'd hit a realization or epiphany. Even her fingers in mid stroke tangled in her hair stationed in place. "Oh instructor, you look so pretty like that—" Seifer chuckled wily. Perhaps Seifer should know of what he'd done the night before. She instantly stood up and said, "Seifer I—"
"Instructor, listen." Seifer said suddenly trying to cover his slight embarrassment of something too brazen to say to your instructor in too sober of tone. "I do, I just want to thank you. I know you were ordered to sit me down and discuss my problems," He chuckled sarcastically, "but you do a lot more than that. So er— thank you." With that, Seifer came over swiftly and hugged Quistis gently.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''
The Quad overflowed wall to wall of balloon arches, ornately decorated tables and platforms. All the decorations stood neatly in order as the committee had spent hours of hard labor on any given day to build and repair them. Wimbly organized them in a fashion so it'd be easier to move straight into the banquet hall whenever the SeeD Inauguration ball would surprise them. The semi-annual Inauguration ball could only take place after the conclusion of the SeeD exams, held twice a year. Since the exam could only be administered when Balamb received a distress call large enough for all SeeD applicants to attend, everyone was on standby.
Random committee members came and went throughout the past week to hurry and finish all the preparations, with the exception of Irvine who came only when dragged by Selphie.
Nida and Selphie sat at the only clutter free corner of the Quad. The remaining preparations that could be taken care of consisted of table arranging. Wimbly distrusted any member to take care of place settings and making center pieces but she did let Nida and Selphie press iron all the elegant table dressings.
As the two members sat in the cool day's breeze ironing the white sheets adorned with thick wreaths of cloth flowers they made fun of Wimbly's perfectionism to pass the time.
"Careful Selphie, she might notice if you singe a stitch on the hem!" Nida cried out overdramatically.
Selphie, holding a long rectangular cloth, weighed down by its stitched on decorations sighed loudly, "You're soo right! Maybe I just throw it away. I mean it's no good to her destroyed like this!" The two laughed as they collectively folded the mats keeping their creasing.
"Looks like we're about done." Nida said after the last sheet had carefully been stored. He gazed over the cornucopia of décor stuffing the Quad and smiled, "Everything else Wimbly will handle. I think it's safe to say we can just sit back until the ball."
A glittering look took over Selphie as she lost herself in the view of preparations, "I've never been to a ball! It's going to be so pretty! I just can't wait!"
"You deserve it Selphie, you've worked really hard on everything." Nida grinned her way.
"Tee-hee, thanks."
Nida stroked his chin as Selphie continued to daydream over the ball-to-be. "You know I've been to the Inauguration Ball a few times, since I've joined the committee, of course." He glanced up to see Selphie was giving him very little attention and was far too distracted with the glimmering balloon arches and artificial flower arrangements. "But the year is going to be different!" He continued raising his volume noticeably.
Finally affected by what Nida had to say, Selphie turned to him and tilted her petite head. "Whatdya mean?"
Nida became silent for a moment. He nervously cleared his throat and met eyes with Selphie again. "Well I just passed my field exam the other day, so all I have left is my SeeD exam. If I pass you know, I will be invited to the Ball. Not for the Committee, but you know— I apologize, I meant, I just wanted to know if you'd go with me, as my date?" Nida looked incredibly apprehensive, "I know it is not a sure thing yet, but I have high hopes!"
"I'd love to go!" Selphie squeaked. Her mind was no longer standing at the edge of Quad, alone in her imaginary banquet. It'd returned to Devin's golden ballroom that glittered and shined, however empty and abandoned it seemed. Her heart lifted as she remembered dancing and gliding across the marble grounds. Soon she could return to that scene, and she couldn't wait.
"Really? Wow, that's fantastic!" Nida said with his happy composure returning to his face.
Nodding in agreement Selphie turned back to the efforts of the Student Festival Committee and smiled.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Rinoa walked passed the mossy green pathways of the Training Center, her blaster edge tightly wound around her arm. Seifer no doubt would spend his allotted timed with Instructor Trepe as he always did, so she decided to find something to do to pass the time. Lately, since her and Irvine had their fight, finding recreational activities that didn't involve studying weren't as easy to think of.
The large metal doors closing off the training grounds from the rest of the school squeaked loudly as Rinoa pushed them inhaling the musty scent of wet grass, and rusted metal. Cautiously, Rinoa entered listening carefully as the heavy doors shut behind her. She hadn't been in the Training Center alone since—
As much as Rinoa kept telling herself she was here to pass the time until Seifer returned, she couldn't fight the hope that'd she see Squall someplace. After all, their relationship rather took off in this place. Rinoa inhaled deeply and slowly moved forward.
A habit, as well as a recommendation from teachers, Rinoa never trained alone. The training grounds and sometimes the open plains were monster roamed freely frightened her. Irvine or Seifer always came along to watch her back and help her if she became overwhelmed. Thinking back more and more how she so seldom came here alone built up more anxiety in her gut with each step.
"You shouldn't be here alone."
Rinoa leapt up in fear and spun around holding her blaster edge forward ready to fire. Without gazing and focusing once, she shot the blade and stood still to see her surroundings.
With a small step to the side, Squall dodged Rinoa's poorly aimed projectile and continued to eye her curiously. When the blade returned to its owner, Rinoa gazed at Squall with happiness in her eyes. "Squall!"
Although she sounded surprised, Rinoa knew honestly she'd been more surprised if she didn't find Squall at some point in the Training Center.
"So? What're you doing here alone?"
Rinoa smiled and walked slowly towards Squall, "Oh I was bored," She giggled, "I'm just waiting for Seifer to be free. What're you doing here?" She twirled gracefully and shined her kind grin.
"Training." Squall replied dully.
"Can I join you?" She asked quickly before Squall could dismiss her. He shrugged, and Rinoa took that as a positive response to her question. "So Seifer and I made up!" She added without anyone's asking.
Squall nodded, or appeared to nod.
"You know, since he walked in on us holding hands and all. I-I just wanted to let you know he's not mad about that or anything." Rinoa continued hoping Squall would take some initiative. Still, of course, nothing spilled from Squall's lips. A bit irritated Rinoa skipped before Squall, halting him in his place.
"What?" He retorted almost snapping.
"I'm talking to you! After all, you were the one who got me in trouble!"
Squall swept passed Rinoa and rolled his eyes, "I didn't do anything," He stopped a few steps later and turned around to face a fuming Rinoa, "I really don't care what happened between you two, it's not my business."
Rinoa's anger subsided and a defeat came over her face, he cared that little about her relationship status? After all the time they spent, Squall hadn't grown any feeling towards her? The way he grabbed her hand the day before, surely he cared somewhat!
"All I care about is getting my ring back."
In these matters the only certainty is that nothing is certain.
-Pliny the Elder
