~Chapter two~

OUTING! ...Ya know?



*Quistis* (Tee-hee this Ch. is 4 Jacks!)



"Right, wake up Zell, E-mail Rinoa, grade papers..." I chant to myself as I walk briskly down the hall. My destination: the infirmary. My goal: to wake up that idiot who stays up all night with his walk man and-

"Oof! Cripes [1]!" the person I bumped into grumbled.

"Sorry err...Nida." I said looking up at the promising young SeeD.

"Quistis! Hi!" He greets me cheerfully, his golden eyes smiling. I really would like to stay and chat with him, but I have to rush, I tell him so and am on my way.

"See ya around then!" I hear him call as he kneels down to pick up his papers. Papers? I didn't recall knocking anything out of his hands... I'll have to apologize later. I resolve as I rush to the infirmary.

"Get offa me!" An indignant voice shouts.

"Nuthin' doing! You gotta take the rest of your medicine!" the unmistakable voice of Zell shouts in return.

"You're kiddin' me right? That stuff tastes like crap!" What in the name of Hyne was going on? I wonder as I push open the door. I almost laugh at what I see: Zell straddling Seifer's waist and trying to glare venomously and look as fierce as he could with a cup of purple liquid in his hand- wait. SEIFER??? Seifer Almasy of all people?? What was he doing here?!?

"What's *Seifer* doing here?" I demanded. Zell looked up from his current perch.

"Huh? Oh. Hey Quisty. Looooong story." Here he made himself comfortable. "Ya see, yesterday, Seifer showed up on our front door step with a mild case of Red Taraibian fever."

"Uh, Zell?" Seifer quired.

"I'm treatin' him now," The blonde continued jovially.

"Zell?" Seifer began again.

"The *reason* he's here I don't know yet..." Zell trailed off.

"Zell?" Seifer asked a bit impatiently.

"Huh?"

"Do I look like a frickin' chair to you?" Seifer wondered sighing. Zell flashed Seifer a grin like heat lightening.

"Yup. An' a comfy one too!"

"Geroff." Seifer grunted. Zell waggled a finger at him like I used to when I was a child and being bossy.

"Uh-uh! You gotta take your medicine." Zell raised the cup a little.

"I suggest you do as he says." I advised. "He made the last patient that wouldn't take their medicine cry." Really that wasn't a true story but I wasn't about to let Seifer find that out.

"Sure." Smirked Seifer. Zell pinched the older boy's nose shut and pried open his mouth.

"Open wide." Zell raised the cup to his lips and forced Seifer to chug it all down. The blonde sputtered and coughed and glared for a few moments. "There." Said Zell cheerfully. "All better." I shook my head. "Hey Quistis," Zell turned his attention to me. "We're goin' to FH ain't we?"

"I think so." I replied leaning in the door way and crossing my arms. Zell smiled at Seifer again. Whatever he had eaten at breakfast this morning must have put him in a good mood.

"Aren't you happy? You get to see Fujin an' Raijin again!" Seifer scowled.

"I'd be a hell of a lot happier if I didn't have to drink that shit."

"Aw, it wasn't that bad." Zell said climbing off Seifer and looking nonchalantly at me. "He must not be a fan of things that are grape flavored." Zell said shrugging. I couldn't help but smile. "We're gonna go to FH today, wanna come?" he asked hopefully. I looked from Zell to Seifer and back again. Those two? Together? And of all things hanging out? Now *that* was something that was unexpected.

"I'm jus' goin' to make sure he doesn't get sick again. I thought I'd bring a few of you guys along." Zell said lamely.

"Right." I replied. (I couldn't help but be a bit sarcastic.)

"You comin' or not?" Zell demanded placing both hands on his hips.

"Don't bust a vein Chickenwuss." Seifer said smirking.

"What did I say about callin' me that?" Zell asked rolling his eyes.

"I dunno, what *did* you say Chickenwuss?" Seifer's smirk grew even wider (if at all possible) as he tried his best to look innocent of all charges. Zell glared for a few moments and then returned to me.

"Well?"

"I'll see if I can." I answered as I made my exit. "I have a lot to do." I stuck my head in the door once more. "And you behave." I said to Seifer. Until he proved otherwise, he was still the enemy.



*Seifer's POV*



"So, you ready or not?" Chikenwuss asked tapping his foot.

"Yeah, yeah, chill out Chickenwuss." I said on my side of the bathroom door. I looked at my hair one more time and opened the door. I was met with Chickenwuss' scowling face (or really more like pouting, he looks too much like a little kid to pull off a truly Squall Leonhart-esque scowl.)

"Don't call me that." I smirked. I do that a lot you know.

"Whatever." I replied as I walked past him.

"Tch." Was all he said as he fell into step beside me. I like teasing him. It's so funny. I tried to tease Rinoa once but she got all sensitive. Chickenwuss gets pissed off and starts to shadow box in my face. Much more amusing. We jog down the Garden halls and reach the parking lot. I see Selphie and Irvine. I honestly felt surprised. Chickenwuss had to have done a lot of talking to get them to come. They hate me almost as much as Squall does. Irvine eyes me cautiously and Selphie takes a step closer to him. He puts a protective arm around her. Aww, ain't that cute? The valiant cowboy protecting his girl from the big ol' nasty Knight. (Coming this fall to theaters everywhere.) Chickenwuss rolls his eyes.

"Ready to go?" He gives each of us a look that says one thing: Be nice. Whatever. (Oh brother, I'm sounding like Leonhart!)

"Sure, why not?" asked Irvine shrugging underneath his suede trench coat. Selphie bit her lips and gave a little glare in my direction. I couldn't help it. I bared my teeth at her like they were fangs. My message was clear: Don't mess with me bitch. [2]

Chickenwuss caught the exchange and hit my arm. I turned around and glared. He looked mildly surprised but then shrugged and started to get in the car.

"Wait!!" I heard a voice calling behind us. I turned my head. Instructor Trepe. "Hi." She said breathlessly as she reached us. "Thought I'd tag along after all."

"It's all good. The more the merrier!" Selphie said doing that weird jump-wave thing she does. Oh brother.

"Yeah, hop on in Quisty." Chickenwuss said climbing in the driver's side. Oh no! My stomach groaned as it not so fondly remembered our trip to Dollet. He may be good at hand to hand combat, but he ain't the best driver. I reluctantly climb into the passenger's side and strap myself in. The others follow suit. Chickenwuss starts the car.

"Let's blow this pop stand!" He cries as he puts the pedal to the floor. I jostle and jolt around as he cranks up the radio.

"Zell! Eyes on the road!" Quistis shouts.

"Sorry." He sighs.

"It's okay. But if you get a ticket this time, I'm not paying." Quistis says.

"Huh?" Selphie was left in the dark. (As usual.)

"He got a ticket because he hit a Mesmerize." The blonde explained.

"Tch, yeah well wasn't my fault." He grumbles and turns on the radio. He cranks up the volume as high as it will go. This was going to be a looooong drive.

Later...

"This is it ain't it?" Zell asks as he pulls up to a dark blue house. Fuu must have talked (kicked more likely) Rai into painting it that color. Both of them were out front. Rai was watering the grass and Fuu was just sort of... sitting there. I suppressed a smile. It was strange to see them in normal clothes doing normal things. Rai cocked his head and looked at our approaching vehicle oddly. Then I got out.

"Seifa! Long time no see ya know!"

"SEIFER. GREETINGS." Fuu kind of well, blanched when see saw the others. "WHAT?" She demanded turning to me.

"Calm down, geez," I grumbled and gave them the abbreviated version of what had happened.

" DR. CHICKENWUSS. FRIEND?" Fuu raised her eyebrows. Neither of us answered. Fujin's eyebrows hit her hairline and her visible eye widened.

"So anyway, we decided to let Seifer come an' say hi!" said Selphie with that terrible false cheer of hers.

"That's nice o' ya, ya know." Rai said and nodded, politely ignoring Selphie's hyperness.

"Yeah, well, we're nice people." Irvine said he smiled a little. At least he's not that big of a bastard. Rai laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his head.

"Sorry about that whole tryin' to kill ya thing ya know." Suddenly, I heard the one sound I absolutely did not want to hear. Barking. Big. Loud. Barking.

"HERE. CHIJIN." Oh, shit. They had a DOG. I took a step back. Chickenwuss cocked his head and looked at me oddly. Heh, heh, heh, little know fact about Seifer Almasy folks: He's terrified of dogs. [2] A big, black and white mass of fur came bounding from inside their house. Oh, Hyne. I pressed but back up against the car and tried to look like I was *not* going to freak out. Chijin bounded up to all of us and began sniffing our arms and Selphie's face who was patting him. Dogs can smell fear, dogs can smell fear... I chanted silently. Then Chijin decided it was a good idea to make friends with me. He jumped on his hind legs and planted his paws on my chest, the as if *that* wasn't bad enough, the monster started to lick my face!!!!

"Get this mutt off me!" I bellowed. (Though Chickenwuss later told me that I squealed. _)



*Irvine's POV*



Well, today was a uhh... interesting one so far. I wake up, get dressed and consider going to the cafeteria when Selphie comes by in her pajamas. I though she was planning something else other than talking me into visiting Fujin and Raijin. I thought wrong. After I picked myself up off the floor, she tells me that we have to go as soon as she's dressed. Breakfast for Irvy? Not a chance. So after nearly hitting a pedestrian, two Grats, and a small flock of Cockatrices (and this was all *before* I fell asleep on the ride over) I pull up to a house, make small talk with Fujin and Raijin and Seifer screams like a girl and gets mugged by a dog. Now, here I am in a once-enemy's house drinking lemonade. Yeah, business as usual.

"Sorry, Seifer, I didn't know that ya were allergic to dogs. Ya never told me ya know." Raijin apologized. I muffled a snicker. Allergic? He's scared of them! Any one can see that. Zell sent me a knowing look. I nodded and grinned. Seifer sent us both a nasty look and Zell burst into a fit of giggles. I would have too, except, I'm a ladies man... we don't giggle. We chuckle, so I did that. Seifer rolled his eyes. I have to admit, seeing him act like that was priceless, even if I don't trust Seifer. I still don't like him very much either. But he's going to be around us so I might as well not be an asshole. I may have him as an acquaintance, but I will never fully trust him. Still... 'Eek! Get this mutt off me!' I'd have to tell Squall later.

"You have a nice house Fujin." Quistis said as Seifer was about to go Demon Slice on my pretty little self.

"THANKS." Fujin said. She winced. "Err, I mean thank you Quistis." She said in a softer, less freakier way. She suddenly paled several shades. "Ooh-ooh, excuse me." She got up. "I have to go take some of my medicine." She replied primly.

"Where's Fujin going?" asked Selphie who was playing with the dog, Chijin or whatever.

"Fuu's gotta nasty stomach flu ya know." Raijin explained. "She's had it for weeks ya know."

"Weeks?" Zell echoed. "Stomach flues are usually shorter than that, have you guys seen a doctor?"

"Fuu hates doctors ya know. She gives me hell every time I try to take her to one ya know." Raijin admitted.

"Uh-huh... ..." Zell looked thoughtful. "Mind if I asked her a few questions?"

"If she'll let ya, ya know." Zell got up and bounded off in search of Fujin

"So like, what do you guys do now that you don't fight?" I asked.

"Fish. (ya know)" Seifer and Raijin said.

"WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT YOU JACKASS????!!!!!" demanded Fujin's angry voice from... somewhere. Following this was a thud and an 'OW!' (most likely from the said Jackass.) Several minutes later a confused looking Fujin and Zell appeared. He was smiling like a mad Imp and holding one of his shoulders.

"You're wife's got one hell o' a right hook." He said patting Raijin on the back with his free arm. "She also has a biiiig surprise, Fujin," the sliver haired woman sighed.

"I'm expecting." Raijin scratched his head.

"Expecting what ya know?"

"BABY." She said going back to her normal was of speaking.

"Yes?" Fujin slapped herself in the forehead.

"No! I'm expecting a baby!" she shouted. Raijin's eyes got very, VERY wide, the room was suddenly completely silent.

"Congratulations." Quisits said quietly.

"I ain't sure yet, I'm no expert but all signs point to yes." Zell said scratching his head.

"Woo-hoo!" Selphie jumped in the air. I looked at Seifer and Raijin who still maintained stunned looks on their faces. Raijin blinked several times, like he was coming out of a dark cave and into the sunlight.

"Are ya serious ya know?" A HUGE grin broke out on Zell's face.

"Sure am dad." This dawning on Raijin, he whooped for joy and started to pick up Fujin and spin her. "Uhm, that might not be a good idea!" Zell cried as he frantically waved his hands. Raijin put his wife down.

Oh, good point ya know." He whooped for joy again, grabbed Zell, threw him over one shoulder and started to cyclone.

"AhhhhAHHHHHH!!!!! PUT ME DOWN!!!!!!" Zell hollered. Squealed, really. Another good story for my next phone conversation with Squall. Raijin plunked the surprised and slightly queasy Zell on the couch between Seifer and me. "Whew." He sighed/gasped. Yeah, things were definitely NOT weird here.

Later... (Yet again!)

"Hey! Check it! Just the place I was lookin' for!" Zell pulled over and cut the engine.

"Zell, what on Earth are you doing?" Quistis asked from the back.

"Bein' impulsive." Zell said as he climbed out. "Wait here." He jogged into the store. I looked at the little white brick building our friend had just entered. A neon flashing sign read 'Monster Refuge', what the hell?

"What do you think he's doin'?" asked Selphie as if she expected any of us to know. I love the girl, but she asks a lot of questions. (Not that I mind, I think her curiosity if cute.) I shrugged.

"Do ya think any of us know?" Seifer asked. He was also in the back. I glanced in the rearview at him. He looked tired. He raised a questioning eyebrow at me, like he though I was messing with him or something. Zell came out with something on his head. Bright orange... furry...

"A Moomba!" Selphie squealed. It was awfully small to be a Moomba, must be a baby.

"And where Chickenwuss, do you plan to keep that?" Seifer asked.

"My dorm." Zell replied.

"Cid doesn't allow..." Quistis began. Zell winked.

"What Cid doesn't won't hurt him. Besides, what's a harmless lil' Moomba gonna do? Right buddy?" Zell asked of the little creature on his head. The cat-like creature on his head chirped.

"Aw! Cuuuute!" Selphie cooed. When we got back to the Garden, Zell hid the Moomba (which he had dubbed 'Piyo') in his jacket and hurried to the sanctuary of his dorm. I sat on a bench with Selphie and Quistis. Seifer stared at us for a moment and wandered off to do Hyne knows what. He was headed in the direction of the cafeteria. Probably wanted something to eat.

"What's the matter Quisty?" asked Selphie from one side. Quistis shook her head. Her brows were furrowed and her saucer blue eyes were focused deep in thought.

"I don't know." Her mouth turned down like a baby's as she put a thoughtful thumb-and-forefinger to her chin. "I can't quite explain it, but I've had this deep sense of dread ever since I woke up this morning." She said quietly. You know, now that I thought of it, I felt the same way. I wonder why??

The intercom suddenly switched on.

"Will all SeeDs and those Ultimicia-involed (A/N I dunno who to spell her stupid name!!!) report to the [Front Gate] immediately." Headmaster Cid said grimly.

"That's why." I breathed aloud.



TBC (for now... heheheheheheh!!)