Tempted
¤ A month later
Selphie stretched out, her arms screaming in pain. *When Irvine was here...* Nida had left, long ago, for his side was cold. She trudged to the bathroom and tenderly checked her fresh bruises and cuts as well as the old. She had acting down to the fine art, now. Everyone believed her same old stories. Other times they didn't notice. What? That she didn't love Nida. That he was using her as the punching bag for all the years of negligence and being ignored. It was always the quiet ones. She didn't know why she was sticking up for Nida, and was glad no one was becoming suspicious.
?
Seifer was quietly following Nida, staying just right in the shadow. He was leery of the formerly shy man. As they passed the dormitories, Seifer branched off, to visit Selphie. He was getting better at surpassing the pass codes to the doors, he mused as he opened the door to the room Selphie and Nida shared. She was in the bathroom, he could tell. He sat down on the bed, carefully made. She came out clad in a petite bathrobe, not noticing that he was there went to her cabinet and picked out some clothing. He softly coughed to get her attention. She turned, wearily, to face him.
"Seifer," she said barely above a whisper. He stood up and walked over to her. Lifting back the sleeves of her bathrobe, he inspected her arms for what he expected to be there.
"How long?" She was trapped.
"A week after the wedding." He let the bathrobe fall back in place. "Please, don't tell anyone. They'll have him kicked out." Seifer looked into her eyes. Something he didn't expect lashed out at him.
Seifer stepped away from her, unable to say anything. Selphie glanced at the clock, her eyes widening in fear.
"You have to get out of here. Nida's class is about to start. He'll be back to get his things."
"I..." She didn't let him say a word more, pushing him out of the room. Before he could do anything she slammed the door on his face. He walked off and nearly bumped into Nida as he rounded a corner.
"Good morning, Seifer," he said cheerily.
"Morning..." Seifer mumbled walking away, "sadistic..."
¤
Irvine glanced at the blinking answering machine. He contemplated pushing the button. It couldn't be any bad news. Nothing seemed worst then losing the woman he loved. He pushed the button.
`Irvine, it's me Seifer. You need to get back to Balamb immediately. The whole Selphie-Nida thing is fake. She doesn't love him and he's hurting her. I saw the bruises with my own eyes. She's hurting. She needs you know more then ever. Think about it. Selphie's becoming masochistic, I'm sure of it. She seems to be getting happy with her new life, and I won't watch that happen. If you don't come, I think I might have to kill Nida myself and ruin any chance of you getting back with her. So stop moping and get back here.`
Staring at the machine, he was now thinking whether to go. No thinking necessary. He picked up his trilby.
¤
Seifer was quite amused. He had left a message on Irvine's machine only two hours from the time he saw the tall cowboy waltz into Balamb as though he had a second chance at life. In a sense, it wasn't far from the truth.
The taller man approached the other. "See you got my message?" Seifer said.
"Where is she?" Irvine asked, a smile trying to find its way to his lips.
"I don't know. There was some sort of plan change. About this time, she usually meets him in the cafeteria for lunch, but not today." Seifer watched Irvine's hands closely, or rather the fists that they were slowly forming. "Um... but I think I know someone who knows where they could be."
"Quistis?"
"Yeah. Come on." The pair walked towards the elevator to get to the classrooms. The blonde instructor was already there, though along with Zell, Rinoa and Squall. "Quistis..."
"Guess what, Seifer?" she interrupted him mid sentence in an excited voice.
"What?"
"Selphie's pregnant!" The others nodded their happiness. Seifer's face was flushed. "What's wrong Seifer? Aren't you happy?"
"Chipper," he muttered turning to face Irvine. It was then the others noticed their old comrade.
"Oh, no,"Rinoa gasped.
"It's over," Irvine whispered. Seifer grinned.
"Not yet it isn't," he replied.
"What isn't?" Squall asked, curious about the strange expression on Seifer's face and the sudden appearance of Irvine. The latter two looked at each other for a moment and nodded.
"Selphie never loved Nida. She only married the guy cause, well, she was kind of blinded, in anger." Seifer shrugged as he lowered his voice annoyed at his next statement. "He's abusing her and stuff." There was silence following that statement. Seifer's grin was long gone, but a small reluctant smirk came up. "Breath people. She isn't gonna get better if you guys faint from suffocation." With a dramatic swish of his trench coat, he turned to push Irvine towards the infirmary. "Come on, cowboy, we got a damsel in distress to rescue. And remember subtlety is the key to not being discovered." They ran to the infirmary and bumped into the plump (teehee) doctor.
"Irvine, what a surprise!" Dr. Kadowaki exclaimed. Inside one of the rooms Selphie perked up at the name mentioned. A pressure built in her arm and she yelped when it became unbearable. She looked up to see Nida and saw the anger in his face. He leaned closer to her.
"Don't say a word or else," he hissed. Selphie meekly nodded as she force the tears in her eyes from pouring out. "Now let's see what this cowboy is doing here." Seifer came in followed by an irate Irvine and a confused doctor.
"Selphie," Irvine managed to whisper. Seifer none to gently clasped Nida on the shoulder.
"Congratulations," he said trying not to scowl or smile awkwardly.
"Thanks," Nida replied in a manner that sounded like he didn't mind the pain in his shoulder. Irvine was looking right at Selphie.
"Can I talk to you for a moment, privately?" Seifer asked pulling Nida out without time to reply. He winked at Irvine to encourage the depressed cowboy. Dr. Kadowaki followed suite leaving the former couple to themselves.
"Selphie," Irvine repeated.
"Hi, Irvine," Selphie greeted. Something was hidden in her tone. Irvine turned to make sure Nida couldn't see either of them. When he was sure Seifer took the algolagnic man away he came closer to Selphie. He took her hands without a comment and pulled back the sleeves of her large sweater to reveal the bruises Seifer talked none to happily about. Selphie made no attempt to hide them from Irvine. He continued to check for cuts, scrapes, scars, anything to feed the fire for his urge to kill Nida. Finding a few, he covered her arms and engulfed her in a hug. "Irvy?" He pulled back to find any sign of pain in her eyes. Nothing.
"How can you let him do this to you?"
"Because I can, Irvine. Besides... I love him." Irvine stepped back and shook his head. Seifer and Nida came back in. Irvine continued to shake his head, in denial. Seifer patted Selphie's apparent belly.
"Take care of that baby," he said with his trademark smirk. Seifer turned to Irvine and shook his friend on the shoulder roughly. It seemed he was doing that a lot that day. "Come on, cowboy. Congrats, Selph, see ya both later." He gave a slight wave before dragging Irvine out of the infirmary. When he was sure they were out of earshot, he turned to Irvine. "So?"
"..."
"Jeez, turning into Squall are we?"
"No, she loves Nida. She loves him." Seifer shook his head.
"She's only saying it. You can see it in her eyes. She's lying to convince herself that she does. You have a chance."
"I wish..."
"Let's go. I promised Nida a big present for the baby. I want to make sure it's real big, cuz yer gonna help me."
"I am?"
"Yup."
¤
Irvine was grinning like a Cheshire cat as the plan was hatched by Seifer. Squall, Rinoa, Quistis and Zell were in on the plan, agreeing to help their friends get back together. Rinoa was pinning up a large sign congratulating the expectant parents. Zell was securing the food. Squall invite all the people at the Garden personally to the party. Quistis followed the couple around to make sure they never came near the quad where the party was being set up. Seifer had created the entire party as part of the plan. The party guests came in groups or a person at a time until the place became filled. Seifer grabbed the mic and jumped on stage. "Can I get everyone's attention?" he called. The quad became eerily quiet as everyone focussed on Seifer. "We're are going to turn off the lights for a moment as we anticipate Nida and Selphie's arrival. Just a warning." The lights turned off one by one. Voices could be heard coming from above the stairs from the corridor leading to the rest of the Garden.
"Why is it dark in here, Quisty?" a voice people could easily identify as Selphie's.
"Well..." The lights immediately turned on as everyone yelled.
"SURPRISE!" Confetti and balloons flew as noisemakers were blown. Selphie backed up nervously into Nida. He pushed her slightly forward. The party commenced as the couple came down. Selphie was immediately surrounded by her students and various females in the Garden as was Nida, except it was his students and the males in the Garden. Irvine glanced at Seifer who gave a knowing wink.
"Attention again people," Seifer said into the microphone. Everyone again turned to the stage. "As a little tidbit for Nida and Selphie, I took the liberty of creating this video from the very first day they became a couple till today." The video started up showing scenes from everything. The marriage came up and the after party and then the screen became dark. The picture started up again and everyone gasped as the vision of Nida hitting Selphie filled their minds. It took much strength to avert their eyes to glance at the extremely nervous Nida and the terrified Selphie. Irvine came up to Selphie.
"It's now or never Selph," he said. "Are you going to leave him or stay?" The disciplinary committee came up towards the trio. "What's it going to be, little lady?" Selphie looked back and forth at the two men. She stopped and stared right at Nida. Irvine sighed. "I love you, Selph. I never meant to hurt you." He turned to walk away when he heard a loud slap. He turned back to see a bewildered Nida being taken away by the Disciplinary Committee.
"Ow, ow, ow," Selphie yelped holding onto her hand. She turned to Irvine and hugged him. Irvine who was too surprised to speak fell back a bit before returning the loving gesture by matching it with a kiss.
"Glad you like the present, Selphie," Seifer remarked in an almost crass manner.
"What was the present anyway?" Nida asked pausing at the stairs with the Committee around him.
"For the baby to have a real father, a real good father." Selphie looked at Irvine.
"The best father."
¤
"Dearly beloved," Squall began yet again, "we are gathered here today to witness the union of two of our dear friends, Irvine and Selphie. We celebrate with them on this happy day, and wish them all the best on their journey together in life. If there is anyone in this room that thinks these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace." Blessed silence fill the air. "The rings." Seifer produced them again, this time proudly."Irvine Elliot Kinneas, do you take Selphie Catherine Tilmitt, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to cherish her, to honour and to keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, through the good times and the bad, till death do you part?"
"I do," Irvine replied.
"Selphie, do you take Irvine to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to cherish him, to honour and to keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, through the good times and the bad, till death do you part?"
"I do." The rings were placed.
"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Irvine gladly complied, and this time, Selphie returned the kiss.
The End
Well there's my Selvine. Probably the one and only, but hey...
¤ A month later
Selphie stretched out, her arms screaming in pain. *When Irvine was here...* Nida had left, long ago, for his side was cold. She trudged to the bathroom and tenderly checked her fresh bruises and cuts as well as the old. She had acting down to the fine art, now. Everyone believed her same old stories. Other times they didn't notice. What? That she didn't love Nida. That he was using her as the punching bag for all the years of negligence and being ignored. It was always the quiet ones. She didn't know why she was sticking up for Nida, and was glad no one was becoming suspicious.
?
Seifer was quietly following Nida, staying just right in the shadow. He was leery of the formerly shy man. As they passed the dormitories, Seifer branched off, to visit Selphie. He was getting better at surpassing the pass codes to the doors, he mused as he opened the door to the room Selphie and Nida shared. She was in the bathroom, he could tell. He sat down on the bed, carefully made. She came out clad in a petite bathrobe, not noticing that he was there went to her cabinet and picked out some clothing. He softly coughed to get her attention. She turned, wearily, to face him.
"Seifer," she said barely above a whisper. He stood up and walked over to her. Lifting back the sleeves of her bathrobe, he inspected her arms for what he expected to be there.
"How long?" She was trapped.
"A week after the wedding." He let the bathrobe fall back in place. "Please, don't tell anyone. They'll have him kicked out." Seifer looked into her eyes. Something he didn't expect lashed out at him.
Seifer stepped away from her, unable to say anything. Selphie glanced at the clock, her eyes widening in fear.
"You have to get out of here. Nida's class is about to start. He'll be back to get his things."
"I..." She didn't let him say a word more, pushing him out of the room. Before he could do anything she slammed the door on his face. He walked off and nearly bumped into Nida as he rounded a corner.
"Good morning, Seifer," he said cheerily.
"Morning..." Seifer mumbled walking away, "sadistic..."
¤
Irvine glanced at the blinking answering machine. He contemplated pushing the button. It couldn't be any bad news. Nothing seemed worst then losing the woman he loved. He pushed the button.
`Irvine, it's me Seifer. You need to get back to Balamb immediately. The whole Selphie-Nida thing is fake. She doesn't love him and he's hurting her. I saw the bruises with my own eyes. She's hurting. She needs you know more then ever. Think about it. Selphie's becoming masochistic, I'm sure of it. She seems to be getting happy with her new life, and I won't watch that happen. If you don't come, I think I might have to kill Nida myself and ruin any chance of you getting back with her. So stop moping and get back here.`
Staring at the machine, he was now thinking whether to go. No thinking necessary. He picked up his trilby.
¤
Seifer was quite amused. He had left a message on Irvine's machine only two hours from the time he saw the tall cowboy waltz into Balamb as though he had a second chance at life. In a sense, it wasn't far from the truth.
The taller man approached the other. "See you got my message?" Seifer said.
"Where is she?" Irvine asked, a smile trying to find its way to his lips.
"I don't know. There was some sort of plan change. About this time, she usually meets him in the cafeteria for lunch, but not today." Seifer watched Irvine's hands closely, or rather the fists that they were slowly forming. "Um... but I think I know someone who knows where they could be."
"Quistis?"
"Yeah. Come on." The pair walked towards the elevator to get to the classrooms. The blonde instructor was already there, though along with Zell, Rinoa and Squall. "Quistis..."
"Guess what, Seifer?" she interrupted him mid sentence in an excited voice.
"What?"
"Selphie's pregnant!" The others nodded their happiness. Seifer's face was flushed. "What's wrong Seifer? Aren't you happy?"
"Chipper," he muttered turning to face Irvine. It was then the others noticed their old comrade.
"Oh, no,"Rinoa gasped.
"It's over," Irvine whispered. Seifer grinned.
"Not yet it isn't," he replied.
"What isn't?" Squall asked, curious about the strange expression on Seifer's face and the sudden appearance of Irvine. The latter two looked at each other for a moment and nodded.
"Selphie never loved Nida. She only married the guy cause, well, she was kind of blinded, in anger." Seifer shrugged as he lowered his voice annoyed at his next statement. "He's abusing her and stuff." There was silence following that statement. Seifer's grin was long gone, but a small reluctant smirk came up. "Breath people. She isn't gonna get better if you guys faint from suffocation." With a dramatic swish of his trench coat, he turned to push Irvine towards the infirmary. "Come on, cowboy, we got a damsel in distress to rescue. And remember subtlety is the key to not being discovered." They ran to the infirmary and bumped into the plump (teehee) doctor.
"Irvine, what a surprise!" Dr. Kadowaki exclaimed. Inside one of the rooms Selphie perked up at the name mentioned. A pressure built in her arm and she yelped when it became unbearable. She looked up to see Nida and saw the anger in his face. He leaned closer to her.
"Don't say a word or else," he hissed. Selphie meekly nodded as she force the tears in her eyes from pouring out. "Now let's see what this cowboy is doing here." Seifer came in followed by an irate Irvine and a confused doctor.
"Selphie," Irvine managed to whisper. Seifer none to gently clasped Nida on the shoulder.
"Congratulations," he said trying not to scowl or smile awkwardly.
"Thanks," Nida replied in a manner that sounded like he didn't mind the pain in his shoulder. Irvine was looking right at Selphie.
"Can I talk to you for a moment, privately?" Seifer asked pulling Nida out without time to reply. He winked at Irvine to encourage the depressed cowboy. Dr. Kadowaki followed suite leaving the former couple to themselves.
"Selphie," Irvine repeated.
"Hi, Irvine," Selphie greeted. Something was hidden in her tone. Irvine turned to make sure Nida couldn't see either of them. When he was sure Seifer took the algolagnic man away he came closer to Selphie. He took her hands without a comment and pulled back the sleeves of her large sweater to reveal the bruises Seifer talked none to happily about. Selphie made no attempt to hide them from Irvine. He continued to check for cuts, scrapes, scars, anything to feed the fire for his urge to kill Nida. Finding a few, he covered her arms and engulfed her in a hug. "Irvy?" He pulled back to find any sign of pain in her eyes. Nothing.
"How can you let him do this to you?"
"Because I can, Irvine. Besides... I love him." Irvine stepped back and shook his head. Seifer and Nida came back in. Irvine continued to shake his head, in denial. Seifer patted Selphie's apparent belly.
"Take care of that baby," he said with his trademark smirk. Seifer turned to Irvine and shook his friend on the shoulder roughly. It seemed he was doing that a lot that day. "Come on, cowboy. Congrats, Selph, see ya both later." He gave a slight wave before dragging Irvine out of the infirmary. When he was sure they were out of earshot, he turned to Irvine. "So?"
"..."
"Jeez, turning into Squall are we?"
"No, she loves Nida. She loves him." Seifer shook his head.
"She's only saying it. You can see it in her eyes. She's lying to convince herself that she does. You have a chance."
"I wish..."
"Let's go. I promised Nida a big present for the baby. I want to make sure it's real big, cuz yer gonna help me."
"I am?"
"Yup."
¤
Irvine was grinning like a Cheshire cat as the plan was hatched by Seifer. Squall, Rinoa, Quistis and Zell were in on the plan, agreeing to help their friends get back together. Rinoa was pinning up a large sign congratulating the expectant parents. Zell was securing the food. Squall invite all the people at the Garden personally to the party. Quistis followed the couple around to make sure they never came near the quad where the party was being set up. Seifer had created the entire party as part of the plan. The party guests came in groups or a person at a time until the place became filled. Seifer grabbed the mic and jumped on stage. "Can I get everyone's attention?" he called. The quad became eerily quiet as everyone focussed on Seifer. "We're are going to turn off the lights for a moment as we anticipate Nida and Selphie's arrival. Just a warning." The lights turned off one by one. Voices could be heard coming from above the stairs from the corridor leading to the rest of the Garden.
"Why is it dark in here, Quisty?" a voice people could easily identify as Selphie's.
"Well..." The lights immediately turned on as everyone yelled.
"SURPRISE!" Confetti and balloons flew as noisemakers were blown. Selphie backed up nervously into Nida. He pushed her slightly forward. The party commenced as the couple came down. Selphie was immediately surrounded by her students and various females in the Garden as was Nida, except it was his students and the males in the Garden. Irvine glanced at Seifer who gave a knowing wink.
"Attention again people," Seifer said into the microphone. Everyone again turned to the stage. "As a little tidbit for Nida and Selphie, I took the liberty of creating this video from the very first day they became a couple till today." The video started up showing scenes from everything. The marriage came up and the after party and then the screen became dark. The picture started up again and everyone gasped as the vision of Nida hitting Selphie filled their minds. It took much strength to avert their eyes to glance at the extremely nervous Nida and the terrified Selphie. Irvine came up to Selphie.
"It's now or never Selph," he said. "Are you going to leave him or stay?" The disciplinary committee came up towards the trio. "What's it going to be, little lady?" Selphie looked back and forth at the two men. She stopped and stared right at Nida. Irvine sighed. "I love you, Selph. I never meant to hurt you." He turned to walk away when he heard a loud slap. He turned back to see a bewildered Nida being taken away by the Disciplinary Committee.
"Ow, ow, ow," Selphie yelped holding onto her hand. She turned to Irvine and hugged him. Irvine who was too surprised to speak fell back a bit before returning the loving gesture by matching it with a kiss.
"Glad you like the present, Selphie," Seifer remarked in an almost crass manner.
"What was the present anyway?" Nida asked pausing at the stairs with the Committee around him.
"For the baby to have a real father, a real good father." Selphie looked at Irvine.
"The best father."
¤
"Dearly beloved," Squall began yet again, "we are gathered here today to witness the union of two of our dear friends, Irvine and Selphie. We celebrate with them on this happy day, and wish them all the best on their journey together in life. If there is anyone in this room that thinks these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace." Blessed silence fill the air. "The rings." Seifer produced them again, this time proudly."Irvine Elliot Kinneas, do you take Selphie Catherine Tilmitt, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to cherish her, to honour and to keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, through the good times and the bad, till death do you part?"
"I do," Irvine replied.
"Selphie, do you take Irvine to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to cherish him, to honour and to keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, through the good times and the bad, till death do you part?"
"I do." The rings were placed.
"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Irvine gladly complied, and this time, Selphie returned the kiss.
The End
Well there's my Selvine. Probably the one and only, but hey...