"Beautiful World!"
Beautiful World
Chapter Thirty-Six
Few Saturday nights in Irvine's life went to playing children games, even as a child. Instead, he spent time with the various passions in his life, gunmanship, and later on, women. Occasionally he'd spend a weekend or two devoted strictly to Rinoa or school, but it truly had been a long time since Irvine played Cheeky Chirpy Chocobos.
Despite its difficult to say alliterated name, Cheeky Chirpy Chocobos was about taking control of a plastic chocobo head, whose beak would open at the command of the only button on the board, and then trying to eat as many gyshal greens. The player with the most in their chocobo's mouths by time's end, won.
Irvine madly pressed his buttons watching the shiny plastic beak open widely and gobble the greens, which were just small balls painted to have gyshal greens on it.
"Tiiiime's up!" Selphie called cheerfully releasing control of her chocobo. "Count them up!" She released the contents of her end of the board and excitedly counted each colored sphere totaling her score. "Alright Irvy… I think this is the score to beat, 15!"
"I was close you know." Irvine scoffed stubbornly, unfamiliar with good sportsmanship. He flicked his collection of 13 greens aside.
Rinoa had gone off on her date with Squall, leaving Selphie to have the dorm to herself, and Irvine of course. While Irvine knew and thought of several ways to take advantage the night, Selphie arrived the day before thrilled and excited to show him a game that Matron found in the storage room.
As the General's daughter's best friend, there was no toy Irvine hadn't received the pleasure of playing with, but after seeing Selphie's enthusiasm to play it, he couldn't resist.
"Alright you win again, can we do something else now?" Irvine asked, partially because the game was dull, and partially because he kept losing.
Selphie sighed as she scooped the game and all its pieces back into its rightful box. "So what should we do now?" After securing the cover over the top of the box, Selphie took a seat next to Irvine. She tilted her head cutely looked into Irvine's eyes.
"How about a movie? I'm pretty sure Zell has a TV we could probably borrow. Apparently we're like best buds now." He chuckled.
Selphie's eyes lit up, "A movie?" She repeated in wonder.
"Yeah, you got any preferences? We could call a cab and rent one from town."
Selphie leapt to her feet and danced tip-toe to tip-toe. "Oh I've only watched one movie." She a brought a hand to her flaring her fingers dramatically. "It was really good."
"You've only watched one movie… in your whole life?" Irvine asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yep!" Selphie nodded ecstatically. "It was the only one I found find at Mr. Devin's house. Whenever I went over there and was bored, I'd watch it!"
More Mr. Devin eh? The more anecdotes Irvine heard of the infamous Mr. Devin, the most confused he got. From the sounds of it, he was a relative who looked after her on some note, but if that were the case why was she a prostitute who lived in a shack? Also, what did Selphie do to make him so angry at her that it strikes fear in her heart just thinking about it? Probably not a relative then… maybe someone she just met and helped her out some? Maybe she owes him money or something…
Irvine blinked realizing he'd been silent for a long while, he rubbed the back of his neck nervously and began talking hoping Selphie didn't notice. "So what's the name of the movie?"
"The Dragon Knight! It's about a Sorceress—"
Oooof course it is, why wouldn't it be? Not that I really expect Selphie to be into cowboy movies or anything, Irvine thought to himself.
"who gets captured by this biiig red dragon. So her knight goes on this really hard journey to get her back. It's so sweet, and the knight is super cool!" Selphie smiled brightly, "Haven't you heard of it? Mr. Devin said it was really famous. The guy who played the knight is like a president or something."
Irvine thought hard over the collection of films he'd watched, he definitely heard of the Dragon Knight, a Galbadian film if he recalled. "The Dragon Knight," He repeated, as the knowledge returned to him, "isn't that like insanely old? Like older than you and me?"
Selphie shrugged, "I don't know, but I really liked it! Can we watch that?"
Irvine chuckled, "Well, since it's really old, it might be kinda hard to find. How about we do that another night, after I get a copy?"
Still smiling brightly, Selphie nodded. She looked around the dorm, silent for a few moments. Finally, she said, "So what are we going to do now then?"
A grin touched Irvine's lips as he came to his feet. He swept Selphie into his arms and gazed into her eyes deeply, "How about something fun and crazy?" He uttered smoothly.
"Like mess up the dorm and blame it on Angelo!" Selphie squeaked. She slipped out of Irvine's grip and began at her loony idea. Irvine turned around and watched as Selphie knocked down the chairs, gentle to not break anything. With a small shrug, Irvine joined in finding the sabotaging the dorm to be quite enjoyable.
After tearing the room apart, Irvine opened Rinoa's door revealing peaceful sleeping Angelo. He scattered a few books in her room and tore a few sheets of paper to finish it off. Satisfied that the evidence led to Angelo Irvine smiled and observed the handiwork with Selphie.
"That was fun!" She cheered.
"That was fun," Irvine agreed. He gently whisked Selphie by the shoulders and placed her back against the wall, "but when I said crazy and fun I had something more like this in mind." Slowly he moved his head to hers and grazed her lips with his. He felt her lips forming a smile before he engaged in locking his lips with hers.
A moment after Irvine comfortably placed his arms around his small girlfriend, and she around his neck, the door behind them opened revealing a nicely dressed Rinoa. Selphie and Irvine tore away and saw her enter the dorm hesitantly with Squall behind her.
Rinoa looked around the dorm, stunned. Finally, after making out the mess she looked to the pair across the room that looked rather flustered. "Wha—" She began.
"It was Angelo! It was like this when we got here!" Selphie squeaked as she leapt over the clutter, passed Squall, and down the hall.
"Yeah, you need to get that dog some new toys. He's totally restless." Irvine added hastily as he followed Selphie closely.
The two of them trotted down the hall, laughing victoriously at their prank. However, the possibility of Rinoa screaming down Irvine's deck did arise. Carelessly, the two of them walked towards the end of the long winding corridor to the single dormitories where SeeDs and instructors stayed.
"So what should we do, now that we're alone again?" Irvine purred wrapping his arms around Selphie, bringing her back into himself.
Selphie looked up at him innocently, "We wer—"
Before she could finish her sentence, a door close by opened and a very excited Zell emerged. "Hey guys!" He raised his massive hand in air and called to them loudly. "Great timing!"
"Is it?" Irvine moaned under his breath as Selphie slipped away curious to see the cause of Zell's added energy. Zell spoke rapidly his hands moving madly as he gestured. After he'd told Selphie he looked over her head to Irvine to ask if he was coming. Since Selphie was already following him, Irvine dragged his feet along.
"Irvy isn't that great? We were just talking about that!" Selphie squeaked happily.
Irvine paused trying to recollect what exactly they had just been talking about. Not wanting to sound like his conventional sniper slut self only concerned with his interrupted make out session, he opened his mouth only to look ever more confused.
"We're talking about my new TV Kinneas." Zell said happily. He gestured for them to come into his dorm, where Amy sat pointing to the new shiny television set. The screen had a flat surface, with a silver perimeter gleaming its small manufacture's logo on the bottom corner.
"Woods Inc…" Selphie read tracing her fingertips gingerly over the metallic tree icon. Somehow, that sounded familiar to her.
Zell chuckled, "54 inches of beauty!" He looked back at his friends with a wise smile, as if ready to explain something. "You guys know much about Wood's Industry? It's amazing, it started five generations ago as small merchants trade. It's grown to a huge company that's pretty much a conglomerate that has a hand in anything and everything."
"And it's owner is Vinzer Deling!" Selphie jumped up excited to contribute a piece of intelligent information to her much more educated peers. She finally recollected that she heard Wood's Incorporated from Matron's suitor's speech.
Amy, Zell, and Irvine exchanged awkward glances. They all wanted to explain to Selphie that she was dreadfully wrong, but her upbeat attitude would inevitably be crushed. Hesitantly, know-it-all Zell smiled and said, "Actually Vinzer Deling is the president of Galbadia, Wood's industries is stat—"
"Who cares! Let's watch something off of this thing!" Irvine interrupted finally admiring the television set. "What'd you do Zell, splurge your first paycheck on it?"
Zell squinted his eyes. "Tch as if. It's a gift from my Ma in Balamb. You know, the celebrate me becoming a SeeD. Come on everyone take a seat." Unfortunately, the single dormitories were not very big or able to contain much furniture, as so the three of them climbed onto Zell's bed. Selpie leaned against Irvine and Amy against the wall waiting for Zell so she could relax in the same position. "Okay, so let's watch Secretary!" He set the movie to play and jumped onto the bed beside Amy.
Irvine felt the need to protest, but Selphie's enthusiasm as the movie started halted him. The movie as he predicted wasn't his cup of tea. It was about a Chocobo ranch on the verge of closing down, until a miracle chicobo is born. In order to save the ranch, the chicobo, trained as a racer, must win three grand races, an impossible feat.
Shortly after the climax of the movie, Irvine heard a small sigh that came from Selphie. He turned to the side and saw her fast asleep against his shoulder. He chuckled and motioned to Zell. Amy and him smiled as they waved goodbye to Irvine who carried Selphie in his arms.
Although Irvine had no trouble of carrying Selphie all the way back to her dorm, he felt hesitant to face Rinoa if she still was awake. That aside, he wanted to remain with Selphie. More or less due to the second reason, he went along to his dorm, only a few more doors down. He rested Selphie gently on his bed and laid by her, comfortably falling into a restful sleep.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
The weekend passed by and nearly four days since any male interruption. Not as though to say she needed it, Quistis hadn't really found the men in her life that distracting. If anything, they always made her work harder.
Levi always inspired her to become the best SeeD. When he passed away his absence made her concentrate only harder on work, so as to keep her mind away from him. Squall intrigued her to be the best instructor in hopes that he'd give her the time of day. Seifer… well Seifer was a few hours with company. Other than that, he never really troubled her.
That is since things became dramatically more complicated between them.
Although she dismissed Seifer, blatantly telling him to leave her personal life, she found it surprising someone as stubborn as him had given up so quickly. It felt almost unsettling that he'd shown up to class perfectly on time, with his assignments always done and always greeted and wished goodbye to her in the most polite manner.
Maybe he's trying to lull me into false security… Quistis thought snidely. It's only been two classes, I'm sure he'll pull something this week.
Seifer walked into class, and with a neutral "Good morning," he rested his paper on her desk. Without another word, he smoothly went off to his study panel. She eyed carefully as he gazed about the classroom avoiding her eye contact.
Not trying to appear too obvious, she slid Seifer's paper off the stack and began reading. Although it wasn't perfection for the assignment, it contained no vulgarity or innuendo of any kind. Baku's overly poetic papers had more flirtatiousness to it.
She knew she ought to be pleased, but a part of her felt defeated that Seifer had already ceased fighting. It felt as though the rumors of Seifer cheating on Rinoa affected her relationship with him too. Did he truly not care anymore? Did he ever?
"Choose your priorities wisely, Instructor."Seifer's last words echoed in her mind clearing up her confusion. Although Seifer's feelings didn't feel certain in her heart, she realized Seifer was waiting for her to make a move. I'm his Instructor, there's no moves to be made! She inhaled deeply realizing the end had arrived, she and Seifer had arrived at a standstill and neither would resume.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Irvine walked into class in a chirper mood. Selphie awoke and left to her classes with Matron before he realized it, but no matter it didn't put a damper on his mood. Not only did he enjoy a fun night with Selphie, but also today marked the day he took his first SeeD Rank Examination. As he hadn't been on a mission, it simply showed his standing with other currently unoccupied SeeDs. Plus a bump in his next paycheck, whenever it may come.
He looked over to Rinoa who sat in her routine seat, beside his study panel. She leered at him darkly as if to say, 'I know what you did last night!' Hesitantly, with a nervous smile, Irvine stepped lightly and sat himself down. He tipped his black cowboy hat to her, a part of his outfit that always came along despite him wearing a school uniform, and beamed. "Rin, you look so—"
"Not in the mood Irvine. I spent all last night trying to figure out if it was Angelo who messed everything up." She snapped her head in his direction, "I realize it wasn't!"
"It was Selphie's idea!" Irvine pleaded defensively.
"Oh wow Irvine, first my dog then your girlfriend? Have some pride and own up to your crimes." Rinoa scoffed returning to her study panel.
Although Irvine hadn't lied, causing trouble for Rinoa didn't sound like a pastime for Selphie. Without a doubt, it sounded more believable laying the blame on Irvine. He shrugged and leaned back in his seat waiting for Akii to enter class. He turned his attention back to Rinoa, who sat prepared for lecture to start.
"Sorry if we messed up your date though." He said quietly.
Without turning to him, and keeping her eyes on her study panel, she dazed off with a small smile. "It's okay, it was rather helpful. To be honest, I just feel nervous around Squall now. After things are finally working out it's hard to just relax around him. I haven't even kissed him."
"I thought—" Irvine started.
"Since we started dating!" Rinoa scolded. With Irvine hushed, she inhaled softly and sighed. "I just need something to break the ice again, but he's so quiet I can't expect him to do it."
"Too bad I'm not your date, you're always relaxed around me." The cowboy chuckled readjusting his hat.
"Irvine! That's it! You're a genius!" Rinoa clasped her hands together happily.
"I am? Well course' I am, but what'd I do?"
"Let's have a double date, you and Selphie with Squall and I. It'll finally just get me to relax and be myself again. Come on, what do you say?"
Irvine rubbed the back his neck uncomfortably. In the past, he learned he wasn't terribly fond of double dates. "With Squall? He's such a stiff…" Although, he knew Selphie most likely would love the idea of going on a date. They hadn't since the night they met in Trabia. Perhaps this one would end better. He glanced over at Rinoa's pleading eyes, "Eh okay I guess."
"Oh thank you Irvine!" Rinoa squealed. She didn't have much of a chance to continue her words of gratitude since Instructor Akii walked in and called for everyone's silence. He issued Irvine his exam and proceeded to lecture the rest of the students.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Once class ended, the normal crowd of students eager to leave wasted not a minute to exit. The other lingering minority dawdled slowly following trickling the remaining few to the Trepe Groupies along with the two SeeD's in the class finishing their level exam.
With the SeeDs still working, the Trepies paid their respects and left Instructor Trepe alone with Squall and Seifer who finished their tests at the exact same time. They avoided even bumping shoulders with one another as they placed the sheeted exam on Quistis' desk.
As they both turned to leave, without control Quistis blurted, "Wait." The two stopped and gazed at their Instructor curiously, not attempting to be in such unison. Realizing both students were paying her attention, Instructor Trepe bashfully pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and cleared her throat. "If you two are interested, you may wait here and I'll grade these now."
Seifer glanced over at Squall who'd crossed his arms, turned away, and entered a moment of thought. Rolling his eyes and internally groaning, Seifer mentally cursed him. After pondering for a few quiet moments, Squall relaxed his arms and shook his head. "No thanks, not interested." He turned to the exit, "Take your time." He added as he left.
The doors hummed softly as they closed swiftly behind leaving Instructor Trepe alone with Seifer. So far, Seifer said nothing about wanting to hear his results; rather he'd spent the entire answering period fuming at Squall.
"Seifer?"
Blinking his emerald colored eyes in realization Squall left, and he alone remained with Quistis he turned around and smirked politely. "Yes Instructor, please do grade mine. And if Pretty Boy really has no desire to know his rank, I'd be happy to get rid of his results." Ending with a small chortle, Seifer leered at his lovely instructor watchfully.
"Very well, take a seat." Quistis replied calmly. She rested Seifer's exam before her and scanned over his answers. She listened intently as he stepped closer and took a seat. Not looking up to meet his gaze, Instructor Trepe failed to notice how close Seifer chose to sit by her. After scanning the first few questions, she raised her head shocked to find Seifer only a foot or so away, his head even closer. "S-Seifer," She sputtered.
"Well? How am I doing so far, Instructor?"
Quistis rested back in her chair as she inhaled deeply. She could see now the shallowness of Seifer's politeness. With every effort to address her, he wanted to strike her with her own words. "So far, so good." She finally responded with a wry smile.
She returned to the last question she read and began scanning the next series of answers. Seifer's attention and focus on her burned the top of her head. She drummed her fingers over the edges of the paper trying to return her own attention to the exam.
Zombie is a status affliction cured by an Echo Sc— Quistis' thought process found itself interrupted by Seifer resting his hand over hers. "What are you doing?" She said sharply.
"I've changed my mind, I don't need these answers right this moment. You can take your time with mine too." Seifer grinned slyly narrowing his eyes. He removed his hand from hers and came to his feet.
"Seifer—" Quistis began unsure of how her sentence would end.
Seifer kept walking until he reached the door; with a loud sigh, he turned back to her. "I didn't mean the exam, Instructor." He released a small chuckle and flicked a small wad of paper towards the desk. It landed silently on the tile floor and bounced once remaining a few feet from Quistis' chair.
"What is it?" She breathed, her eyes locked on the small amount of paper.
"A proposal, Instructor." Seifer replied in his conventional arrogant tone. "One that only you can determine the end to."
Raising her eyebrow sharply, Quistis shot her head back up to Seifer. "What in Hyne's name are you talking about? Stop playing games Seifer, this is unnecessary and not amusing. And here I was just beginning to accept your good behavior."
A moment of quiet passed before Seifer smiled widely and began laughing heartily with a sneaky undertone. "Oh Instructor," He managed to say between chuckles, "Where's the fun in good behavior?"
The classroom door droned as it opened revealing Selphie in the doorway. She looked blankly at Seifer, who still laughed, hard. She blinked and gazed into the class spotting Instructor Trepe. Opening her mouth to begin talking, Seifer yanked her shoulder and pulled her out.
"Seifer!" Quistis called after them.
Outside in the hall, Seifer ceased his chortles sharply and stared coldly into Selphie's eyes. "What do you want with Instructor Trepe?"
"I-I have class." Selphie replied hesitantly.
"Not today you don't. Go away."
"But—"
"Have yourself a free day."
"Shouldn't I—"
Seifer narrowed his eyes and stood up straight, towering the small brunette. "I'm going to make this easy for you to understand small fry, go… away." He pressed a single finger against Selphie's shoulder watching her flinch at his strength.
Selphie rubbed her shoulder looking fiercely back at Seifer, only a shred of fierceness of course as she was rather small in comparison to the stalwartly and tall Seifer. "You can't do that! You're not a teacher, Rinoa's Ex-Boyfriend!"
"Of course I'm not surprised you know that, but I'm not going to say it again Thumbelina." Seifer said obnoxiously.
"What's goin' on here?"
Seifer and Selphie turned around to see Irvine exiting a different classroom. He glanced at Selphie, then Seifer puzzled. "Selphie, you okay?" He turned to her, obviously more concerned about his small girlfriend versus the bullying ex-boyfriend of his best friend.
Selphie nodded with a smile, overjoyed to see him. She shifted her head towards Seifer and said, "He's not letting me see Instructor Trepe."
"Stay out of this Kinneas, don't you got a woman to shoot or a monster to bang?" Seifer snapped crudely stepping forward.
Irvine raised his hands up defensively, "First off, it's a monster to shoot or a woman to bang and secondly no! Why're you botherin' my girlfriend? Haven't you tortured enough of the women in my life?"
Seifer raised an eyebrow as if waiting for Irvine to explain.
"You broke Rinoa's heart, you slept with Scarlet who was my date for the ball, and now here you are botherin' Selphie!" Irvine shook his head, "Give it a rest man."
With a small evil laugh, Seifer casually patted Selphie's shoulder. "Careful Kinneas, I've been with two of the three you mentioned. Would hate to leave it unfinished." He passed the two of them briskly and continued laughing until he reached the end of the hall where he was met up by Fujin and Rajin. The trio turned a corner and disappeared.
"What the heck was that about?" Irvine asked his face twisted bizarrely.
Selphie shrugged, "I don't know. I just wanted to see Instructor Trepe for our class."
The doors to Instructor Trepe's classroom opened automatically as Quistis stepped out gracefully. She smiled bashfully at the couple, "I'm terribly sorry about that. Please come in, both of you."
Exchanging confused glances, Selphie and Irvine shrugged and followed Quistis into the classroom. She sat herself behind her desk and looked to them back and forth. "Has Seifer been acting up around school lately?"
Irvine thought for a moment, "I guess since the ball he's been a little rough around the edges, you know more than usual. I mean he beat Zell up for no reason, and I hear a lot of people complaining about the Disciplinary Committee being a whole lot tougher."
"I see, I was afraid of that." Quistis said softly. She turned her attention to Selphie. "I repeat I sincerely apologize for Seifer's rude behavior. If you would please keep that between us, I'd be very grateful."
"Oh sure! I mean I don't know who I'd tell anyways." Selphie said with a small giggle. She tilted her head cutely, "Is everything okay?"
"I just believe that I've been edging Seifer along lately. Instead of just fighting against Squall like normal, he seems to take it on just anyone. I've received complaints from Headmaster Cid, and I just hope no one else says anything to him."
"Are you going to be in trouble Instructor?" Selphie gasped.
Quistis smiled politely, "I certainly hope not, but—" she took a glance at a small piece of wrinkled paper in her hand, "I just don't know how to get Seifer under control."
"Hey no worries Instructor, heck Squall and him have been in the same room for a week and since Squall started dating Rinoa, Seifer hasn't killed him yet. You deserve an award or something for that!" Irvine said encouragingly.
"Squall and Rinoa, yes that is shocking isn't it. Tell me, has Seifer and Rinoa spoken since?" Quistis asked calmly.
Selphie and Irvine leaned against each other thinking. "Nope!" They answer in unison. Selphie continued afterward, "They broke up right after the ball." Irvine chirped in after her, "After their real sudden break up, Rinoa was a mess. She did get over it pretty quick, after all it seem like she had a big crush on Squall for awhile."
I knew it! Quistis thought darkly. She sighed loudly thinking over, even if Rinoa began to have feelings for someone else, Seifer did the exact same crime. What appeared as a sudden break up to the rest of Garden, struck Quistis as inevitability. How long had it been since Seifer came to her with a problem relating to Rinoa. She should've seen that as a sign long ago.
"Say Instructor, why don't you take the day off from Selphie's classes and think about it?" Irvine said randomly.
Quistis looked blankly for a moment then slowly smiled, "Yes, I think I'll do just that." She gazed at the two standing against each other before her. So this must be the rumor following Irvine, little Selphie here. With a small kind chuckle Quistis continued, "You two enjoy yourselves then. I have a lot to think about."
''''''''''''''''''''
Irvine and Selphie returned to the dormitory hall in silence. While Selphie looked jovially about the sun streaming views of the outdoors, Irvine fumed mentally about Seifer's last comment. Surely, it held no real threat, but the mere idea sickened him.
After the greater majority of the walk passed by in quiet, Irvine remembered what he wanted to speak to Selphie about before. He turned to her and gently touched her shoulder pulling her out of her daydream " He Sefie, I had a question for ya."
"Sure Irvy, anything."
"Let's go on a date."
Selphie's eyes beamed widely as a smile grew on her face. She began jumping on the tips of her toes excitedly, "Oh Irvy really! Just the two of us?" All through her life she'd heard of people going on dates but seldom found herself on one, she didn't count her outings with Mr. Devin as dates for sure.
"Oh uh, actually it's a double date. You, me, Rin, and uh Squall." Irvine quickly added fearing the affect it'd have on Selphie's joyful attitude.
"Rinoa too? Oh that'd be so great! I can't wait!" Selphie leapt into her tall cowboy's arms and wrapped her thin little arms around his neck. She kissed him hard on the cheek and giggled, exploding with enthusiasm.
"VIOLATION."
Selphie broke her grasp on Irvine and slid to her feet as the two of the turned to the origin of the stern female voice they'd both heard. Coming towards them marched Fujin, Rajin, and their infamous leader, Seifer.
"Haven't we seen enough of you guys?" Irvine moaned recalling only fifteen minutes prior in front of Instructor Trepe's classroom.
"You broke a rule of the Disciplinary Committee, ya know." Rajin boomed with his hands on his waist leaning forward.
"What rule is that? Being so incredibly more good lookin' than you?" Irvine argued eying Rajin with a haughty laugh.
"PATHETIC" Fujin sighed turning away with disgust.
"Enough Kinneas, you violated the rule: No PDA in public areas of Garden. Now prepared to be disciplined by yours truly." Seifer snapped coldly.
"Be gentle fellas," Irvine continued to tease with a feigned looked of fright on his face. Selphie defensively stood before him throwing her thin arms out.
"Please don't, I kissed Irvy!"
Seifer eyed her questionably and then looked back to Irvine with a shocked look. "Seriously Kinneas? You're having this defend you?"
"You know Seifer, you shouldn't be so mean. You could get Instructor Trepe into a lot of trouble, and she really worries about you." Selphie pouted childishly and held up a finger in attempt to be authoritative, "She spends a lot of time on you and you could just worry about her a little and not get into so much trouble!"
Seifer blinked after Selphie's little rant. Behind him, Rajin nudged for to precede the disciplinary protocol, but Seifer seemed too stunned. "Let's go." He said after a few moments of silence. Fujin nodded and followed while Rajin sputtered a moment before doing the same.
As they watched them disappear down the hall, Irvine swept an arm around Selphie's shoulders, "Well aren't you just full of surprises? I ain't ever seen anyone make Seifer that speechless." Selphie gazed up and smiled in response as they made their way to her dorm.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Later that night while Rinoa and Selphie discussed excitedly about their weekend double date, Irvine boasted to Zell about finally having asked Selphie out, Squall remained to himself fighting in the Training Center, leaving Seifer alone to his thoughts in the quiet still halls.
Several ideas of what he should and could do came and went, but by the end of his walk, he ended alone before Instructor Trepe's door. The idea of coming this far entered his mind numerously, but the action to take afterwards hadn't crisped. He soundly knocked, waiting to see Instructor Trepe elegantly opening the door, her hair out, and her attire ready for bed.
"Seifer?" She asked quietly.
"I need to say something to you." He uttered so quietly Quistis barely managed to make it out. She let the door swing open a bit more, allowing Seifer to enter. After closing the door behind him, she turned with an unpleased face.
"Seifer, you shouldn't be here." She began to protest.
"I just needed to tell you—" He noticed the wad of paper he'd left in the classroom earlier now took residency on the night stand where Levi's picture once stood. Soundlessly, he buried the small paper in the grips of his hand and began to turn for the door. "I'm sorry, for a lot of things. Starting with this, I'll leave you alone." Seifer focused on the ground refusing to meet eye contact with Quistis.
"Seifer!" She called as he reached the door. Seifer ignored her and left.
Although he'd taken the slip with him, Quistis clearly remembered what was written:
One chance left, the Cerulean Ocean— Saturday at 8.
"I've changed my mind, I don't need these answers right this moment. You can take your time with mine too." Seifer grinned slyly narrowing his eyes. He removed his hand from hers and came to his feet.
"I didn't mean the exam, Instructor." He released a small chuckle and flicked a small wad of paper towards the desk. It landed silently on the tile floor and bounced once remaining a few feet from Quistis' chair.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
The week went by quickly landing on the long awaited Saturday for Irvine and Rinoa's double date. Selphie wore her angelic white sundress from Edea with Irvine complimenting her wearing a white button down shirt and caramel slacks, of course never leaving his room without his black cowboy hat.
Rinoa dressed in long flaring turquoise dress with Squall in an almost all black ensemble. The four of them together made up quite an attractive group catching the eyes of every passersby. Selphie felt self-conscious amongst the group, as she was the paler and scrawnier of the bunch. Squall and Irvine were obviously strapping men to look at it, and Selphie always thought Rinoa glamorous and pretty.
So far, the four of them had remained rather quiet until coming to the lit up pavilions right on the edge of town. The ocean lulled softly in the night as the outdoor restaurant glowed by numerous candles and lamps.
Selphie watched in dazzled excitement as she'd never come to an outdoors restaurant, or eaten by the ocean. Rinoa and Irvine both had come to the location on several occasions, while Squall, being from Esther, a technologic wonderland, just didn't find it all that impressive.
They sat down and chatted casually, the table still not lively. As Rinoa feared, she still didn't feel that uneasy despite being with casual company. After they ordered drinks, Rinoa grew irritable and kicked Irvine under the table signaling him to leave with her for a moment.
The two walked a good distance from the table before they started speaking.
"What the heck is wrong with you?" Irvine hissed.
"Me? You're being such a dud! Is this how you want Selphie to remember your first date? As a total BORE?" Rinoa barked angrily.
"Hey, Selphie is entertained enough by just being here, my work is done! Which I can't say for you."
Meanwhile, back at the table, Irvine and Rinoa left the worst two people together to relish the awkward silence. Selphie eventually drew in enough of her surroundings and faced Squall who sat bored across the table. She'd only seen Squall with Rinoa and had never spoken to him.
"So, are you having fun?" She spurted randomly.
Squall, whose attention looked earlier focused on the oil lamp in the center of the table eyed Selphie curiously. He shrugged, "Not really."
"How can you say that! We're in such a pretty place, and you're with Rinoa!" Selphie squealed expecting Squall to leap into her whirlwind along with her.
He raised an eyebrow, and although his eyes were on Selphie still, he didn't seem attentive. At the time, he didn't have a completely blank face, it was as though he were internally having a conversation.
Selphie fiddled with her dress uncomfortably, "Um did you say something?"
Squall shook his head, "No."
Growing impatient with Squall, Selphie crossed her arms and sat back with a huff. "I know you're lying. You're having a great time. Every time you look at Rinoa, or she says something, you smile. I mean you're frowning most all other times but still." She gazed up and noticed a slight pink hue on Squall's face. "Heeeey! You're turning red!"
Returning to Rinoa and Irvine, the two of them stood heated in irritability. "Listen, let's both make an effort to get everyone talking. Selphie should be a snap, but Squall on the other hand, well you know what, once we all get a few drinks we should be fine." Irvine contemplated aloud. He turned back to the table and noticed Selphie giggling at Squall who held a hand to his face as if feeling his cheek.
"Is Selphie laughing?" Rinoa asked flatly. Still blinking in shock, Irvine looked carefully and replied.
"I think so…"
"Wow Irvine, maybe you brought just what the doctor ordered." She smiled brightly and turned to Irvine; along the way, her eye caught Seifer, who sat at the bar alone. "Is that who I think it is?"
Irvine, not hearing her said, "Hey I'm going to the restroom and I'll see ya back at the table."
Rinoa, too ignored Irvine, and walked towards Seifer, dressed in his SeeD uniform with a drink in his hand. "Seifer?" She called loudly getting his attention. Slowly, Seifer turned his head to Rinoa and forced a smile. "What're you doing here?" She asked.
Seifer shook the glass with its near empty contents swirling within, "Killing time I guess." He carefully observed Rinoa, "What're you doing? Girl's night out?"
Unsure of how to answer, Rinoa twiddled her foot on the floor and quickly muttered, "I'm on a date."
"Figures." Mumbled Seifer finishing the last of his drink. He slammed the glass down and waved his hand for another. "You look great though." He continued, not facing her. Rinoa, not sure how to take anything Seifer said, stayed quiet.
"I should get back." She said finally after a few awkward moments. As she turned around seeing her table still occupied with Squall and a giggly Selphie, Seifer called out again.
"Listen, I know this definitely isn't the time to talk, but I want you to know— I am sorry. You deserve so much better than what I did. I hope you enjoy your date, he's a lucky guy."
Rinoa's back still turned to Seifer; she smiled, and continued walking.
As Irvine left the bathroom, he crept through the narrow walking ways between tables. His eyes focused on his own, he failed to notice he bumped straight into a lady who'd just entered the area. "Sorry ma'am!" He said quickly tipping his hat. He took a closer look realizing who the lady was, "Instructor Trepe?"
Instructor Trepe patted her hair and smiled politely, "Hello Irvine, fancy seeing you here. On a date I presume?"
Irvine rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged, "I guess that's no surprise eh?" He looked at Instructor Trepe's attire of a an elegant cocktail dress, "But uh, what're you doing here?"
Bashful, Quistis pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and mumbled quietly, "I um, am o-on a date." She finally spilled.
"Oh great, have a good time then." He patted her on the shoulder and passed her finally getting back to his table. That was weird…
Irvine and Rinoa oddly enough returned to the table at the same time. "Hey guys, what's so funny?" Irvine asked taking his seat by Selphie.
"Squall's turning red! Look!" Selphie said ecstatically. Irvine examined Squall's face that had only deepened in color since Selphie first started the observation.
"Hey look at that!" Irvine continued in a hushed voice, "Careful Sefie, you don't want to make Squall angry, red is cute right now but doesn't always lead to good things!"
The two of them laughed while Squall squinted his eyes bitterly. Rinoa sat down beside Squall and was met with a small kiss on her cheek. She looked back at Squall surprised, and his cheeks finally began to fade in color.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Seifer sipped his drink as he looked across the restaurant to the table Rinoa had arrived too. It only took a few moments to put clear faces on the blurry figures. The smallest of the group with unusual hairstyle no doubt assumed the role of Selphie, Rinoa's roommate. Beside her just returning back to the table was without a doubt Kinneas. The last of the group sitting beside Rinoa had to be her date, but Seifer didn't want to admit what his eyes saw and his mind already knew.
A spark of anger sputtered in Seifer's eye as he watched Squall move his eye closely to Rinoa's. He gritted his teeth as he took in a large gulp of his drink. The liquid burned mercilessly down his throat as he tried to tear his eyes away from the scene.
He cheated on his girlfriend, attempted to blackmail a woman he loved, and spent most of his life hating a man who'd gotten close to both women! Why the hell can't Pretty Boy find some other girls to play with? Seifer thought bitterly with another sip.
"You seem rather occupied."
Seifer spun his head quickly to meet the speaker's eyes. Quistis' tranquil blue irises glittered in the dim lighting of the outdoor pavilion. She smiled gracefully as she pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "I hope I'm not interrupting what looks like a mournful gaze."
Seifer blinked several times in shock of who had arrived. "What're you doing here?" He finally sputtered with more attitude than he intended.
Noticing this, Quistis raised an eyebrow. "I was hoping I could speak with you but I take it you're against that idea?"
"No!" Seifer exclaimed, causing Quistis to take a small step back. He paused and tried to make out a coherent thought before speaking again. A few moments passed while Quistis waited patiently for Seifer to continue. "What'd you come here for?" Seifer said softly hoping the question didn't sound as ungrateful as it normally did passing his lips.
"Like I said Seifer, I wanted to talk to you." Quistis looked towards the table in the distance housing the group of four the both of them knew. "I didn't know you'd be here, but I thought I'd come see. Unfortunately I don't think we can have a private discussion here."
Seifer stood up and gently took Quistis' hand into his. He swiftly pulled her closer and whispered, "The Balamb Hotel is nearby, we'll get a room and talk there. Stay here for a bit so no one notices us leaving together." Before Quistis could argue or add input, Seifer quickly laid some gil on the bar to pay for his past drinks and left the restaurant.
As Seifer requested, Quistis lingered alone for ten to fifteen minutes before leaving the restaurant. While exiting, she looked one last time at the familiar group chatting with each other. As she suspected from seeing the two together earlier, Irvine was accompanied by her pupil, Selphie. Across from them sat Rinoa and Squall. The four laughed and chatted more jovially than Quistis ever saw any of them. While Rinoa, Irvine and Selphie she observed to be happy people, Squall certainly wasn't, but there he sat with a small smile across his face.
She sighed loudly envious of their drama free relationships, and for a moment, she wished she was one of them instead of herself.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
"I was so embarrassed, and my dad," Rinoa lifted her hands in the finger making air quotes, "thought it'd be a good 'life lesson' for me and made me perform in front of the entire party!"
"I remember that dance, Rin, you should perform for Squall and Selphie here." Irvine said slyly watching Rinoa fume at his statement.
"Not in a million years!" She refuted crossing her arms stubbornly.
Squall sighed empathetically and said quietly, "At least your father didn't turn your home videos into a full length film."
Selphie, Irvine and Rinoa exchanged excited glances. "Can we see it!" Selphie squealed, "You were in a movie? How cool!"
Groaning inaudibly Squall covered his face with his hand, "It was only released in Esther.
"Man like father like son. Your dad was in a movie once too right?" Irvine added.
"It was some rendition of that." Squall muttered.
While Irvine and Selphie laughed excitedly planning how to get a copy Rinoa patted Squall's arm gently trying to hold back her laughter. "I bet it's adorable." Squall looked away almost ashamed.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Quistis entered the Balamb Hotel soundlessly, almost whispering to the receptionist when asking for Seifer's room. The entire week went by treacherously as she awaited the conversation to come. In her heart she felt pained by the idea that she couldn't be with Seifer, yet she remained conflicted knowing the complications it came with. Remembering Squall and Selphie enjoying their date, it only confirmed how she felt, she would not strip the right to a normal relationship from Seifer.
She reached the door to Seifer's room, but she couldn't bare to open it and commit the coup de grace on their insane and barely existent relationship. He is your student Quistis, he is your student and a SeeD. What if you jeopardize the life and career you have only for something bad to happen to him anyways?
The same discussion had echoed and repeated in her head throughout the week, and finally she would vocalize it. She hesitantly opened the door and entered.
Seifer sat at the foot of the bed silent. He stood upon Quistis' entrance and smiled his infamously sly smirk. "You wanted to talk to me Instructor?"
Quistis took a deep breath and walked over to Seifer. As she gazed deeply into his eyes, Seifer's smirk began to fade into a more sober look. Looking at his handsome face, Quistis forced herself to remember Selphie and Squall enjoying their date and how it'd be impossible for them to enjoy the same. We couldn't have a normal relationship…
"What's wrong?" Seifer said softly, his face serious.
Without replying, Quistis closed her eyes and pressed her lips to Seifer's. Leaving no time for hesitation, Seifer wrapped his arms around her trying to make the kiss last as long as he could. However, after a few moments, Quistis tore away, her eyes brimming with tears.
"I'm sorry," She breathed, "but I, I just wanted to wish you farewell. I won't drag you into my life of complications. You're my student Seifer, and I'm your instructor. We have to remain that way."
She began to walk towards the door, her heart heavy with regret. With every step, she fought the urge to not turn around and run back into Seifer's strong arms.
"I don't want you to get in trouble." Seifer said softly, "So I'll stop. Whatever you say, we'll do." Quistis stopped in her tracks listening to what he said. "But I'd wait, till we could be together."
"Don't." Quistis turned around and placed a hand to her chest, "Don't make me think we should be together Seifer! If you're waiting for me I'll— I'll just start to wait for you too and what if you go off on a mission and something happens to you?"
Seifer calmly filled the distance between them and swiftly scooped Quistis into his arms. He brushed away the strands of golden hair that'd made their way into Quistis' eyes and uttered, "Then wouldn't you regret not taking advantage of tonight?"
Lost for words Quistis looked helplessly into Seifer's eyes, too weak in willpower to try to break away. He brought his lips to hers, just barely touching, able to feel their subtle movement between breaths. "Seifer—" She said trying to pull away.
"Squall's an ass and Levi's gone, but me," Seifer paused to place a small kiss, "I'm here, and I want to be with you Instructor."
They kissed again breaking away to let Quistis say, "You can call me Quistis."
"I kinda like 'Instructor' now," Seifer replied with a smirk, "but whatever you say, Quistis. Don't go changing your mind on me again."
''''''''''''''''''''''''
As the group of four walked back through the empty courtyards of the entrance of Balamb Garden, they smiled of a night well played. Rinoa halfway through the walk home reached for Squall's hand, by the end of the walk they were linking arms with Rinoa leaning closely.
Selphie, a rather clueless girl to the dating world awkwardly imitated Rinoa. She stiffly held Irvine's hand and clutched his arm as if walking through a dark forest. Irvine didn't notice terribly as the group still spoke deep in lively conversation.
After the doors to enter the Garden came into view, Rinoa released Squall and slowly came to Irvine and Selphie whispering softly, "Hey do you two think you could take a detour or something? I kind of want to end things… alone."
Irvine tipped his hat and led Selphie to the side, just noticing how hard and frightened-like she'd been holding onto him. "We'll do just that." He winked and added loudly passed Rinoa, "G'night Squall!"
"Yeah we had fun!" Selphie added waving her free hand. The two stood in place as they watched Rinoa and Squall return hand in hand back indoors. After they'd gone out of sight Selphie turned back to Irvine cutely and smiled as if waiting for the next move.
Irvine pulled his hand free of Selphie's squeezing grasp. "So did you enjoy our first official date as boyfriend and girlfriend?" He asked lightly rubbing his reddened hand.
A small smile touched Selphie's lips as she nodded vigorously, "Oh Irvy! It was the best! I had so much fun!" She stepped closer and leaned her head back to meet Irvine's eyes. "Thanks." She leaned into him and relaxed, breathing softly as Irvine slowly put his arms around her.
"I'm glad you enjoyed."
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Quistis stepped out of the restroom with her hair thrown into a knot, as best as she could make without a hairbrush. She'd slept in and now morning came upon them and class was only an hour away. She had to return to Garden, shower, change and get to class without anyone really noticing she ever left.
Seifer noticed her nervousness as she paced the room uncomfortably while stuffing her feet roughly back into their stilettos. "You need to relax." He said calmly.
With a deep breath, Quistis turned around, "I will once I'm in class!" She snapped.
Despite her irritable behavior, Seifer didn't find any of this morning surprising. Quistis always struck him as a neurotic perfectionist, and a walk of shame living up to her expectation would be impossible. He could envision it now… Quistis walking into Garden with her hair a mess, dressed in cocktail dress at seven in the morning bashfully hasting towards the dorm, praying no one would talk or even notice her.
"I'll get us a cab." Seifer said, continuing his cool tone. He didn't seem at all fazed or bothered by his shabby appearance and disheveled uniform.
After hailing down a car, Seifer waited a few minutes for Quistis' settled appearance to arrive already blooming red as soon as she stepped into the morning sun. She sat beside Seifer and smiled politely at the driver, her cheeks still burning the entire ride back.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''
The world seemed to whistle a cheerier tune this morning. When Rinoa awoke, she saw Selphie nearly dancing about. She acknowledged she was late for class and couldn't find some of her notes, but nonetheless she leapt from corner to corner on her toes.
Rinoa smiled, as she herself couldn't even feign a bad mood. She informed Selphie she was leaving early and trotted off to meet Squall in the Training Center. Beaming the way she was, she purposely took a longer route, greeting every person she passed along the way in the happiest of manners.
She came to the main foyer of Garden, with the gates opened widely allowing the rising sun to pour within the tiled halls. Oh, a walk outside sounds so much better than the Training Center. I'll go get Squall. Beginning to turn away, Rinoa noticed someone rushing inside wearing a black cocktail dress. She waited until the figure became clearer to her before noticing it was Instructor Trepe.
Shocked out of her mind, Rinoa blinked several times as Instructor Trepe shuffled passed her and went down the hall. I have to tell Irvine! But first my morning with Squall! Rinoa let the scene brush passed her current thoughts and found Squall finishing off some grats.
A few moments later they walked hand in hand back to the entrance of Garden when another person came forth.
Seifer stopped in his tracks appalled when Rinoa, her hands entwined with Squall's came towards him. In response, Squall completely ignored him and Rinoa started with a dark glare, and slowly softened her gaze eventually smiling thinly while squeezing Squall's hand tighter.
After they'd passed Seifer, Rinoa stopped Squall suddenly, and without a word of explanation she kissed Squall victoriously, finally feeling avenged from Seifer's betrayal.
'''''''''''''''''''
All class long Irvine lost focus from his instructor's lecture and gazed about the night before. Selphie's simple gesture of hugging him and thanking him for their night had repeated in his mind continuously. There few moments that ever felt so vivid and clear in his memory. The first night he'd met Selphie and almost kissed her and the night they actually kissed in rain were amongst the few cemented recollections that felt so clear he felt as though he were reliving it each time. Since the night he'd met Selphie, he'd carried her, slept beside her, and kissed her… yet still just the few spare moments where something as simple as hug occurred mesmerized him.
Despite the fact he'd been with many other women in far more intimate ways, there was something unexplainable about his time with Selphie.
Still lost in thought, a new screen blinking on his studying panel caught his attention breaking him out of his thoughts. A black conversation screen from Balamb Garden BBS blinked brightly. Irvine stared at it carefully reading the message.
Rinoa C. :
Oh I have so much to tell you!
Irvine looked to his side at Rinoa who busily began typing up the next message she was going to send. He shrugged and returned a reply.
Kinneas GSE :
Does it explain why you were late to class?
Rinoa C. :
So I was meeting Squall up before class and on my way I saw Instructor Trepe coming into Garden all dressed up, well sort of. Her hair was all messed up, weird right?
Rinoa C. :
And no it does not explain why I was late to class—Jerk.
Irvine GSE :
That is weird, you know I saw her last night too, at the restaurant. She said she had a date. Hey! Instructor Trepe got lucky!
Rinoa C. :
That's not all, on my way out with Squall, we bumped into Seifer and he saw us walking out holding hands. It was the best revenge moment ever! You should've seen the look on his face!
Wait a minute, you saw Instructor Trepe last night too? Oh my goodness! I wonder who she was with!
Irvine GSE :
Must be some person from town, I didn't see any instructors or anybody else from Garden over there.
Rinoa C. :
Yeah, just us and Seifer.
Irvine GSE :
Seifer was there too?
Rinoa C. :
Yeah at the bar, drinking it up. Must've gotten too drunk to drive, he was coming back to Garden this morning.
Irvine GSE :
So you saw Seifer AND Instructor Trepe coming back to Garden this morning?
Rinoa C. :
Stop getting ideas Irvine, they weren't together!
Irvine GSE :
Fiiine, so why were you late?
Rinoa exited out of her Garden BBS and sat back listening intuitively to Instructor Akii, leaving a very frustrated cowboy beside her.
(PS- GSE stands for Greatest Sniper Ever)
'''''''''''''''''''''''
Once class departed, Instructor Trepe bashfully watched all her students leave praying no one would come up to her and comment about seeing her in a cocktail dress this morning. Luckily either none of her students noticed her, knew it was her, or cared to confront her.
At last, the class emptied leaving only the lingering trio of the Trepies and Seifer, quietly sitting in the back awaiting her personal fan club to leave. Quistis listened to fawning of her adoring groupies and dismissed them leaving Seifer alone with her.
"Well it looks like we did it, a full day and no one suspects a thing." Seifer said slyly approaching Quistis' desk.
With a small smile, Quistis turned to Seifer, relieved and relaxed to be alone with him again. "Mission success, you're on quite the roll." She rested her arms on his shoulders and leaned against her desk. Observing him closely, Quistis noticed slight hesitation on Seifer's part. "Is something wrong?"
Seifer turned his head away while his posture stiffed. "Why do you think that?"
"I just sense something is all, what's wrong?" Quistis replied calmly. "You know Headmaster Cid may not require me to hold sessions still, but I think I can afford to allot you some time."
"You're not getting paid for this." Seifer said sarcastically.
"Perhaps not in currency." Quistis uttered softly, immediately turning red afterwards, shocked she'd let something so uncouth slip passed her lips. However, her words, well received by Seifer who laughed heartily and relaxed taking a seat near her as her words had served their purpose.
"I found out Rinoa is dating Squall." Seifer said flatly after letting his chuckles subside and regaining a few moments of quietness.
Quistis blinked at him several times, "You didn't know?"
Returning her blinking surprise, Seifer arched his eyebrow, "You did?"
"By Hyne Seifer! Everyone knows, you haven't seen them walking into this very classroom together? She was even on a date with him at the restaurant you were at last night!"
Seifer sat appalled, "How long have they been together? We didn't break up that long ago!"
Quistis massaged her temples realizing she probably only fueled the flames burning in Seifer. She sighed and bent forward placing a small kiss on his cheek, "Forget about them Seifer, if they're happy why does it concern you? I'm sure you still care about Rinoa, she deserves to be happy," lowering her voice, Quistis pushed off her desk inching closer to Seifer, "as do I."
Smirking slightly, Seifer wrapped an arm around Quistis and gazed into her sapphire eyes, "Well at least I got something Squall doesn't—" He leaned in to kiss her before a quick thought rushed through his head causing him to jerk back, "BUT HE COULD'VE!"
He came to his feet sharply, nearly causing Quistis to land on the floor. "Seifer! That's not true, I would never actually have been with Squall! We barely were able to speak to each other." She called out gathering her balance.
"Wrong, he never spoke to you. If he did, YOU TWO would've been the Instructor/Student affair, and I'd be the distraction hour that kept you two apart annoyingly everyday." Seifer huffed off into a pace even more fired up.
Not focusing on what came before him, Quistis leapt in front and stopped his incessant angry march. She gently rested her small hands against his chest and smiled serenely, melting Seifer's furious grimace into a straight face. "You would've just swept me off my feet again showing me how I didn't want to be with him. You've never and never will be the 'distraction hour.'" Quistis laughed gently and was met by a sweet yet shallow kiss from Seifer.
The door hummed softly as the electronics whirred letting in Selphie who stopped in her tracks as she looked upon the kissing couple.
Quistis and Seifer broke away instantly and the three exchanged shocked glances to other. No one spoke for a few moments until finally Seifer mumbled, "Speaking of the distraction hour…"
Selphie blinked and took a step backwards, "S-sorry to bother you guys! I'll get out of here!" With that, she rushed out of the classroom and down the hall. A moment later, she heard Seifer's angry voice calling out 'STOP'. Frantic at his fuming tone, Selphie ran faster leading her to a dead end of the hall. The only choices was an Emergency Exit door blinking red, and a large metal door that had no sign to what was beyond it. She heard Seifer yelling again, and without thinking, she rushed through the heavy metal door finding herself locked at a small balcony with an expansive view of the Garden courtyards below.
I should've taken that other door! Selphie thought miserably as she considered her options of jumping off the balcony.
A boom came from the door as Seifer shoved it open. He slowed down as he entered, breathing heavily and eying Selphie awkwardly. "What the hell? I said stop!"
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to bother you guys!" Selphie cried helplessly, "Please don't hurt me!"
Seifer sighed irritably and combed his fingers through his hair as the wind blew softly. "Stop crying and I'll consider it." Selphie nodded in response as she wiped her face with her sleeve and kept her mouth shut. Squinting his eyes judgmentally, Seifer walked forward and placed his hands on the balcony, "Well, you going to say something?"
Selphie shook her head vigorously, although Seifer wasn't looking at her.
"If you keep your mouth shut about what you saw in there, we won't have any problems. Say even one word to anyone, and I'll come get you, got it?" Seifer said coldly.
"What about Rinoa?" Selphie asked meekly.
"Especially not Rinoa!" Seifer growled looking at the trembling girl fiercely in the eyes.
"But you guys are close aren't you?"
Seifer laughed sardonically as he faced the view again. "We're exes, exes on bad terms. We're not close, and as the situation is right now, I'd prefer it remain that way."
"But you were her boyfriend, for awhile right? I mean you two really care about each other, how can you just forget about that?" Selphie took a small step towards Seifer, "I mean just because you guys don't want to be with each other, you have so many memories, and special moments—" Selphie gazed towards the view herself and sighed, "I just think if you can stay in touch, you should. Maybe it's weird, but if you guys can stop being so mad at each other, you could be friends still." If only Mr. Devin wasn't so mad at me…
Seifer looked at Selphie with squinted distrustful eyes. Although what she said sounded ideal, he didn't want to give her satisfaction and agree with her. "Just keep what you saw to yourself, alright?" Selphie nodded again as he turned towards the exit. He stopped and exhaled loudly, "You know, you're not as annoying as I thought you were."
Smiling brightly, Selphie beamed and clasped her hands together. "Tee-hee! Thanks! You're not as mean as everyone says!"
About to retort, Seifer found himself interrupted by the heavy door booming as Irvine entered the small balcony. "Kinneas? What the hell are you doing here?" He snapped.
"Instructor Trepe said you two went this way, better question: what are you two doing?" Irvine bounced back as he looked from Selphie to Seifer.
Selphie jumped on her tiptoes, "Oh! We were just talking about me to not telling anyone about him kissing—s" Seifer immediately grasped Selphie by the chin and pressed his lips to hers stopping her from finishing her statement and leaving the worse kind of expression on Irvine's face.
"Kissing her," Seifer said releasing Selphie from his hold. "I told her not to tell anyone about us kissing. But looks like the secret's out Kinneas." He looked at the cowboy with a devious glare with immeasurable joy, knowing just how angry his little gesture made him. Coolly, he swept passed him and exited. That should be enough of a distraction, Seifer thought evilly.
Irvine blinked and finally turned around, fuming and ready to pummel Seifer. "Wait!" Selphie cried out grabbing Irvine's arm.
"Before I kill that arrogant son of a bitch, did you tell him he could kiss you!" Irvine snapped angrily.
"Irvy please! We were just talking about him and Rinoa, and I think he just wanted to mess with you. Just leave him alone, please?"
With a loud exhale of frustration, Irvine stopped resisting and looked at Selphie. Despite the hostility he couldn't explain, Selphie's innocent look of desperation sunk in. He sighed loudly and rubbed the back of his neck mumbling the next words slowly and painfully as if chewing glass, "If he ever does that again, pu-leeeese let me kill him."
Selphie giggled as she hugged Irvine as tightly as she could. "I promise Irvy."
A/N: I do not own Secretariat (the reference of the movie "Secretary") That is a creation of Disney. I also don't own Hungry Hungry Hippos (the reference of the game Cheeky Chirpy Chocobos) I don't know who made that though… Neither of which have I watched or played oddly enough.