"Whatever The Cat Drags In - Part 2" ~ by Allora Atwater
A/N: Wowie zowie! Thanks for all your nice comments everyone! Well here it is, the second part of my little tale. For those of you who are curious, yes, after awhile, it'll turn into a romance. Sorry the chapters are kinda short, but I can get em posted quicker if I keep doing this. R & R if ya like it!
Disclaimer: *sigh* Nothing here belongs to me… all property of Squaresoft
How ironic. I dwell over all the things I have yet to see in life, all the things I want to do, and yet I find myself back in the same place I started, behind a maple desk with creaky drawers, hunched over a pile of papers. The students are reading silently, for the most part. Every now and then, the ring of an infectious giggle can be heard circulating around the room. Normally I wouldn't tolerate such a distraction in my classroom, but as of lately, it doesn't seem to bother me. In fact, a part of me wants to jump over this old crotchety desk and join in their fun. But in doing so, I would lose that which I have worked so hard to earn.
The students are all a little antsy; I can understand why, seeing as it's the last class of the day. The weather outside is gorgeous, the local Balamb meteorologist predicting overcast and fairly cool temperatures. I almost want to run straight outside, rip off this itchy uniform, and play in the grass. Hmm. There go those childish impulses again.
The bell sounds, dismissing the students from their desks, and they welcome the invitation all too quickly. I mutter a few monosyllabic adieus and continue my work, sloppily offering my signature to several sealed documents. "God this is boring," I find myself muttering. I fall into routine once again, organizing my files and hastily cramming them into my briefcase.
It's Monday, perhaps one of the worst days for teaching. Students and staff alike dread leaving their weekend escapes, in fear of assignments they may have forgotten to finish or problems they may have to face. I would share their dread too I suppose, if I ever had much of a weekend escape. I raised myself on the belief that a day is what you make it, if you wake up and welcome the sunshine on your face, your day would be pleasant, but if you turned your back to the morning sky, you were setting yourself up for a fall. I'm sure I've been fooling myself all these years. My days never alter, there are never good ones nor are there bad ones. I'm beginning to think my life has been left in neutral.
I lock the classroom door behind me and make my way down to the cafeteria. It's a busy day, Instructors running about, students huddling together in big groups for the latest gossip, the disciplinary committee tracking down those who violate the Garden's rules. I laugh at the antics of Fujin and Raijin. They are both so strict, so demanding, and yet they can't seem to cooperate without the latter of the two receiving a kick in the shins. Yet I have seen their true colors, and deep down, they are loyal, caring individuals. Seifer was lucky to have friends who bestowed such faith in him. Seifer…
I haven't spoken to him since the night we were reacquainted in Balamb. A part of me yearns to know how he's doing; if he's maintaining a good lifestyle, if he's shaping up his poor habits. I'm still surprised at the changes he displayed in that small little café, practically pouring his heart out to the Instructor that had forsaken him. Had I known what was truly unfolding inside that head of his, I probably would have paid special attention to his case, and helped him instead of constantly reprimanding him. But what's the point of looking back? I can't change the past, although part of me wishes to alter the future. Once again, I have to stop myself. I can't start giving a damn about Seifer. He has a way of pushing away those closest to him, and I don't want to be one of those people.
Selphie's gleeful little shout pounces on me and shatters my train of thought. She's waving me over to the table that she and Irvine are seated at. I manage a small smile and pull up a chair to join them.
"Hiya Quisty!" her energy supply never seems to diminish. I'm jealous.
"Hello Selphie. Irvine." I nod. The former Galbadian sharpshooter graces me with a tip of his hat and that killer smile of his.
"Mmf arf fings goinf?" Selphie asks, shoving an entire blueberry muffin in her mouth.
"Excuse me?"
"How are things going?" she repeats after properly digesting her food.
"Oh." I say, folding my hands on the table and resting my head on them. "Things are… well, they're going I guess."
She and Irvine share a chuckle at my measured response. I guess it does sound a little funny, even to me.
"You look so bored Instructor." Irvine uses that dreaded word 'Instructor'. Even my own friends can't just call me by my name. "Whatd'ya say you go with Sefie and I down to Balamb?"
"Yeah!" Selphie declared, hooking her arm with her boyfriends'. She was wearing one of her "why didn't I think of that?" expressions. "Come on Quisty, it'll be loads of fun. We can go shopping and look at all the cute boys!"
I find it humorous that Selphie and Irvine can say things like that in front of each other without the other getting angry or jealous. I guess that's what love is about, investing complete trust in your partner. Besides, it's Selphie's turn to have a little fun messing with Irvine's ego. And judging from the sweet look he was giving her, he sure didn't mind.
Back to the offer at hand; Balamb? It would be a nice chance to get away from Garden, even if just for awhile. There was always something so welcoming about the ocean breeze and the friendly faces, something that never failed to reel me in. And, I thought with a certain distaste, it might be a good opportunity to check up on Seifer and make sure he hasn't gotten himself killed yet.
Here I go again, thinking about acid-tongued Almasy. I almost smack myself, but Selphie reaches across the table to do it for me.
"Yo! Quisty! You alive in there hun?"
"Yeah." I sputter. "Yeah, I'll go with you guys, just give me a minute to change alright?"
Selphie flashed me a pleasant grin and rested her head on Irvine's shoulder.
"Mmkay! Well, we'll be waiting for you at the front gate alright? Don't be too long!"
I nod, getting up from my chair and pushing it in. The couple gives me an odd look and I realize that most kids don't show such respect in the cafeteria. I turn away and blush. Eighteen years in this world and still I feel as if I know absolutely nothing.
I rummage through my endless supply of formal and not-so-formal clothing, settling for cuffed flares and a short-sleeved shirt. Not exactly enough to win me the Miss Balamb title, but I feel comfortable and that's all that counts. As an Instructor, I never paid mind to my appearance, so long as I was clean, prim, and presentable. I never liked makeup, save the occasional spot of lip gloss, and hairstyles weren't an issue. I know Selphie will give me a century's worth of grief over my extremely casual outfit, but that's just fine. I like a good, intense debate, especially when I know I have the upperhand.
I meet up with the hyperactive twosome, who are in the middle of a heated argument.
"But Irvine, this is my favorite dress!"
"I didn't say I didn't like it!"
"But you didn't say you did either!"
"I told you last month that you were pretty, what more do you want from me?"
They stare each other down for a moment and then burst into giggles, embracing to end the spat. I almost laugh myself; they can be so silly when they want to be. Fighting over trivial things, only for the pleasure of making up. I think they fabricate problems between them that don't exist, just so they can renew their passion every now and then. Ah, the many acts of stupidity one would commit for the sake of love.
"Wow Quisty, don't try to impress us or anything with your glamorous attire!" Selphie joked, sizing up my fashionably-challenged clothing.
I shake my head. "Who says I'm out to impress you? I'm attending the Miss Greasemonkey Pageant."
Selphie and Irvine laugh at my remark, seemingly taken aback that I can make fun of myself from time to time. I guess they forget that I'm a teenager too.
Selphie hops in the middle of our trio and links arms with Irvine and I, trying to persuade us into skipping along the path.
"Follow the yellow brick road!" She sings.
If only I possessed such innocence and jubilance. Maybe I did at one point, but becoming a workaholic certainly warped the fun-loving facet of my personality. I hate feeling as though I'm trapped between two worlds, living in adulthood but clinging desperately to any traces of my adolescence. I'm at a difficult age, one in which I have the option of being an adult or being a teenager. At first I was so sure that I was ready for the responsibilities and hardships of the adult world. But as of lately, my heart yearns for adventure, reckless excitement, childish fantasies. What's an 18-year-old Instructor to do when caught in the middle of a vicious tug-of-war match?
Selphie releases our arms simultaneously as we venture into town, twirling merrily in the streets, smiling and waving at random passers-by. She beckons Irvine to join her sprightly dance, and he obliges, taking her hand. I giggle. Such a strange couple. As they lead the way towards the local shopping center, I pause. The harbor is down this path, past the Balamb hotel. Curiosity gets the better of me and I call out to them.
"I'm going to go down to the docks for awhile," I say, and they turn to me slightly puzzled. "I'll meet up with you guys back at the Garden alright?"
Irvine nods. "Sure thing. Take care of yourself Quisty."
"Buh-bye!" Selphie shouts, giving a little jump.
I mentally kick myself with each step towards the dock. I feel like such an idiot, but for some reason, my soul won't rest until I see him again. Maybe it's my big-sister complex kicking in, my need to protect and watch over others that's drawing me back to him. Whatever it is, I don't like it, but it's too strong for me to ignore. I gather my hair into a ponytail self-consciously and pick up the pace a bit. Why I'm in such a hurry I don't know; I just feel this urgency swelling inside me.
When I arrive, I'm nearly blinded by the sun's reflection off the water. I shade my eyes with my hand, looking around at the dockhands. A few of them grin at me, their pearly whites catching the sun with a twinkle. It's like I'm caught in some Rembrant commercial.
Men with generous muscles are carrying parcels off of a vessel while others check the contents of each package, glancing back to their lists every now and then. There are several others with whistles around their necks and nasty glares painted on their faces, prodding the slackers back to work. Some workers lean idly on heavy crates, apparently taking a break from their dubious tasks in the afternoon sun. Though many of them are rather good-looking, I don't catch sight of a cocky smirk or brutally blue eyes. I sigh in disappointment, angry at myself for returning to such a place.
"Looking for someone?" a thick voice inquires from behind me. I spin around, stumbling backwards a little. Seifer catches my arm to help steady me. When I regain composure, I yank my arm back, hiding a cringe as my shoulder pops.
"No," I reply, bashfully kicking at the ground. "Not really."
"Oh yeah?" he smiles, rubbing his shoulder. "Then what're you doin' in a place like this? Don't tell me you're sightseeing down at the docks are ya?"
"No." I repeat. I'm sure I sound as smart as a button. "Irvine and Selphie wanted to go shopping."
He raised an eyebrow. "So why are you down here? Shouldn't you be off shopping or doing your little girly things?"
Somehow, he knows just the right things to say in order to get a rise out of me. I almost like it. Almost.
"Girly things? What a chauvinistic comment, though I'd expect no less from you."
He shakes his head. "Ah, ye who have such little faith."
I crack my knuckles. Very unladylike I know, but there's no reason for me to impress Seifer with my prim and proper mannerisms. I've done enough preaching to him throughout the years.
"And why would I waste my faith on snake like you?"
"You know, back in the day, if a girl teased a guy incessantly, it was considered a form of endearment."
"You mean like flirting?" I ask bluntly, appearing more and more my own age with each stupid comment.
"Yeah." He nods, titling his head to grin at me viciously. "So does that mean Instructor Trepe has a crush on me?"
I resist the urge to hurl myself at him and pound him into submission. Although he's being very immature, I'm starting to enjoy our little exchange. It gives me energy, this burning will to prove to him how wrong he is about me.
"You?" I laugh coldly. "A uncontrollable demon like yourself? You have no restraint, no physical appeal, and no idea how to treat a woman. And you smell too."
He looks surprised at first, but then laughs as if I had just told him the funniest joke he's ever heard. I feel the bubbles of mirth rising in my throat and join in his fit of chuckles, taking in the realization of my childish insults. He bends his head down and peers into my face.
"You really are somethin', you know that Instructor?"
"No need to tell me what I already know." I say with a certain amount of pride. He's starting to rub off on me. His eyes hold an amused sparkle, and he extends a hand.
"And would Quistis Trepe, mistress of humor and queen of all insults, like to join me on my lunch break?"
I reel back a little. Lunch with Seifer? That should be the name of some horrendous comedy. It's like saying, "would you like to dine with a slobbering Saint Bernard?"
But instead of sharing my inside thoughts, I turn up my nose, taking his hand.
"Lead the way Almasy."
"Damn Quistis, you sure can eat. Maybe you should work as a dockhand." Seifer comments, leaning back in the booth. He's referring to my insatiable lust for all things edible. Many people are under the assumption that because I'm thin, I don't eat much. I just have a high metabolism. And an exquisite passion for food.
"Thank you for your much appreciated encouragement." I respond between bites of my sandwich. "I'd love to engage in back-breaking labor like that."
"Hey, it's not so bad." He replies defensively. "I get a healthy paycheck and I make my way just fine. Plus I got a tan. Chicks love that."
"Right." I agree. "Women love it when a man fries his flesh so she can marry him and have him die of skin cancer before he reaches his 50's. I just find that thought so sexy."
He shakes his head. "You're weird."
I smile, pleased that he's picked up on my strange character. "I know."
"So," he begins, fishing an ice cube from his empty glass and sucking on it. "How was class today?"
I take a handful of fries and shovel them into my mouth before responding.
"Same old story. It's so boring. I swear, with every passing day I just want to torch my paperwork and run around like a screaming banshee. Or something to that effect." The image was rather amusing, and I guessed that Seifer was picturing it too. He had a distant smile on his face.
"You know, I can see that happening. There's a lot more to your personality than you let on."
"Same with you."
He shook his head, looking serious. "No, I've just matured and recognized my faults. You haven't changed, you're just releasing this part of you that's been trying to claw its way out for awhile now."
"And how would you know?" I'm skeptical, considering he's right on the bat.
"I can see it. I've seen it for a long time, and I always wondered who Quistis Trepe was. Not little Quisty or Instructor Trepe. I knew both of them, too well. But I never got under your skin and figured out who you really were."
The heat was rising to my cheeks. Seifer, the constant troublemaker, the thorn in my side… all this time he had been able to see through my well-constructed façade and knew there was more than meets the eye. He had tried to uncover my true self and in the meantime, I had done nothing but denounce him as 'problematic', not caring if there was more to him than he let on. How could I be so self-absorbed, so wrapped up in my own world that I had no time to answer a cry for help? I could have prevented Seifer from turning against us, I could have supported him.
"Quistis?" he asks, noting the pained look on my face. "Uh, did I say somethin' wrong?"
"No." I answer quietly, my eyes fixed on the table. "Not at all."
He shrugged it off and looked up at the wall clock.
"Ten minutes to go and my break is over. I don't suppose you have anything of value to say before then?"
I disregard his sarcasm. It's just a defense.
"I don't know what you consider to be of value."
I'm asking him, I'm waiting for him to answer me in truth. I want to see what really did matter to him, what he held dear in this world. But I don't think he takes it as a cue to pour his heart out, and even if he did, I doubt he would do it in such a crowded place. As I expected, he ignored the comment and pulled out his wallet.
"I ordered half the menu," I argue. "Let me pay."
"No," he says sternly. "I owe you."
"For coffee? That's nothing in comparison to this."
"Sure it is. I enjoyed the company."
"So you feel as if you have to pay for it?"
He laughs. "You are so difficult sometimes! I can never win with you."
"Fine. We'll split the bill." I huff, looking put out.
He rolls his eyes. "I'm paying. End of story."
Our waiter comes and picks up the tab, Seifer handing him the money before I can get a word in edgewise. He sticks his tongue at me arrogantly before sliding out of the booth.
"I need to get back to work and earn my living, seeing as Little Miss Piggy ate me out of house and home." He glares at me.
"I have a healthy appetite." I snap defensively. "Need to keep my energy up to tackle all those idiots in the world who happen to think they're better than me."
He just shrugs, and starts walking away. A little voice in my head screams at me not to let him go.
"Wait Seifer!"
He turns to match my gaze. I blush.
"Can I come and see you tomorrow?"
He looks at me strangely, not believing what he's heard. I pray to Hyne he doesn't start laughing. But he simply shrugs and scratches his neck.
"Sure. Come back around the same time then."
He turns again and this time I let him leave. Whatever it was that cracked inside of me and begged me not to leave him, I was sure pissed off at it. But deep in my heart of hearts, I knew that being with Seifer would bring me the answers I've been searching for all my life.
To be continued…
A/N: Wowie zowie! Thanks for all your nice comments everyone! Well here it is, the second part of my little tale. For those of you who are curious, yes, after awhile, it'll turn into a romance. Sorry the chapters are kinda short, but I can get em posted quicker if I keep doing this. R & R if ya like it!
Disclaimer: *sigh* Nothing here belongs to me… all property of Squaresoft
How ironic. I dwell over all the things I have yet to see in life, all the things I want to do, and yet I find myself back in the same place I started, behind a maple desk with creaky drawers, hunched over a pile of papers. The students are reading silently, for the most part. Every now and then, the ring of an infectious giggle can be heard circulating around the room. Normally I wouldn't tolerate such a distraction in my classroom, but as of lately, it doesn't seem to bother me. In fact, a part of me wants to jump over this old crotchety desk and join in their fun. But in doing so, I would lose that which I have worked so hard to earn.
The students are all a little antsy; I can understand why, seeing as it's the last class of the day. The weather outside is gorgeous, the local Balamb meteorologist predicting overcast and fairly cool temperatures. I almost want to run straight outside, rip off this itchy uniform, and play in the grass. Hmm. There go those childish impulses again.
The bell sounds, dismissing the students from their desks, and they welcome the invitation all too quickly. I mutter a few monosyllabic adieus and continue my work, sloppily offering my signature to several sealed documents. "God this is boring," I find myself muttering. I fall into routine once again, organizing my files and hastily cramming them into my briefcase.
It's Monday, perhaps one of the worst days for teaching. Students and staff alike dread leaving their weekend escapes, in fear of assignments they may have forgotten to finish or problems they may have to face. I would share their dread too I suppose, if I ever had much of a weekend escape. I raised myself on the belief that a day is what you make it, if you wake up and welcome the sunshine on your face, your day would be pleasant, but if you turned your back to the morning sky, you were setting yourself up for a fall. I'm sure I've been fooling myself all these years. My days never alter, there are never good ones nor are there bad ones. I'm beginning to think my life has been left in neutral.
I lock the classroom door behind me and make my way down to the cafeteria. It's a busy day, Instructors running about, students huddling together in big groups for the latest gossip, the disciplinary committee tracking down those who violate the Garden's rules. I laugh at the antics of Fujin and Raijin. They are both so strict, so demanding, and yet they can't seem to cooperate without the latter of the two receiving a kick in the shins. Yet I have seen their true colors, and deep down, they are loyal, caring individuals. Seifer was lucky to have friends who bestowed such faith in him. Seifer…
I haven't spoken to him since the night we were reacquainted in Balamb. A part of me yearns to know how he's doing; if he's maintaining a good lifestyle, if he's shaping up his poor habits. I'm still surprised at the changes he displayed in that small little café, practically pouring his heart out to the Instructor that had forsaken him. Had I known what was truly unfolding inside that head of his, I probably would have paid special attention to his case, and helped him instead of constantly reprimanding him. But what's the point of looking back? I can't change the past, although part of me wishes to alter the future. Once again, I have to stop myself. I can't start giving a damn about Seifer. He has a way of pushing away those closest to him, and I don't want to be one of those people.
Selphie's gleeful little shout pounces on me and shatters my train of thought. She's waving me over to the table that she and Irvine are seated at. I manage a small smile and pull up a chair to join them.
"Hiya Quisty!" her energy supply never seems to diminish. I'm jealous.
"Hello Selphie. Irvine." I nod. The former Galbadian sharpshooter graces me with a tip of his hat and that killer smile of his.
"Mmf arf fings goinf?" Selphie asks, shoving an entire blueberry muffin in her mouth.
"Excuse me?"
"How are things going?" she repeats after properly digesting her food.
"Oh." I say, folding my hands on the table and resting my head on them. "Things are… well, they're going I guess."
She and Irvine share a chuckle at my measured response. I guess it does sound a little funny, even to me.
"You look so bored Instructor." Irvine uses that dreaded word 'Instructor'. Even my own friends can't just call me by my name. "Whatd'ya say you go with Sefie and I down to Balamb?"
"Yeah!" Selphie declared, hooking her arm with her boyfriends'. She was wearing one of her "why didn't I think of that?" expressions. "Come on Quisty, it'll be loads of fun. We can go shopping and look at all the cute boys!"
I find it humorous that Selphie and Irvine can say things like that in front of each other without the other getting angry or jealous. I guess that's what love is about, investing complete trust in your partner. Besides, it's Selphie's turn to have a little fun messing with Irvine's ego. And judging from the sweet look he was giving her, he sure didn't mind.
Back to the offer at hand; Balamb? It would be a nice chance to get away from Garden, even if just for awhile. There was always something so welcoming about the ocean breeze and the friendly faces, something that never failed to reel me in. And, I thought with a certain distaste, it might be a good opportunity to check up on Seifer and make sure he hasn't gotten himself killed yet.
Here I go again, thinking about acid-tongued Almasy. I almost smack myself, but Selphie reaches across the table to do it for me.
"Yo! Quisty! You alive in there hun?"
"Yeah." I sputter. "Yeah, I'll go with you guys, just give me a minute to change alright?"
Selphie flashed me a pleasant grin and rested her head on Irvine's shoulder.
"Mmkay! Well, we'll be waiting for you at the front gate alright? Don't be too long!"
I nod, getting up from my chair and pushing it in. The couple gives me an odd look and I realize that most kids don't show such respect in the cafeteria. I turn away and blush. Eighteen years in this world and still I feel as if I know absolutely nothing.
I rummage through my endless supply of formal and not-so-formal clothing, settling for cuffed flares and a short-sleeved shirt. Not exactly enough to win me the Miss Balamb title, but I feel comfortable and that's all that counts. As an Instructor, I never paid mind to my appearance, so long as I was clean, prim, and presentable. I never liked makeup, save the occasional spot of lip gloss, and hairstyles weren't an issue. I know Selphie will give me a century's worth of grief over my extremely casual outfit, but that's just fine. I like a good, intense debate, especially when I know I have the upperhand.
I meet up with the hyperactive twosome, who are in the middle of a heated argument.
"But Irvine, this is my favorite dress!"
"I didn't say I didn't like it!"
"But you didn't say you did either!"
"I told you last month that you were pretty, what more do you want from me?"
They stare each other down for a moment and then burst into giggles, embracing to end the spat. I almost laugh myself; they can be so silly when they want to be. Fighting over trivial things, only for the pleasure of making up. I think they fabricate problems between them that don't exist, just so they can renew their passion every now and then. Ah, the many acts of stupidity one would commit for the sake of love.
"Wow Quisty, don't try to impress us or anything with your glamorous attire!" Selphie joked, sizing up my fashionably-challenged clothing.
I shake my head. "Who says I'm out to impress you? I'm attending the Miss Greasemonkey Pageant."
Selphie and Irvine laugh at my remark, seemingly taken aback that I can make fun of myself from time to time. I guess they forget that I'm a teenager too.
Selphie hops in the middle of our trio and links arms with Irvine and I, trying to persuade us into skipping along the path.
"Follow the yellow brick road!" She sings.
If only I possessed such innocence and jubilance. Maybe I did at one point, but becoming a workaholic certainly warped the fun-loving facet of my personality. I hate feeling as though I'm trapped between two worlds, living in adulthood but clinging desperately to any traces of my adolescence. I'm at a difficult age, one in which I have the option of being an adult or being a teenager. At first I was so sure that I was ready for the responsibilities and hardships of the adult world. But as of lately, my heart yearns for adventure, reckless excitement, childish fantasies. What's an 18-year-old Instructor to do when caught in the middle of a vicious tug-of-war match?
Selphie releases our arms simultaneously as we venture into town, twirling merrily in the streets, smiling and waving at random passers-by. She beckons Irvine to join her sprightly dance, and he obliges, taking her hand. I giggle. Such a strange couple. As they lead the way towards the local shopping center, I pause. The harbor is down this path, past the Balamb hotel. Curiosity gets the better of me and I call out to them.
"I'm going to go down to the docks for awhile," I say, and they turn to me slightly puzzled. "I'll meet up with you guys back at the Garden alright?"
Irvine nods. "Sure thing. Take care of yourself Quisty."
"Buh-bye!" Selphie shouts, giving a little jump.
I mentally kick myself with each step towards the dock. I feel like such an idiot, but for some reason, my soul won't rest until I see him again. Maybe it's my big-sister complex kicking in, my need to protect and watch over others that's drawing me back to him. Whatever it is, I don't like it, but it's too strong for me to ignore. I gather my hair into a ponytail self-consciously and pick up the pace a bit. Why I'm in such a hurry I don't know; I just feel this urgency swelling inside me.
When I arrive, I'm nearly blinded by the sun's reflection off the water. I shade my eyes with my hand, looking around at the dockhands. A few of them grin at me, their pearly whites catching the sun with a twinkle. It's like I'm caught in some Rembrant commercial.
Men with generous muscles are carrying parcels off of a vessel while others check the contents of each package, glancing back to their lists every now and then. There are several others with whistles around their necks and nasty glares painted on their faces, prodding the slackers back to work. Some workers lean idly on heavy crates, apparently taking a break from their dubious tasks in the afternoon sun. Though many of them are rather good-looking, I don't catch sight of a cocky smirk or brutally blue eyes. I sigh in disappointment, angry at myself for returning to such a place.
"Looking for someone?" a thick voice inquires from behind me. I spin around, stumbling backwards a little. Seifer catches my arm to help steady me. When I regain composure, I yank my arm back, hiding a cringe as my shoulder pops.
"No," I reply, bashfully kicking at the ground. "Not really."
"Oh yeah?" he smiles, rubbing his shoulder. "Then what're you doin' in a place like this? Don't tell me you're sightseeing down at the docks are ya?"
"No." I repeat. I'm sure I sound as smart as a button. "Irvine and Selphie wanted to go shopping."
He raised an eyebrow. "So why are you down here? Shouldn't you be off shopping or doing your little girly things?"
Somehow, he knows just the right things to say in order to get a rise out of me. I almost like it. Almost.
"Girly things? What a chauvinistic comment, though I'd expect no less from you."
He shakes his head. "Ah, ye who have such little faith."
I crack my knuckles. Very unladylike I know, but there's no reason for me to impress Seifer with my prim and proper mannerisms. I've done enough preaching to him throughout the years.
"And why would I waste my faith on snake like you?"
"You know, back in the day, if a girl teased a guy incessantly, it was considered a form of endearment."
"You mean like flirting?" I ask bluntly, appearing more and more my own age with each stupid comment.
"Yeah." He nods, titling his head to grin at me viciously. "So does that mean Instructor Trepe has a crush on me?"
I resist the urge to hurl myself at him and pound him into submission. Although he's being very immature, I'm starting to enjoy our little exchange. It gives me energy, this burning will to prove to him how wrong he is about me.
"You?" I laugh coldly. "A uncontrollable demon like yourself? You have no restraint, no physical appeal, and no idea how to treat a woman. And you smell too."
He looks surprised at first, but then laughs as if I had just told him the funniest joke he's ever heard. I feel the bubbles of mirth rising in my throat and join in his fit of chuckles, taking in the realization of my childish insults. He bends his head down and peers into my face.
"You really are somethin', you know that Instructor?"
"No need to tell me what I already know." I say with a certain amount of pride. He's starting to rub off on me. His eyes hold an amused sparkle, and he extends a hand.
"And would Quistis Trepe, mistress of humor and queen of all insults, like to join me on my lunch break?"
I reel back a little. Lunch with Seifer? That should be the name of some horrendous comedy. It's like saying, "would you like to dine with a slobbering Saint Bernard?"
But instead of sharing my inside thoughts, I turn up my nose, taking his hand.
"Lead the way Almasy."
"Damn Quistis, you sure can eat. Maybe you should work as a dockhand." Seifer comments, leaning back in the booth. He's referring to my insatiable lust for all things edible. Many people are under the assumption that because I'm thin, I don't eat much. I just have a high metabolism. And an exquisite passion for food.
"Thank you for your much appreciated encouragement." I respond between bites of my sandwich. "I'd love to engage in back-breaking labor like that."
"Hey, it's not so bad." He replies defensively. "I get a healthy paycheck and I make my way just fine. Plus I got a tan. Chicks love that."
"Right." I agree. "Women love it when a man fries his flesh so she can marry him and have him die of skin cancer before he reaches his 50's. I just find that thought so sexy."
He shakes his head. "You're weird."
I smile, pleased that he's picked up on my strange character. "I know."
"So," he begins, fishing an ice cube from his empty glass and sucking on it. "How was class today?"
I take a handful of fries and shovel them into my mouth before responding.
"Same old story. It's so boring. I swear, with every passing day I just want to torch my paperwork and run around like a screaming banshee. Or something to that effect." The image was rather amusing, and I guessed that Seifer was picturing it too. He had a distant smile on his face.
"You know, I can see that happening. There's a lot more to your personality than you let on."
"Same with you."
He shook his head, looking serious. "No, I've just matured and recognized my faults. You haven't changed, you're just releasing this part of you that's been trying to claw its way out for awhile now."
"And how would you know?" I'm skeptical, considering he's right on the bat.
"I can see it. I've seen it for a long time, and I always wondered who Quistis Trepe was. Not little Quisty or Instructor Trepe. I knew both of them, too well. But I never got under your skin and figured out who you really were."
The heat was rising to my cheeks. Seifer, the constant troublemaker, the thorn in my side… all this time he had been able to see through my well-constructed façade and knew there was more than meets the eye. He had tried to uncover my true self and in the meantime, I had done nothing but denounce him as 'problematic', not caring if there was more to him than he let on. How could I be so self-absorbed, so wrapped up in my own world that I had no time to answer a cry for help? I could have prevented Seifer from turning against us, I could have supported him.
"Quistis?" he asks, noting the pained look on my face. "Uh, did I say somethin' wrong?"
"No." I answer quietly, my eyes fixed on the table. "Not at all."
He shrugged it off and looked up at the wall clock.
"Ten minutes to go and my break is over. I don't suppose you have anything of value to say before then?"
I disregard his sarcasm. It's just a defense.
"I don't know what you consider to be of value."
I'm asking him, I'm waiting for him to answer me in truth. I want to see what really did matter to him, what he held dear in this world. But I don't think he takes it as a cue to pour his heart out, and even if he did, I doubt he would do it in such a crowded place. As I expected, he ignored the comment and pulled out his wallet.
"I ordered half the menu," I argue. "Let me pay."
"No," he says sternly. "I owe you."
"For coffee? That's nothing in comparison to this."
"Sure it is. I enjoyed the company."
"So you feel as if you have to pay for it?"
He laughs. "You are so difficult sometimes! I can never win with you."
"Fine. We'll split the bill." I huff, looking put out.
He rolls his eyes. "I'm paying. End of story."
Our waiter comes and picks up the tab, Seifer handing him the money before I can get a word in edgewise. He sticks his tongue at me arrogantly before sliding out of the booth.
"I need to get back to work and earn my living, seeing as Little Miss Piggy ate me out of house and home." He glares at me.
"I have a healthy appetite." I snap defensively. "Need to keep my energy up to tackle all those idiots in the world who happen to think they're better than me."
He just shrugs, and starts walking away. A little voice in my head screams at me not to let him go.
"Wait Seifer!"
He turns to match my gaze. I blush.
"Can I come and see you tomorrow?"
He looks at me strangely, not believing what he's heard. I pray to Hyne he doesn't start laughing. But he simply shrugs and scratches his neck.
"Sure. Come back around the same time then."
He turns again and this time I let him leave. Whatever it was that cracked inside of me and begged me not to leave him, I was sure pissed off at it. But deep in my heart of hearts, I knew that being with Seifer would bring me the answers I've been searching for all my life.
To be continued…