Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 8, yadda yadda yadda, they belong to
Squaresoft.....blahblahblah..so don't sue blah blah blah I'm too poor to
pay a good lawyer yadda yadda....Yay Squarsoft!
Author's Note: So, here we go for another chapter!
Tell Me I'm Not Alone
( Festivities and Confrontations)
The week passed by quite slowly, but the celebtration for the Galbadian transfers had been organized with barely any problems, and maybe it would have gone even getter if Rinoa and Selphie hadn't kept having scraps about the decorations, or what kind of music they'd play, the food, practically everything that makes up a party in the first place. Everyone was quite relieved when the two came to a truce and took joint leadership of the whole affair.
Quistis looked at the calendar hanging on her closet door. A big huge heart was circled around today's date with a little note that read, "PAR- TAY!!!!!"
She rolled her eyes with a little smile at the memory of Selphie running into her room with a red marker.
"(I really should start locking my door....)"
With a quick pull, she opened her closet door and shuffled through the clothes that were hanging up. She pulled her salmon coloured skirt and top off of their hangers and examined them for a moment. Selphie said the party was casual, so Quistis figured this would be okay.
Ever since the training center, when she and Seifer had finally decided to come to a truce, they had been slowly becoming friends. If they met in the hall, they would stop and talk, or say a passing hello. Quistis had to admit it was a lot nicer than glaring daggers at eachother.
"(He's not really a bad guy... He just acts like it to be tough..)" Quistis remembered telling an astonished Selphie after her witnessing Seifer and Quistis exchanging friendly words with one another.
She looked at her clock and nodded.
"I better hurry or I'll miss everyone at the Cafeteria.." she said to herself as she headed toward her door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lyseria made her way down the men's dorm hall. She looked at each passing door, counting off their numbers in her head.
Finally, she stopped in front of one reading "383". Just as she was about to knock, she heard yelling coming from inside. Her curiosity getting the best of her, she leaned her ear on the door and listened....
"Little bastard!!!! If I see you near my stuff again I'll kick your sorry ass to Esthar!!!!"
"I told you I didn't touch your goddamn precious Gunblade!!!!"
"Then what the hell is it doing on the floor!!! You little @#$%!!!"
Lyseria stepped back from the door as an array of VERY 'unpolite' words were exchanged. Her eyes widened as the door suddenly flew open and a red faced Seifer stormed out almost knocking her on the ground.
They looked at eachother for a moment before he turned and stamped down the hall. Darren's head poked out of the door, his fists flying.
"Go ahead and run you coward!!!!!!!!!" he cried shaking his fist at the retreating blond. All of a sudden, he felt someone grab his arm. He looked down to see Lyseria staring at him. Her gray eyes staring into his brown ones. A blush crept across his face.
"You shouldn't get so worked up like that! It's really not good for you........." she said with worry.
He relaxed and let his arm fall to his side. A small smile spread onto his face.
"You're right. I'll be okay...."
She smiled and released his arm.
He motioned toward his door, "Wanna come in.....?"
With a nod, she walked past him and entered, him following close behind her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"...That little jackass..." the blond man mumbled under his breath as he slammed into the cafeteria doors startling some students on the other side. He stamped towards the counter and waited in line.
Quistis looked up from her tray and caught site of Seifer standing in line. His face flushed and arms crossed angrily. She looked around at Irvine, Zell, and Selphie before getting up from her seat. Zell looked up from his hot dogs and looked at her.
"..Where you going..?"
She looked down at him and shook her head, "I'll just be a minute..."
Everyone watched as she headed towards the fuming Seifer.
"Hi."
Seifer looked down at her startled.
"..Hi Quistis." he said, the red leaving his face.
"...Uh.... Do.. you..."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Do you wanna come and sit with us?" she said quickly, just trying to get it out.
His eyes softened, "I don't think so.."
"... They don't hate you you know.... Well... maybe Zell still does, a little, but other than him--"
He shook his head, "I just don't think it's a good idea....."
Quistis shook her head, "....Please?"
His shoulders drooped a little as he stared into her blue eyes. If anyone had told him a year ago that Quistis Trepe would be asking for his company, he would have laughed at them and told them to go to hell.
"..Alright.."
This answer caused her to smile.
"..Good. We're just sitting over there, so when you're done you can come and sit. Okay?"
"Okay."
With that, the blonde woman retreated back to her table. Seifer just stared at the people waiting for her, and wondered if he should have just stayed in bed this morning.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So what brings you all the way here?" Darren asked as he shut the door behind him. Lyseria was standing in the middle of the room looking around.
"Wow! Your dorm is so clean! The one I share with Cassie is always a mess of papers and books!"
He smiled crossing his arms, "So anyway, what did you want...?"
The dark blonde girl turned around and began to walk towards him.
She stopped and bowed, "I wish to invite you to come to the party with me tonight." she said in a very refined voice. She looked up at him and straightened up.
"...Uh.. I...."
"..But if you don't want to... I'll-I'll understand.. I mean, we got the huge test on Monday, and I didn't know if you'd be studying for it all weekend because I know you want to do really well and 'cause being a SeeD is really important to you but I was hoping you might wanna take a break and come to the party just to relax and---"
He smiled, "You're babbling again.."
She took a deep breath, "..I know... But.. I'm really nervous."
"Why?"
"Well..... I-I want to talk to Instructor Trepe tonight.."
He looked at her for a moment and nodded, "Oh.... about that.."
"Yeah.. And I would just feel better if you were there.... Y'know, kinda like moral support......"
He shook his head causing his brown hair to ruffle, "... I'll go."
The girl smiled wide and seemed to relax a little, "Okay! Thank you so much! I'll meet you at the entrance to the dormitory halls at 8:00 p.m. or so. Okay?"
He nodded.
"Whew. Okay, well-- uh--I- I'll be seeing you then!" she said as she quickly exited the room.
Darren stared after her as a small grin spread across his face.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Have a seat." Quistis said pulling out the chair beside her. Seifer hesitated for a moment then sat down. Everyone except Zell were staring at him.
"...So Seifer," Irvine began, "What's up?"
"..Nothing much..." he answered.
Silence.
Selphie clapped her hands together, "You're coming to the party tonight aren't you?"
He looked at the green eyed brunette, "What party?"
She slapped her forehead, "What do you mean, 'what party'? It's technically for you!"
"What?"
She scratched her head, "Well, it's for all the transfers from Galbadia. Are you still gonna come?"
"...Well I--"
Zell shrugged and said smugly,"You don't have to if you don't want to, it's not like you really need to be there--- OW!!"
Selphie smiled sweetly trying to cover the fact that she had just kicked him in the shin.
"So will you come?" she asked.
Seifer nodded, "Yeah, what the hell."
"Yay!!!" the spry girl cried throwing up her hands. She got up from her seat and picked up her tray, "Look forward to seeing you there Seifer! And don't worry, a friend of Quistis is a friend of ours right..?" she looked around at everyone.
Irvine just tipped his hat and got out of his seat.
Selphie eyed Zell and growled, "Right?"
He stood up and turned away, "Yeah, whatever.."
"Bye!" she smiled as her, Irvine, and a grumbling Zell left.
Seifer just raised an eyebrow.
"Selphie's very forgiving, and Irvine always thinks she knows what's best.." Quistis said taking a drink ,"They've forgiven you.."
The blond man nodded, "I noticed.."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The halls were filled with the echo of the loud music being emitted from the Quad.
Lyseria stood there, waiting for Darren. She was wearing a black denim styled jacket; a red sleevless rib-materialed turtle neck; blue, below the knee length skirt; a pair of black, leather knee-high boots, and her hair was done up in loose bun The shirt was a little itchy, but other than that everything seemed alright.
She felt really nervous about a task she had set out for herself tonight.....
To confont Quistis...
The sight of the woman during her classes for the past week had been driving her insane. Everytime she looked at her, she saw her Mother.. Well, the photograph of her Mother anyway, and a name that was hanging on the tip of her tounge yet she could not quite remember it. The girl decided that tonight was the night. Who knows, maybe tomorrow, everything would be a little clearer.....
She hoped...
She looked up to the sound of approaching footsteps.
"Hiya!" she waved as Darren neared her. He was wearing a black jacket , a dark blue shirt and a pair of dark brown khakis.
"You look nice." she smiled.
He scratched his head, "You do too.."
"Thanks." She motioned toward the direction of the Quad, "Shall we go?"
"Y-yeah.."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quistis walked into the Quad, her eyes dazzled by the rich colours surrounding her.
"(Good job Selphie and Rinoa..)" she thought to herself as she took in the vibrant coloured streamers strung amongst various areas. Looking around, she realized that none of her friends had arrived yet, so with a small sigh, she proceeded to an empty table to wait.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"(My stomach's all fluttery...)" Lyseria thought as her and Darren entered the Quad. People laughed, danced and talked, an air of pure merriment eminanting from all of them.
She bit her lip slightly as she observed them. She had never been good at parties unless with a group of her own friends.
But then again, Darren was here wasn't he?
She turned her eyes from the crowd to him. He seemed to be looking at something on the other end of the room, so did not notice her lingering gaze.
"(I'm really glad he came with me...... I know I wouldn't be able to do this alone..)" a smile graced her slightly glossed lips. The person in question noticed her stare and met it. A look of surprise spread across his features.
"... What?"
She shook her head, ".. It's nothing." she motioned toward the crowds of people, "Shall we go?"
He gave her an odd look then nodded.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Yay! Quisty's here!"
Quistis looked up to see that she was not alone. Selphie, Irvine, and Zell were standing around her table. She smiled in relief.
"I was a little worried you wouldn't be able to find me." she said chuckling slightly.
Selphie shook her head and took a seat, their male companions following suit shortly after.
"Sorry we were late getting here." the green eyed girl smiled, "We were talking to Squall and Rinoa." She stopped and looked back towards the doors, "They should be here anytime now."
Quistis nodded. She had gotten over the jealousy she had towards the both of them and realized that there was no point on brooding over her lost chances with Squall. Besides, Rinoa wasn't that bad....... As long as you got her in small doses.
Irvine sat back, "So... where's Almasy?"
Quistis shook her head and shrugged, "Not here. I guess he decided to not come after all."
"Tch, amen to that!" Zell said crossing his arms.
Selphie looked at him, "It seems everyone has been willing to give him a chance except you. Why is that exactly.....?"
The blond shrugged, "I just don't like the guy. He's a bad influence on people."
"..Oh," Irvine smiled, "is that so... Chickenwuss..?"
Zell's eyes caught aflame and he pointed a finger at the cowboy accusingly, "See!!! That's exactly my point!"
"Ahem..."
Everyone stopped as a shadow spread across the table. Quistis looked to see a tall young man staring down at them.
"I didn't think you were going to show." she said looking up at him.
He shrugged, "Well I couldn't disappoint you by not gracing you with my presence now could I?"
She rolled her eyes trying to conceal a small grin, "Whatever Seifer."
Selphie promptly stood up and shook his hand vigourously, "You actually came! I was sure before, when you said you'd come, that you were just trying to be nice--"
He raised an eyebrow, "Trying to be... nice?"
She continued disregarding him, "-- but you really came!!!" She stopped and listened for a moment as a new song began to play. In a lightning quick move she grabbed Irvine by the arm.
"Come and dance! Our song's playing!" she smiled.
"...We have a song?" he asked confused.
"We do now!"
Not willing to resist he just tipped his hat in farewell and allowed himself to be dragged towards the dance floor. Zell got up mumbling something about hot dogs and left leaving Quistis and Seifer to sit alone.
Seifer sat down a chair over from Quistis and blinked a couple a times, "Is she like that all the time..? My head hurts..."
Quistis laughed.
".... She's a nice girl.... but she's got the energy and attention span of a humming bird.." the blonde woman smiled as she watched Selphie pull Irvine all over the floor.
"... You get used to it after a while though..."
Seifer just nodded in agreement unsure of what to say.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"It's not that hard!" Darren said exasperated, "You have to stop being so stiff."
"Stiff....?"
He shook his head, "It's like dancing with a tree. You gotta relax.."
Lyseria took her hands of his shoulders and scratched her head, "..Sorry... but I'm not used to this.."
"..... Don't get out much?" he asked. He could of sworn he saw steam slowly swirl from her ears aa she growled and crossed her arms.
"Aww gimme a break.. I was only kidding..." He reached out for her, "Here, let's give it another try, okay?"
She glanced at him momentarily then looked around, "I shouldn't have let you talk me into this.... "
"Well that's the whole point of this things...." he said motioning to the people around them, "To relax and let loose."
"Dancing is not letting loose." she sighed as she tilted her head. He answered with a shrug then put his hands up in defeat.
"Alright, fine. You win." he said turning to walk away. Lyseria shook her head then reached out and caught him by the jacket pulling him back.
"Come back here..." she laughed shaking her head. He turned to her and smiled.
"I'm sorry." she held out her hand and smiled, "I'll try to relax." He nodded and took her hand as he placed his other on her waste. Placing her other hand on his shoulder she nodded, "Okay, let's go."
"Left, right, left, right..... turn, step, left, right...."
Lyseria chuckled, obviously amused with his unintentional commentary. Taking notice he looked into her eyes and shrugged.
"Helps me remember.." he mumbled as he sent her off into a spin. Picking up speed as she recoiled, she crashed into him with a good amount of force sending him backwards, almost falling.
Laughing uncontrolably, she helped him back towards her and leaned on him, her eyes watering.
"Having a good time..?" he asked as he raised his eyebrow in unison with a sly smirk.
wiping her eyes, she nodded and looked into his eyes, "Actually.... yes.."
"..I'm glad.."
A moment of silence passed between them... one another just smiling...
Closing his eyes slightly, he leaned in slowly...... the girl in his arms about to follow suit when........
"There she is!" she cried, her eyes wide. The sudden outburst caused him to snap out if his trance and pull back, flustered. Lyseria gripped his arms for a moment.
"I'm gonna go okay..? I'll---" she took a step away, "-- see you later.."
Giving him a last apologetic glance, he watched as she pushed her way through the crowd, making her way toward the tables...
Shaking his head, he also pushed his way through the dancing couples... making his way to the exit.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Quistis sighed as she watched the dancing couples. She hadn't seen Irvine and Selphie for a long while.. and secretly wondered if they had snuck off somewhere.
Seifer yawned and leaned his elbows onto the table, boredom clearly written across his features..
Glancing his way for a moment, the blonde woman tilted her head, "You want to leave don't you?"
Her phrase caused him to snap back to attention.
"... No..." he lied.
Quistis shook her head and got out of her seat, causing her to recieve a questioning look from her companion.
"I think I'll step out for a bit....... It's a little stuffy in here..." she sighed as she pushed in her chair, "I'll be back in a sec...."
Seifer nodded and watched her retreating form.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Finall making her way tp the clearing of tables, to her dismay she could not spot the blonde instructor.
"(Dammit....)"
"Where did she go...?" she said aloud as she pivoted her head back and forth. Eyes lighting momentarily as she spotted the object of her pursuit, she set off after her, once again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The night air was soothing to the touch, and pleasing to one's eye due to the outrageous amount of stars twinking up in the velvet heaven we call the night sky.
Quistis leaned onto the railing slightly, crossing her arms onto the cold stone serface. It was a nice change from the busy atmosphere of the buzzing Quad. She looked at her watch and sighed. She had been here for almost two hours......
It seemed like five.....
"( I'm not good at parties.....)" she thought as she rested her head in her palm, gazing dreamily at the ocean.
"....Instructor Trepe.....?"
She heard a meek voice say from behind her. Standing up straight, she turned slightly to regard her visitor.
"Hello Ms. Gainsborough." she nodded. The younger girl nodded back and stepped up to her side.
"Why aren't you in there with everyone else?" the azured eyed woman asked in concern.
Lyseria shook her head, "... I'm not really a party-girl..."
Quistis laughed slightly and nodded, "Same here..."
There was a brief moment of awkward silence.. Lyseria felt those butterflies from earlier creep back into her abdomen.
"So... how are you feeling...?" Quistis asked in an effort to start a conversation.
"Oh.." the younger girl said touching her forehead, "I have to go into the Infirmary tomorrow and get them taken out.."
"Does it still hurt..?"
".... Not really..."
Quistis nodded, "I have to admit, you frightened me when I found you on the floor like that."
Lyseria crossed her arms, ".... Sorry about that Instructor..."
Quistis never failed to notice that no matter how many times she heard people call her that, she always felt about ten years older....
"It's alright.... I take it your junctioning again.?"
The grey eyed girl nodded, "Yes ma'am......." She looked out at the ocean then to her sweating hands. "(Deep breath..... It's now or never...)"
"Um.... Ms. Trepe..?"
"Mmhmm...?"
"..Um....... Where did you grow up...?"
Quistis looked surprised for a moment and slowly turned to face the young woman.
"Excuse me..?"
"Uh......." Lyseria noted the confusion in the woman's voice, and was tempted to just excuse herself and run... but she mustered up her strength and egged herself on.
"Where did you grow up...?"
She raised an eyebrow, "Why do you want to know...?"
".... Just.... just curious.." Lyseria faced the instructor, ".... Is that alright..?"
Quistis was silent for a moment but shrugged, "..... I--suppose.. I've just never been asked that by one of my students before.."
"I..see.."
".... Well, honestly I can't really remeber where I was born.. I lived in an orphanage since I was around four."
"(...Four huh..? That seems... to fit...)"
"I don't remember anything before then, thanks to GF's."
"...Then.... it could be---" Lyseria mumbled. Her mind was racing, but she tried to hold it back in an effort to look composed.
"Pardon...?"
The younger girl looked at her, moonlight dancing in her eyes.
"... I had a feeling since the first day I met you...." she reached into her breast pocket and pulled out the preserved photo. Holding it gingerly, she looked it over before slowly handing it to Quistis.
"This is... my mother.. Eve Gainsborough. She disappeared about fifteen years ago.."
Quistis just stared at the picture, a numbness enveloping her body. The woman smiling back at her looked like she could be her replica.......
"...... During the first sorceress war, the town she was visiting was raided... We never heard from her after that..."
The woman shook her head, "I'm sorry about that... but why do you need to tell me all this..?"
Lyseria felt her eyes brim with tears, "...... She wasn't alone.... she took my older sister with her. I also never heard from her after that day....... but I was hoping the day would come when---"
Quistis furrowed her brow, "What are you saying..?" she said almost in a whisper.
The grey eyed girl took a deep breath and pointed directly at the woman's form,
".... Ms. Trepe... I believe that you *are*.... my big sister..."
Quistis' breath caught in her throat as the picture fell from her grasp and drifted like a lone feather, to the ground at her feet.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's note: Well well well.... there you have it huh? And is something developing between Lyseria and Darren now? *cough* *cough*
I'm incredibly sorry about delaying for what... almost three months? School is absolutely hectic.. but I guess that's not a really good excuse huh? I hope you liked this chapter, and I just wanted to apologize, and I hope you will still read and review. Thank you for waiting....
Author's Note: So, here we go for another chapter!
Tell Me I'm Not Alone
( Festivities and Confrontations)
The week passed by quite slowly, but the celebtration for the Galbadian transfers had been organized with barely any problems, and maybe it would have gone even getter if Rinoa and Selphie hadn't kept having scraps about the decorations, or what kind of music they'd play, the food, practically everything that makes up a party in the first place. Everyone was quite relieved when the two came to a truce and took joint leadership of the whole affair.
Quistis looked at the calendar hanging on her closet door. A big huge heart was circled around today's date with a little note that read, "PAR- TAY!!!!!"
She rolled her eyes with a little smile at the memory of Selphie running into her room with a red marker.
"(I really should start locking my door....)"
With a quick pull, she opened her closet door and shuffled through the clothes that were hanging up. She pulled her salmon coloured skirt and top off of their hangers and examined them for a moment. Selphie said the party was casual, so Quistis figured this would be okay.
Ever since the training center, when she and Seifer had finally decided to come to a truce, they had been slowly becoming friends. If they met in the hall, they would stop and talk, or say a passing hello. Quistis had to admit it was a lot nicer than glaring daggers at eachother.
"(He's not really a bad guy... He just acts like it to be tough..)" Quistis remembered telling an astonished Selphie after her witnessing Seifer and Quistis exchanging friendly words with one another.
She looked at her clock and nodded.
"I better hurry or I'll miss everyone at the Cafeteria.." she said to herself as she headed toward her door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lyseria made her way down the men's dorm hall. She looked at each passing door, counting off their numbers in her head.
Finally, she stopped in front of one reading "383". Just as she was about to knock, she heard yelling coming from inside. Her curiosity getting the best of her, she leaned her ear on the door and listened....
"Little bastard!!!! If I see you near my stuff again I'll kick your sorry ass to Esthar!!!!"
"I told you I didn't touch your goddamn precious Gunblade!!!!"
"Then what the hell is it doing on the floor!!! You little @#$%!!!"
Lyseria stepped back from the door as an array of VERY 'unpolite' words were exchanged. Her eyes widened as the door suddenly flew open and a red faced Seifer stormed out almost knocking her on the ground.
They looked at eachother for a moment before he turned and stamped down the hall. Darren's head poked out of the door, his fists flying.
"Go ahead and run you coward!!!!!!!!!" he cried shaking his fist at the retreating blond. All of a sudden, he felt someone grab his arm. He looked down to see Lyseria staring at him. Her gray eyes staring into his brown ones. A blush crept across his face.
"You shouldn't get so worked up like that! It's really not good for you........." she said with worry.
He relaxed and let his arm fall to his side. A small smile spread onto his face.
"You're right. I'll be okay...."
She smiled and released his arm.
He motioned toward his door, "Wanna come in.....?"
With a nod, she walked past him and entered, him following close behind her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"...That little jackass..." the blond man mumbled under his breath as he slammed into the cafeteria doors startling some students on the other side. He stamped towards the counter and waited in line.
Quistis looked up from her tray and caught site of Seifer standing in line. His face flushed and arms crossed angrily. She looked around at Irvine, Zell, and Selphie before getting up from her seat. Zell looked up from his hot dogs and looked at her.
"..Where you going..?"
She looked down at him and shook her head, "I'll just be a minute..."
Everyone watched as she headed towards the fuming Seifer.
"Hi."
Seifer looked down at her startled.
"..Hi Quistis." he said, the red leaving his face.
"...Uh.... Do.. you..."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Do you wanna come and sit with us?" she said quickly, just trying to get it out.
His eyes softened, "I don't think so.."
"... They don't hate you you know.... Well... maybe Zell still does, a little, but other than him--"
He shook his head, "I just don't think it's a good idea....."
Quistis shook her head, "....Please?"
His shoulders drooped a little as he stared into her blue eyes. If anyone had told him a year ago that Quistis Trepe would be asking for his company, he would have laughed at them and told them to go to hell.
"..Alright.."
This answer caused her to smile.
"..Good. We're just sitting over there, so when you're done you can come and sit. Okay?"
"Okay."
With that, the blonde woman retreated back to her table. Seifer just stared at the people waiting for her, and wondered if he should have just stayed in bed this morning.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So what brings you all the way here?" Darren asked as he shut the door behind him. Lyseria was standing in the middle of the room looking around.
"Wow! Your dorm is so clean! The one I share with Cassie is always a mess of papers and books!"
He smiled crossing his arms, "So anyway, what did you want...?"
The dark blonde girl turned around and began to walk towards him.
She stopped and bowed, "I wish to invite you to come to the party with me tonight." she said in a very refined voice. She looked up at him and straightened up.
"...Uh.. I...."
"..But if you don't want to... I'll-I'll understand.. I mean, we got the huge test on Monday, and I didn't know if you'd be studying for it all weekend because I know you want to do really well and 'cause being a SeeD is really important to you but I was hoping you might wanna take a break and come to the party just to relax and---"
He smiled, "You're babbling again.."
She took a deep breath, "..I know... But.. I'm really nervous."
"Why?"
"Well..... I-I want to talk to Instructor Trepe tonight.."
He looked at her for a moment and nodded, "Oh.... about that.."
"Yeah.. And I would just feel better if you were there.... Y'know, kinda like moral support......"
He shook his head causing his brown hair to ruffle, "... I'll go."
The girl smiled wide and seemed to relax a little, "Okay! Thank you so much! I'll meet you at the entrance to the dormitory halls at 8:00 p.m. or so. Okay?"
He nodded.
"Whew. Okay, well-- uh--I- I'll be seeing you then!" she said as she quickly exited the room.
Darren stared after her as a small grin spread across his face.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Have a seat." Quistis said pulling out the chair beside her. Seifer hesitated for a moment then sat down. Everyone except Zell were staring at him.
"...So Seifer," Irvine began, "What's up?"
"..Nothing much..." he answered.
Silence.
Selphie clapped her hands together, "You're coming to the party tonight aren't you?"
He looked at the green eyed brunette, "What party?"
She slapped her forehead, "What do you mean, 'what party'? It's technically for you!"
"What?"
She scratched her head, "Well, it's for all the transfers from Galbadia. Are you still gonna come?"
"...Well I--"
Zell shrugged and said smugly,"You don't have to if you don't want to, it's not like you really need to be there--- OW!!"
Selphie smiled sweetly trying to cover the fact that she had just kicked him in the shin.
"So will you come?" she asked.
Seifer nodded, "Yeah, what the hell."
"Yay!!!" the spry girl cried throwing up her hands. She got up from her seat and picked up her tray, "Look forward to seeing you there Seifer! And don't worry, a friend of Quistis is a friend of ours right..?" she looked around at everyone.
Irvine just tipped his hat and got out of his seat.
Selphie eyed Zell and growled, "Right?"
He stood up and turned away, "Yeah, whatever.."
"Bye!" she smiled as her, Irvine, and a grumbling Zell left.
Seifer just raised an eyebrow.
"Selphie's very forgiving, and Irvine always thinks she knows what's best.." Quistis said taking a drink ,"They've forgiven you.."
The blond man nodded, "I noticed.."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The halls were filled with the echo of the loud music being emitted from the Quad.
Lyseria stood there, waiting for Darren. She was wearing a black denim styled jacket; a red sleevless rib-materialed turtle neck; blue, below the knee length skirt; a pair of black, leather knee-high boots, and her hair was done up in loose bun The shirt was a little itchy, but other than that everything seemed alright.
She felt really nervous about a task she had set out for herself tonight.....
To confont Quistis...
The sight of the woman during her classes for the past week had been driving her insane. Everytime she looked at her, she saw her Mother.. Well, the photograph of her Mother anyway, and a name that was hanging on the tip of her tounge yet she could not quite remember it. The girl decided that tonight was the night. Who knows, maybe tomorrow, everything would be a little clearer.....
She hoped...
She looked up to the sound of approaching footsteps.
"Hiya!" she waved as Darren neared her. He was wearing a black jacket , a dark blue shirt and a pair of dark brown khakis.
"You look nice." she smiled.
He scratched his head, "You do too.."
"Thanks." She motioned toward the direction of the Quad, "Shall we go?"
"Y-yeah.."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quistis walked into the Quad, her eyes dazzled by the rich colours surrounding her.
"(Good job Selphie and Rinoa..)" she thought to herself as she took in the vibrant coloured streamers strung amongst various areas. Looking around, she realized that none of her friends had arrived yet, so with a small sigh, she proceeded to an empty table to wait.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"(My stomach's all fluttery...)" Lyseria thought as her and Darren entered the Quad. People laughed, danced and talked, an air of pure merriment eminanting from all of them.
She bit her lip slightly as she observed them. She had never been good at parties unless with a group of her own friends.
But then again, Darren was here wasn't he?
She turned her eyes from the crowd to him. He seemed to be looking at something on the other end of the room, so did not notice her lingering gaze.
"(I'm really glad he came with me...... I know I wouldn't be able to do this alone..)" a smile graced her slightly glossed lips. The person in question noticed her stare and met it. A look of surprise spread across his features.
"... What?"
She shook her head, ".. It's nothing." she motioned toward the crowds of people, "Shall we go?"
He gave her an odd look then nodded.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Yay! Quisty's here!"
Quistis looked up to see that she was not alone. Selphie, Irvine, and Zell were standing around her table. She smiled in relief.
"I was a little worried you wouldn't be able to find me." she said chuckling slightly.
Selphie shook her head and took a seat, their male companions following suit shortly after.
"Sorry we were late getting here." the green eyed girl smiled, "We were talking to Squall and Rinoa." She stopped and looked back towards the doors, "They should be here anytime now."
Quistis nodded. She had gotten over the jealousy she had towards the both of them and realized that there was no point on brooding over her lost chances with Squall. Besides, Rinoa wasn't that bad....... As long as you got her in small doses.
Irvine sat back, "So... where's Almasy?"
Quistis shook her head and shrugged, "Not here. I guess he decided to not come after all."
"Tch, amen to that!" Zell said crossing his arms.
Selphie looked at him, "It seems everyone has been willing to give him a chance except you. Why is that exactly.....?"
The blond shrugged, "I just don't like the guy. He's a bad influence on people."
"..Oh," Irvine smiled, "is that so... Chickenwuss..?"
Zell's eyes caught aflame and he pointed a finger at the cowboy accusingly, "See!!! That's exactly my point!"
"Ahem..."
Everyone stopped as a shadow spread across the table. Quistis looked to see a tall young man staring down at them.
"I didn't think you were going to show." she said looking up at him.
He shrugged, "Well I couldn't disappoint you by not gracing you with my presence now could I?"
She rolled her eyes trying to conceal a small grin, "Whatever Seifer."
Selphie promptly stood up and shook his hand vigourously, "You actually came! I was sure before, when you said you'd come, that you were just trying to be nice--"
He raised an eyebrow, "Trying to be... nice?"
She continued disregarding him, "-- but you really came!!!" She stopped and listened for a moment as a new song began to play. In a lightning quick move she grabbed Irvine by the arm.
"Come and dance! Our song's playing!" she smiled.
"...We have a song?" he asked confused.
"We do now!"
Not willing to resist he just tipped his hat in farewell and allowed himself to be dragged towards the dance floor. Zell got up mumbling something about hot dogs and left leaving Quistis and Seifer to sit alone.
Seifer sat down a chair over from Quistis and blinked a couple a times, "Is she like that all the time..? My head hurts..."
Quistis laughed.
".... She's a nice girl.... but she's got the energy and attention span of a humming bird.." the blonde woman smiled as she watched Selphie pull Irvine all over the floor.
"... You get used to it after a while though..."
Seifer just nodded in agreement unsure of what to say.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"It's not that hard!" Darren said exasperated, "You have to stop being so stiff."
"Stiff....?"
He shook his head, "It's like dancing with a tree. You gotta relax.."
Lyseria took her hands of his shoulders and scratched her head, "..Sorry... but I'm not used to this.."
"..... Don't get out much?" he asked. He could of sworn he saw steam slowly swirl from her ears aa she growled and crossed her arms.
"Aww gimme a break.. I was only kidding..." He reached out for her, "Here, let's give it another try, okay?"
She glanced at him momentarily then looked around, "I shouldn't have let you talk me into this.... "
"Well that's the whole point of this things...." he said motioning to the people around them, "To relax and let loose."
"Dancing is not letting loose." she sighed as she tilted her head. He answered with a shrug then put his hands up in defeat.
"Alright, fine. You win." he said turning to walk away. Lyseria shook her head then reached out and caught him by the jacket pulling him back.
"Come back here..." she laughed shaking her head. He turned to her and smiled.
"I'm sorry." she held out her hand and smiled, "I'll try to relax." He nodded and took her hand as he placed his other on her waste. Placing her other hand on his shoulder she nodded, "Okay, let's go."
"Left, right, left, right..... turn, step, left, right...."
Lyseria chuckled, obviously amused with his unintentional commentary. Taking notice he looked into her eyes and shrugged.
"Helps me remember.." he mumbled as he sent her off into a spin. Picking up speed as she recoiled, she crashed into him with a good amount of force sending him backwards, almost falling.
Laughing uncontrolably, she helped him back towards her and leaned on him, her eyes watering.
"Having a good time..?" he asked as he raised his eyebrow in unison with a sly smirk.
wiping her eyes, she nodded and looked into his eyes, "Actually.... yes.."
"..I'm glad.."
A moment of silence passed between them... one another just smiling...
Closing his eyes slightly, he leaned in slowly...... the girl in his arms about to follow suit when........
"There she is!" she cried, her eyes wide. The sudden outburst caused him to snap out if his trance and pull back, flustered. Lyseria gripped his arms for a moment.
"I'm gonna go okay..? I'll---" she took a step away, "-- see you later.."
Giving him a last apologetic glance, he watched as she pushed her way through the crowd, making her way toward the tables...
Shaking his head, he also pushed his way through the dancing couples... making his way to the exit.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Quistis sighed as she watched the dancing couples. She hadn't seen Irvine and Selphie for a long while.. and secretly wondered if they had snuck off somewhere.
Seifer yawned and leaned his elbows onto the table, boredom clearly written across his features..
Glancing his way for a moment, the blonde woman tilted her head, "You want to leave don't you?"
Her phrase caused him to snap back to attention.
"... No..." he lied.
Quistis shook her head and got out of her seat, causing her to recieve a questioning look from her companion.
"I think I'll step out for a bit....... It's a little stuffy in here..." she sighed as she pushed in her chair, "I'll be back in a sec...."
Seifer nodded and watched her retreating form.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Finall making her way tp the clearing of tables, to her dismay she could not spot the blonde instructor.
"(Dammit....)"
"Where did she go...?" she said aloud as she pivoted her head back and forth. Eyes lighting momentarily as she spotted the object of her pursuit, she set off after her, once again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The night air was soothing to the touch, and pleasing to one's eye due to the outrageous amount of stars twinking up in the velvet heaven we call the night sky.
Quistis leaned onto the railing slightly, crossing her arms onto the cold stone serface. It was a nice change from the busy atmosphere of the buzzing Quad. She looked at her watch and sighed. She had been here for almost two hours......
It seemed like five.....
"( I'm not good at parties.....)" she thought as she rested her head in her palm, gazing dreamily at the ocean.
"....Instructor Trepe.....?"
She heard a meek voice say from behind her. Standing up straight, she turned slightly to regard her visitor.
"Hello Ms. Gainsborough." she nodded. The younger girl nodded back and stepped up to her side.
"Why aren't you in there with everyone else?" the azured eyed woman asked in concern.
Lyseria shook her head, "... I'm not really a party-girl..."
Quistis laughed slightly and nodded, "Same here..."
There was a brief moment of awkward silence.. Lyseria felt those butterflies from earlier creep back into her abdomen.
"So... how are you feeling...?" Quistis asked in an effort to start a conversation.
"Oh.." the younger girl said touching her forehead, "I have to go into the Infirmary tomorrow and get them taken out.."
"Does it still hurt..?"
".... Not really..."
Quistis nodded, "I have to admit, you frightened me when I found you on the floor like that."
Lyseria crossed her arms, ".... Sorry about that Instructor..."
Quistis never failed to notice that no matter how many times she heard people call her that, she always felt about ten years older....
"It's alright.... I take it your junctioning again.?"
The grey eyed girl nodded, "Yes ma'am......." She looked out at the ocean then to her sweating hands. "(Deep breath..... It's now or never...)"
"Um.... Ms. Trepe..?"
"Mmhmm...?"
"..Um....... Where did you grow up...?"
Quistis looked surprised for a moment and slowly turned to face the young woman.
"Excuse me..?"
"Uh......." Lyseria noted the confusion in the woman's voice, and was tempted to just excuse herself and run... but she mustered up her strength and egged herself on.
"Where did you grow up...?"
She raised an eyebrow, "Why do you want to know...?"
".... Just.... just curious.." Lyseria faced the instructor, ".... Is that alright..?"
Quistis was silent for a moment but shrugged, "..... I--suppose.. I've just never been asked that by one of my students before.."
"I..see.."
".... Well, honestly I can't really remeber where I was born.. I lived in an orphanage since I was around four."
"(...Four huh..? That seems... to fit...)"
"I don't remember anything before then, thanks to GF's."
"...Then.... it could be---" Lyseria mumbled. Her mind was racing, but she tried to hold it back in an effort to look composed.
"Pardon...?"
The younger girl looked at her, moonlight dancing in her eyes.
"... I had a feeling since the first day I met you...." she reached into her breast pocket and pulled out the preserved photo. Holding it gingerly, she looked it over before slowly handing it to Quistis.
"This is... my mother.. Eve Gainsborough. She disappeared about fifteen years ago.."
Quistis just stared at the picture, a numbness enveloping her body. The woman smiling back at her looked like she could be her replica.......
"...... During the first sorceress war, the town she was visiting was raided... We never heard from her after that..."
The woman shook her head, "I'm sorry about that... but why do you need to tell me all this..?"
Lyseria felt her eyes brim with tears, "...... She wasn't alone.... she took my older sister with her. I also never heard from her after that day....... but I was hoping the day would come when---"
Quistis furrowed her brow, "What are you saying..?" she said almost in a whisper.
The grey eyed girl took a deep breath and pointed directly at the woman's form,
".... Ms. Trepe... I believe that you *are*.... my big sister..."
Quistis' breath caught in her throat as the picture fell from her grasp and drifted like a lone feather, to the ground at her feet.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's note: Well well well.... there you have it huh? And is something developing between Lyseria and Darren now? *cough* *cough*
I'm incredibly sorry about delaying for what... almost three months? School is absolutely hectic.. but I guess that's not a really good excuse huh? I hope you liked this chapter, and I just wanted to apologize, and I hope you will still read and review. Thank you for waiting....
