Author's Note: Thanks to all my reviewers. *hug* You guys are the best. :)
Quistis propped her head against the side of the elevator and closed her eyes. She couldn't believe her own audacity.
'Am I insane?'
She let out a few calming breaths, which did little to remove the deep blush that marred her features the instant Seifer was out of sight. The doors slid open, and Quistis stepped into the third floor office. Maybe Cid would be up for a card game? Triple Triad always relaxed her. The Headmaster was across the room, making an announcement:
"Would Commander Leonheart, Instructors Almasy, Dincht, Tilmitt, Trepe, and SeeDs Heartilly and Kinneas please report to my office. I repeat..."
Surprised by her good fortune, Quistis took her seat at the long conference table. She fingered Seifer's pendant, testing it's weight. After a moment's thought, Quistis unclasped the chain and removed the pendant. She slid it snuggly underneath her uniform, laughing at her foolishness. Cid turned, visibly startled by Quistis' presence. "Quistis! Punctual as ever, I see." She started to stand and salute, but he sat her down with a gesture. The elevator doors again opened, and Quistis quickly replaced the chain, striking an innocent and disinterested pose.
Zell, Selphie, and Irvine stepped out, the three SeeDs carrying on a loud conversation. The noise stopped respectfully as they entered the room and saluted the Headmaster. He was beaming. 'He's so proud of us,' Quistis thought with a slight smile of her own.
"Ya know, Headmaster, it'd be easier if you just sent for the orphanage gang. We know who we are," Zell observed, sliding over the table to take a seat across from Quistis.
Irvine relaxed into a chair, legs stretched in front of him and one hand idly playing with Selphie's hair. "Or the SeeDs who saved the world," he added, "then Rin would know to come, too."
"Do you really think you could keep me away?" Rinoa countered as she entered with Squall. Seifer was a step behind. The Commander walked to the head of the table to stand with Cid so Seifer pulled a chair out for Rinoa before taking one for himself. Quistis was not afraid to look at him, mirth dancing around the edges of an innocent face. If he was planning on continuing their little competition, he didn't show it. On the way to his chair his gloved hand brushed lightly across the back of her neck. She shuddered lightly. Nope, he hadn't forgotten.
Cid coughed lightly to begin the meeting. "It is good to have Seifer and Irvine back with us. We have long believed that the Estharian government under President Loire would request SeeDs assistance in clearing some of the worst effects of the Lunar Cry. It has been two years, but the nation is finally willing to negotiate. Seifer?"
The Instructor leaned onto the table and nodded, "The shield generators constructed following Time Compression were only ever a temporary fix. They are starting to fail, and the Estharian people don't trust the military to handle the onslaught. They like not having Imps in their showers, sir."
Irvine continued, "They're looking at a pretty large operation. Patrols, exterminators, medics, you name it. They'll pay for it." He tilted his hat back. "It has to be fast, though. They took their sweet time comin' to a decision about us."
"Now," Cid reclaimed their attention, "as you are all aware it is time for the SeeD field exam. It is my belief that with cadets patrolling within the city and acting as communication networks, Balamb SeeDs can cover a fairly extensive area."
Zell raised his hand awkwardly, "Sir, that sounds kinda dangerous. I mean, we trained around Esthar. The Lunar Cry dumped some pretty freaky shit."
"Awww... did Chicken Wuss wet himself?" Seifer interjected with a grin. Zell's face turned a deep red-violet, and he looked like he was going to come across the table. Quistis rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands. Some things never changed. It was hard to believe the two blondes were practically best friends.
Cid had been around the two boys far too long to let this phase him, "Yes, Zell, I agree that there are many upper level monsters in the vicinity." Zell sat back in his chair, straightening his uniform. "That is why I've called you here. I would like you each to take charge of a cadet squad. It's an unusual amount of SeeD involvement, I grant you, but this field exam warrants it." He glanced around the table and saw only nods of approval. "Excellent. The exam will begin next week. Rumors have already started, but you are not to confirm them. Dismissed." The crew began to filter out. "Squall. Quistis." The two SeeDs stopped and approached the Headmaster. "Xu has already been briefed. I would like the three of you to handle the logistics of this."
They saluted and turned to get on the lift to the navigation deck. Rinoa stood innocently by the elevator. "Hey, Quis," Squall looked slightly guilty, "Have you eaten anything yet?"
Quistis chuckled softly, "Actually, no, I haven't. Why don't I go to the Caf and pick up some dinner." She shook her head as she approached the elevator, giving Rinoa a huge smile. "I should be at least... twenty -" Rinoa's hand, hidden from Squall's sight, rose slightly, " - thirty minutes. At least thirty minutes. Maybe longer. You know how those Caf lines are." Rinoa could have kissed the older Instructor and hopped on the lift with Squall.
Cid and Quistis both waited until they were out of sight before bursting out into laughter. She saluted again. "Just trying to keep our Commander serviceable, sir." Quistis was still laughing as she backed into the elevator - and crashed into Seifer.
"Going down?" His voice was pure sugar.
"Did you forget something, again?" Quistis asked after a startled pause, her voice indignant. At least it wasn't shaking.
He grabbed both of her wrists and pinned her to the wall, "Does it look like I forgot?" 'Yep, definitely stronger,' he thought with an amused smirk. She tried to throw him off, but he trapped her legs, restricting movement.
Quistis couldn't move, couldn't breathe. He was standing there, looking like he wanted to devour her. Did she want this when she played that trick? She couldn't remember, her thoughts were unfocused and scattered. He was so close. Did he know? Since that humiliating meeting with Squall, she swore she would never put herself out like that. He couldn't possibly know. Damn it - could he?
Switching both of her wrists to one hand, he used his finger tip to trail a thin line down her arm and across her shoulder. Quistis' body remained frigid; she refused to react. He reached her neck and pulled on the chain. It was empty.
He looked at her with accusing eyes but was forced to release her as the elevator came to a slow stop. Two cadets were waiting outside, leaving the Instructors no choice but to exit with a cool professionalism.
They walked side-by-side, and Seifer placed a supporting hand under her elbow. Quistis stiffened visibly. 'You are NOT going to intimidate me, Seifer Almasy.'
He bent his head so no one could overhear, "I don't know what you think you're doin', but you're not going to win."
She paused, hiding her tension under a alluring smile. Seifer was taken aback and glanced around nervously. "Seifer," Quistis reassuringly stroked his arm and raised her voice affectedly loud for the convenience of a few bystanders, "there's a little blue pill called 'Viagra'. Beyond that, I don't know what you want me to do."
The unabashed snickering was all the reply she needed. 'I bet the Diamond girls got a kick out of that.' Seifer was positively sputtering. Sputtering! The great and fearsome Seifer Almasy rendered speechless by his mediocre former Instructor.
He made all sorts of threatening gestures, "That is not - " Every eye in the vicinity was glued to him. He grabbed her arm and started walking. "That is not what I said!" He continued in a harsh whisper.
Quistis appeared completely sympathetic and understanding, "I know, Seif, I know. It'll be okay. But right now, I really have to get the Commander's dinner!" She took off at a light jog, "See ya, Almasy."
She prayed to Hyne that he wouldn't chase her down but it wasn't until she reached the Caf that she finally breathed a sigh of relief - and satisfaction. 'Quistis 2, Seifer 0.'
Quistis propped her head against the side of the elevator and closed her eyes. She couldn't believe her own audacity.
'Am I insane?'
She let out a few calming breaths, which did little to remove the deep blush that marred her features the instant Seifer was out of sight. The doors slid open, and Quistis stepped into the third floor office. Maybe Cid would be up for a card game? Triple Triad always relaxed her. The Headmaster was across the room, making an announcement:
"Would Commander Leonheart, Instructors Almasy, Dincht, Tilmitt, Trepe, and SeeDs Heartilly and Kinneas please report to my office. I repeat..."
Surprised by her good fortune, Quistis took her seat at the long conference table. She fingered Seifer's pendant, testing it's weight. After a moment's thought, Quistis unclasped the chain and removed the pendant. She slid it snuggly underneath her uniform, laughing at her foolishness. Cid turned, visibly startled by Quistis' presence. "Quistis! Punctual as ever, I see." She started to stand and salute, but he sat her down with a gesture. The elevator doors again opened, and Quistis quickly replaced the chain, striking an innocent and disinterested pose.
Zell, Selphie, and Irvine stepped out, the three SeeDs carrying on a loud conversation. The noise stopped respectfully as they entered the room and saluted the Headmaster. He was beaming. 'He's so proud of us,' Quistis thought with a slight smile of her own.
"Ya know, Headmaster, it'd be easier if you just sent for the orphanage gang. We know who we are," Zell observed, sliding over the table to take a seat across from Quistis.
Irvine relaxed into a chair, legs stretched in front of him and one hand idly playing with Selphie's hair. "Or the SeeDs who saved the world," he added, "then Rin would know to come, too."
"Do you really think you could keep me away?" Rinoa countered as she entered with Squall. Seifer was a step behind. The Commander walked to the head of the table to stand with Cid so Seifer pulled a chair out for Rinoa before taking one for himself. Quistis was not afraid to look at him, mirth dancing around the edges of an innocent face. If he was planning on continuing their little competition, he didn't show it. On the way to his chair his gloved hand brushed lightly across the back of her neck. She shuddered lightly. Nope, he hadn't forgotten.
Cid coughed lightly to begin the meeting. "It is good to have Seifer and Irvine back with us. We have long believed that the Estharian government under President Loire would request SeeDs assistance in clearing some of the worst effects of the Lunar Cry. It has been two years, but the nation is finally willing to negotiate. Seifer?"
The Instructor leaned onto the table and nodded, "The shield generators constructed following Time Compression were only ever a temporary fix. They are starting to fail, and the Estharian people don't trust the military to handle the onslaught. They like not having Imps in their showers, sir."
Irvine continued, "They're looking at a pretty large operation. Patrols, exterminators, medics, you name it. They'll pay for it." He tilted his hat back. "It has to be fast, though. They took their sweet time comin' to a decision about us."
"Now," Cid reclaimed their attention, "as you are all aware it is time for the SeeD field exam. It is my belief that with cadets patrolling within the city and acting as communication networks, Balamb SeeDs can cover a fairly extensive area."
Zell raised his hand awkwardly, "Sir, that sounds kinda dangerous. I mean, we trained around Esthar. The Lunar Cry dumped some pretty freaky shit."
"Awww... did Chicken Wuss wet himself?" Seifer interjected with a grin. Zell's face turned a deep red-violet, and he looked like he was going to come across the table. Quistis rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands. Some things never changed. It was hard to believe the two blondes were practically best friends.
Cid had been around the two boys far too long to let this phase him, "Yes, Zell, I agree that there are many upper level monsters in the vicinity." Zell sat back in his chair, straightening his uniform. "That is why I've called you here. I would like you each to take charge of a cadet squad. It's an unusual amount of SeeD involvement, I grant you, but this field exam warrants it." He glanced around the table and saw only nods of approval. "Excellent. The exam will begin next week. Rumors have already started, but you are not to confirm them. Dismissed." The crew began to filter out. "Squall. Quistis." The two SeeDs stopped and approached the Headmaster. "Xu has already been briefed. I would like the three of you to handle the logistics of this."
They saluted and turned to get on the lift to the navigation deck. Rinoa stood innocently by the elevator. "Hey, Quis," Squall looked slightly guilty, "Have you eaten anything yet?"
Quistis chuckled softly, "Actually, no, I haven't. Why don't I go to the Caf and pick up some dinner." She shook her head as she approached the elevator, giving Rinoa a huge smile. "I should be at least... twenty -" Rinoa's hand, hidden from Squall's sight, rose slightly, " - thirty minutes. At least thirty minutes. Maybe longer. You know how those Caf lines are." Rinoa could have kissed the older Instructor and hopped on the lift with Squall.
Cid and Quistis both waited until they were out of sight before bursting out into laughter. She saluted again. "Just trying to keep our Commander serviceable, sir." Quistis was still laughing as she backed into the elevator - and crashed into Seifer.
"Going down?" His voice was pure sugar.
"Did you forget something, again?" Quistis asked after a startled pause, her voice indignant. At least it wasn't shaking.
He grabbed both of her wrists and pinned her to the wall, "Does it look like I forgot?" 'Yep, definitely stronger,' he thought with an amused smirk. She tried to throw him off, but he trapped her legs, restricting movement.
Quistis couldn't move, couldn't breathe. He was standing there, looking like he wanted to devour her. Did she want this when she played that trick? She couldn't remember, her thoughts were unfocused and scattered. He was so close. Did he know? Since that humiliating meeting with Squall, she swore she would never put herself out like that. He couldn't possibly know. Damn it - could he?
Switching both of her wrists to one hand, he used his finger tip to trail a thin line down her arm and across her shoulder. Quistis' body remained frigid; she refused to react. He reached her neck and pulled on the chain. It was empty.
He looked at her with accusing eyes but was forced to release her as the elevator came to a slow stop. Two cadets were waiting outside, leaving the Instructors no choice but to exit with a cool professionalism.
They walked side-by-side, and Seifer placed a supporting hand under her elbow. Quistis stiffened visibly. 'You are NOT going to intimidate me, Seifer Almasy.'
He bent his head so no one could overhear, "I don't know what you think you're doin', but you're not going to win."
She paused, hiding her tension under a alluring smile. Seifer was taken aback and glanced around nervously. "Seifer," Quistis reassuringly stroked his arm and raised her voice affectedly loud for the convenience of a few bystanders, "there's a little blue pill called 'Viagra'. Beyond that, I don't know what you want me to do."
The unabashed snickering was all the reply she needed. 'I bet the Diamond girls got a kick out of that.' Seifer was positively sputtering. Sputtering! The great and fearsome Seifer Almasy rendered speechless by his mediocre former Instructor.
He made all sorts of threatening gestures, "That is not - " Every eye in the vicinity was glued to him. He grabbed her arm and started walking. "That is not what I said!" He continued in a harsh whisper.
Quistis appeared completely sympathetic and understanding, "I know, Seif, I know. It'll be okay. But right now, I really have to get the Commander's dinner!" She took off at a light jog, "See ya, Almasy."
She prayed to Hyne that he wouldn't chase her down but it wasn't until she reached the Caf that she finally breathed a sigh of relief - and satisfaction. 'Quistis 2, Seifer 0.'