Disclaimer: Own no one in this story....... Square domintation plans... still working out the bugs...
.....You get the idea ;^P
Author's Note: Hiya! I'm putting off my homework so I figured that I 'd write this next chapter! Oh! And thank you for the nice reviews! Also to Shadow @ngel...... you're idea of world domination has sparked my interest.. *grins evilly*
The Lonely One
(Chapter 3: Search and Destroy)
*knock knock*
"...Seifer...?"
".......HOW IS HE..?" a harsh remale voice asked.
"...Dunno... He hasn't come out of there since goin' to Balamb Garden last night ya know...." the male answered, "..Everytime I knock he either throws somethin' at the door, or just stays quiet.... I'm really worried ya know..."
"......SLEEP...?"
"...Nah... He never sleeps in this late... It's one in the afternoon for cryin' out loud, ya know!"
Staring at the ceiling, Seifer listened to the two talk outside of his door. Smiling slightly at the fact they were worried about him. He sighed and turned onto his side. They were good friends...... but they weren't what he needed right now...
He needed to be alone to think.
(....Hey.. there's a first time for everything...), he scoffed in his mind as he sat up and swung his legs off the soft matress. Getting off the bed, he walked up to the window and leaned his arm against the sill.
There he stood, just staring at the ocean.
The crystal waters reminded him of her.....
(Those damn eyes of hers....)
He still didn't quite inderstand what drove him to try and meet her last night... At first he told himself that it was because he wanted to give his thanks... but after thinking about it more, he realized that that wasn't the only reason......
He had just wanted to see her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quistis smiled as she bid farewell to the man at the front desk. Making her way to the Parking Lot, she quickened her pace.
Last night kept playing on her conscience, causing her mind to toss and turn all night long. Seifer kept appearing in her thoughts.... the memories of him in Time Compression were heavy on her heart, and she knew right then and there that she would have to find him. If she didn't, she knew that she would be regretting it later....
So Quistis Trepe was now on a personal mission...
To search for Seifer...
She swung open the heavy door roughly, and made her way to one of the Garden Cars. Using powers of deduction, and just plain common sense, she figured that he would be residing in Balamb, though she could be wrong.
Opening the driver's side door of the navy blue four-seater, she got in and slammed it. Taking a moment to think, she took deep breaths and tried to calm herself.
(Why am I so worked up..?)
Putting the key into the ignition, she started the engine. Reving it slightly, she hit the gas and sped her way towards the town of Balamb.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"..Damn I'm hungry.." the blond man moaned to himself as he pushed open his door. Walking into the main room of the hotel suite, he noticed Raijin and Fujin watching television.
".... I'm tellin' ya! He's not my kid!" the t.v. boomed. Seifer sighed and placed a hand on his hip.
"Since when do you watch that shit?"
Fujin turned to regard him for a moment before taking up the remote and changing the channel.
"....ENTERTAINING..." she said as she got out of her seat.
"...Yeah whatever... I'm going out for a bit.."
Raijin shifted his position so he could see him, the plush couch emmiting a soft swish at the movement.
"But you just got out of bed ya know! We haven't seen ya all day!"
He crossed his arms, "Point being...?"
"...WORRIED.." the platinum haired woman piped up, "...SECLUSION."
"Just because I want some time alone doesn't mean I'm mad at you guys or anything." Seifer's voice held a hint of annoyment, "..There's just been things on my mind..."
"LAST NIGHT?"
There was a few moments of silence before Seifer turned away and exited the room, not uttering a single word.
Raijin shook his head, "...I think you hit a nerve ya know..."
Fujin regarded him for a moment before looking back to the closed door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quistis shivered slightly as she turned a corner. The streets of Balamb didn't seem as friendly as they did in the afternoon sun. She caught a group of men eyeing her as she passed them, a feeling of disgust rising in her veins as she heard one of them emit some crude comment. Not wasting any time, she quickened her pace in hopes of releasing herself from their stares.
(..It seems no town is safe after dark anymore........)
Looking at her watch, she sighed and pulled her black jacket around herself tightly.
(I've been around this whole damn town and I haven't seen a sign of him anywhere......)
Her head feeling fuzzy for a moment, she closed her eyes tightly and sneezed. Wiping her nose on her sleeve she looked around in an effort to find some shelter. Her legs were tired from running all over this town, and she figured it would be best to let them rest for a while. Azure eyes finally falling upon a neon light reading 'Midnight Getaway', she turned to regard the brick building. Wrinkling her nose slightly at the thought of herself in a bar, she hesitated slightly before heading towards the glass doors.
(...This is as good a place as any... I guess..)
Grabbing the polished silver handle, she opened the door. The scent of booze and cigarettes hit her full on causing her to choke and cough. Peeking her head in she decided it best to inspect before entering. Her eyes widened slightly as she beheld the sight before her.
The place was dimly lit, sending a warm feeling throughout the ample space. Tables were lined in rows beside eachother, some filled with a group of laughing friends, some filled with starry eyed couples, others were either empty or were occupied by a lone soul sipping silently at a drink. Looking to her right she saw the bar, it's polished mahogany counter gleaming in the light. A few men and women alike were sitting on the high swivel stools, various different types of liquor filled glasses entwined in their hands.
(Seems like a nice place.....)
Walking in completely, she felt the soft breeze of the door closing behind her hit the back of her neck. Looking the room over, she resolved to sit at the empty table near the wall. A few curious eyes watched her passing form as she made her way to the table. Dropping her leather shoulder bag on the chair beside her she sat down.
"Can I help you?"
Quistis nearly gasped aloud. Looking up, she saw a smiling woman dressed in a black mini skirt and white blouse holding a tray close to her abdomen. Her chestnut hair was cropped up to just below her ears, curling slightly at the ends.
"(Holy crap that was fast.. I just came in!)..Um.. yeah, I'd like a rum and Coke please."
She smiled and tilted her head, "..Just one moment Miss."
Quistis returned the warming smile and watched the young woman head up to the bar. Her eyes scanned the people sitting there, wondering if they were regulars or just visitors like her.
Her thoughts were jarred by the sudden cold air blowing in from the door. Quistis glanced to the entrance to see the men that she had passed on the street not too long ago. Shivering slightly as one caught her gaze, she quickly looked to the smooth table top. Something didn't quite feel right about those strange lingering eyes......
"Here you go."
The blonde woman looked to see the waitress holding her drink on the tray. In one graceful movement, the girl swept it off and placed it on the table in front of her, a small 'clink' sounded as the cool glass hit the polished wood. Quistis nodded gratefully, waited for the waitress to go, then took a sip of her drink. She never really was accostomed to alcohol, even if there wasn't much of it in a drink. Taking a bigger swig, she felt the liquid sting its way down to her belly. Fighting the sensation to wrinkle her nose at the after-taste, she kept her face calm and collected as she leaned her cheek against her palm.
(...I should be heading back to Garden soon.... Everyone's probably wondering where I am....)
"Excuse me."
Quistis' eyes widened. Looking beside her she noticed one of the men from the group had wandered over to her. His dark hair falling shaggily around his face, which was unshaven. He looked down right homely...
"Yes?"
A sly grin spread across his face as he leaned in, "...It must be lonely drinking here all by yourself... Mind if I keep you company..?"
The scent of alcohol mixed with some sort of food hit her nose as he practically breathed into her face. Pulling back slightly she turned away and took a hold of her glass.
"...I do actually."
That didn't seem to be the answer he was looking for...
"....I don't think you understood me--"
"I heard you loud and clear," she spat cutting him off, "..and I'm perfectly fine here on my own."
Laughter arose form the man's buddies as they witnessed their friend get the cold shoulder. The man shook slightly, heat rising to his face.
"...Stupid bitch." he muttered grabbing her wrist, "How dare you!"
The woman's eyes widened at the man's bold move. He was clearly displeased, out and out pissed off, with being made a fool of in front of his buddies. His friends had fallen silent and were now watching the spectacle.
"..Get the hell away from me!" Quistis cried trying to twist her wrist free. She felt his nails dig into her skin, and clenched her teeth. In a blink of an eye her fist flew out and dug its way into his stomach. Eyes bulging slightly, he stumbled, still holding onto her bruised and almost bleeding wrist.
The whole place had become deathly quiet.
The man looked at her, eyes wild.
"I'll teach you some damn manners!!!!" he cried raising his hand high. Quistis tried to block herself, readying for the blow....
A few moments passed by....
Nothing.
She opened one eye, then the other. The man stood frozen, his hand held at the wrist by another.
"Didn't your parents ever teach you not to hit girls?" the voice inquired icily.
Quistis' eyes widened as they fell upon the figure. A smile spreading across her features as the person glaced at her before jerking the man away, sending him stumbling backwards.
"....Seifer...."
Ignoring her, he kept his gaze on the strange man.
"Tch...." the miscriante finally muttered,"...She ain't even worth the trouble."
With that, he turned away and headed back towards his wide eyed, waiting friends. The blonde woman gazed at the back of her rescuer, her heart skipping a couple beats at the sight of him.
(...My search is over...)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
(.....Bastard...)
Seifer watched the man skulk back to his buddies sitting at the bar with a look of disgust. He didn't appreciate anyone treating a woman like that, and the fact that the woman this time was Quistis didn't help much either. Looking back at the thought of her, he noticed her eyes staring at him intently. The memories of the night before flodding back to his mind along with a million questions......
".....Thank you..." the blonde woman said in a hushed voice. Seifer just nodded curtly and headed for the door. At hearing the sound of her footsteps behind him he felt a slight bit annoyed and elated.
Annoyed becuase she was following him...
Elated because she was following him......
When he exited the bar and stood at the curb ready to cross, he felt her presence behind him, her eyes on his back. Sighing, he turned to her and rolled his eyes.
"....Why are you following me?" he asked sharply.
Looking surprised for a moment she put a hand on her hip, "..I came here to see you and that's all you have to say..?"
A curse escaping his slightly parted lips as he turned away again and waited for his chance to cross.
"...Can we go somewhere and talk...?"
His eyes widened slightly.
(...Talk....?)
"...Yeah whatever..."he muttered, kicking himself after at using the oh-so-famous catch line of his former rival. The street finally clear, they both crossed to the other side. The young man motioned for his female companion to follow.
".....This way.."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The docks were deserted except for a lone walker or two. She watched Seifer's strides lead them down one of the longest docks in the harbor. Squinting slightly at the cold air that bit into her skin, she was thankful when the wind had finally died down making her able to properly gaze around at their surroundings.
The waters were dark like gleaming onyxes on the moonlight, the silvery orb casting its reflection on the calm waves and ripples. Looking up to the sky, she noticed that it was quite clear, all of the major constallations shining in their pre-ordained patterns. Her sight seeing was cut short when she collided into the back of Seifer sending herself and him trying to regain balance.
"..S-Sorry..." she stuttered, a blush creeping across her face. Not receiving a reply, she sighed and put her hands into the pocket of her coat. Feeling the night air on her legs made her wish she had not worn her navy blue skirt, but her heavy peach one and her warm knee high boots.
Seifer crossed his arms and gazed out at the ocean, "..What did you want...?"
It was more of a demand than a question. Quistis dug the toe of her black simple black flat shoe into the wood of the dock.
"..Well.. I missed you last night so I thought I would come and see you today......."
Silence.
".... What did you want to see me about...?" she asked trying to catch a glimpse of his face.
"..Nothing important.." he said icily.
Her eyes widened at his tone. Her heart sinking a little, she rolled her eyes.
"..Nothing important..? Must've been something important enough to make you risk your neck just to get that message to me.."
"..Tch..", he put a hand on his hip, "...don't worry your pretty little head off."
He turned to her, an air of complete arrogance about him, "..It cost me thirty gil.." he looked her up and down, "..Though I hardly think you were worth it."
A few tears stung Quistis' eyes as the words slipped from his mouth. Trying to keep her cool, she stood her ground, though she knew she looked visibly shaken. Anger and hurt rose into her heart as she stared at the man in front of her.
"....Why did you say that?!"
Looking surprised at her outburst, Seifer took a step back then resumed his cross-armed postion.
"..Because it's true." he hissed.
The woman looked at him skeptically for a moment before opening her mouth again.
"....You're angry..." she said in an awed type of voice.
"..What?"
"..You're angry because you think I stood you up! Aren't you..?"
The man turned his back to her and shook his head.
"..No I'm not."
Quistis laughed and crossed her arms, "..Yes you are!"
He cut the air while swinging his arm in an arc, "..God dammit, no I'm not!!!!!"
"..Then why the fuck else would you be such a jerk to me!!!"
Seifer looked visibly stunned at her use of such language. No one had every heard her utter even the s-word aloud, let alone the f-word.
(...Guess people think I'm too nice to talk that way...)
Ignoring his stunned stare she continued on, "..I was held up at the gate last night so I couldn't get through! I didn't stand you up!"
A few moments passed by before she took a step toward him.
"...Why did you 'really' want to see me..?"
He looked away and shrugged, "..To give my thanks..."
"For what...?" she inquired tilting her head slightly.
"..For what you did in Time Compression..."
A moment of silence passed between the two. Quistis couldn't help but admire him in the moonlight........
.....Until he turned away again.
"...Um..." her face flushed a little,"... Well... there's a party at Garden tomorrow, for the sorceress being defeated.."
"..........."
She looked to the side, "..... I'd be willing to miss it if you wouldn't mind keeping me company...."
A few moments passed by.......then all of a sudden he errupted into laughter.
"....Asking me out?"
Her hands became sweaty"... Well... I--"
He turned to her and laughed again, "....Thanks but no thanks Trepe."
Turning his back to again he waved his hand at her, "......Now if don't you mind getting lost, I'd appreciate it. Or are you going to stalk me now...?"
"..You came to me first!" she cried angrily.
"...Yeah, and I did what I wanted to do. Got a problem, you can kiss my ass 'cause I don't really want some goody-goody ice queen like you hanging around me just 'cause I acknowledged that you even existed for a second."
Before she knew it, she had walked up to Seifer's side and slapped him right across the face, the sound of her hand making contact with his skin echoed throughout the area loud enough to make a few people nearby look around in confusion.
The skin turned a slight bit of red and purple, obviously having been hit hard enough to cause some damage. Seifer just stood there unflinching as Quistis closed her eyes, fighting back tears.
"...I can't believe that for one second I thought you were a human being..." she said quietly, "...That I was even sure that you had changed...... That I even was starting to--"
His eyes widened slightly at her unfinshed last words...
Looking him square in the eye, she allowed a single tear of frustration slide down her cheek.
"....But now that I see you... I know you're the same asshole who killed hundreds like a heartless demon! You'll never change Seifer Almasy! I should have left you where you belong; in that miserable wasteland! You don't have the capacity to do anything more than alienate and despise, and I hope you live with that thought for the rest of your miserable tainted life!!!!"
And with that, she fled from the docks, not waiting for him to even try and defend himself. She even ignored his voice calling out to her to come back..... no matter how pained it sounded....
Saving him in Time Compression, she was sure, was something that she would regret for the rest of her life.....
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Watching her form fade into the darkness, Seifer fell to his knees as his calls were un-heeded.
She had asked for his company... even willing to ditch her friends to spend time with him..
And he had laughed at her....
Insulted her......
Crushed her.....
Getting up, he took off after her, catching glimpses of her form rounding corners here and there. The chase took him all the way to a semi-deserted parking lot. He caught sight of her just in time to see her pull away onto the road leading to Garden.
"QUISTIS!!!!!!!!!!!"
He caught sight of her eyes on him in the rearview mirror, but then watched her speed away faster into the night.
After watching the car fade from sight, his rage could no longer be held in. He began punching the brick wall beside him over and over.
"Why!? Why!? Why did I do that!!!???"
Jolts of pain wound up his arms, his fists now leaving spots of blood on the hard wall. He slumped forward into the wall and closed his eyes.
(......The old Seifer wouldn't let me take her in my arms......)
He punched the wall again.
(...The uncaring bastard Seifer wouldn't let me admit.....
Again....
...that I wanted her....
A third time.....
...... to say yes to her .....
A fourth time.......
.... to....
He spread his hand on the wall and watched as the blood trickled from his cut and bruised knuckles......
.... to say .....
............ I love you...........)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's Note: ..... Wow, this chapter came out longer than I expected! I hope you enjoyed it even if Seifer is dare I say, a total jerk to Quisty...
..But just wait 'til the next chapter! *hint hint*
Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this because I enjoyed writing it!
See ya!
.....You get the idea ;^P
Author's Note: Hiya! I'm putting off my homework so I figured that I 'd write this next chapter! Oh! And thank you for the nice reviews! Also to Shadow @ngel...... you're idea of world domination has sparked my interest.. *grins evilly*
The Lonely One
(Chapter 3: Search and Destroy)
*knock knock*
"...Seifer...?"
".......HOW IS HE..?" a harsh remale voice asked.
"...Dunno... He hasn't come out of there since goin' to Balamb Garden last night ya know...." the male answered, "..Everytime I knock he either throws somethin' at the door, or just stays quiet.... I'm really worried ya know..."
"......SLEEP...?"
"...Nah... He never sleeps in this late... It's one in the afternoon for cryin' out loud, ya know!"
Staring at the ceiling, Seifer listened to the two talk outside of his door. Smiling slightly at the fact they were worried about him. He sighed and turned onto his side. They were good friends...... but they weren't what he needed right now...
He needed to be alone to think.
(....Hey.. there's a first time for everything...), he scoffed in his mind as he sat up and swung his legs off the soft matress. Getting off the bed, he walked up to the window and leaned his arm against the sill.
There he stood, just staring at the ocean.
The crystal waters reminded him of her.....
(Those damn eyes of hers....)
He still didn't quite inderstand what drove him to try and meet her last night... At first he told himself that it was because he wanted to give his thanks... but after thinking about it more, he realized that that wasn't the only reason......
He had just wanted to see her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quistis smiled as she bid farewell to the man at the front desk. Making her way to the Parking Lot, she quickened her pace.
Last night kept playing on her conscience, causing her mind to toss and turn all night long. Seifer kept appearing in her thoughts.... the memories of him in Time Compression were heavy on her heart, and she knew right then and there that she would have to find him. If she didn't, she knew that she would be regretting it later....
So Quistis Trepe was now on a personal mission...
To search for Seifer...
She swung open the heavy door roughly, and made her way to one of the Garden Cars. Using powers of deduction, and just plain common sense, she figured that he would be residing in Balamb, though she could be wrong.
Opening the driver's side door of the navy blue four-seater, she got in and slammed it. Taking a moment to think, she took deep breaths and tried to calm herself.
(Why am I so worked up..?)
Putting the key into the ignition, she started the engine. Reving it slightly, she hit the gas and sped her way towards the town of Balamb.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"..Damn I'm hungry.." the blond man moaned to himself as he pushed open his door. Walking into the main room of the hotel suite, he noticed Raijin and Fujin watching television.
".... I'm tellin' ya! He's not my kid!" the t.v. boomed. Seifer sighed and placed a hand on his hip.
"Since when do you watch that shit?"
Fujin turned to regard him for a moment before taking up the remote and changing the channel.
"....ENTERTAINING..." she said as she got out of her seat.
"...Yeah whatever... I'm going out for a bit.."
Raijin shifted his position so he could see him, the plush couch emmiting a soft swish at the movement.
"But you just got out of bed ya know! We haven't seen ya all day!"
He crossed his arms, "Point being...?"
"...WORRIED.." the platinum haired woman piped up, "...SECLUSION."
"Just because I want some time alone doesn't mean I'm mad at you guys or anything." Seifer's voice held a hint of annoyment, "..There's just been things on my mind..."
"LAST NIGHT?"
There was a few moments of silence before Seifer turned away and exited the room, not uttering a single word.
Raijin shook his head, "...I think you hit a nerve ya know..."
Fujin regarded him for a moment before looking back to the closed door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quistis shivered slightly as she turned a corner. The streets of Balamb didn't seem as friendly as they did in the afternoon sun. She caught a group of men eyeing her as she passed them, a feeling of disgust rising in her veins as she heard one of them emit some crude comment. Not wasting any time, she quickened her pace in hopes of releasing herself from their stares.
(..It seems no town is safe after dark anymore........)
Looking at her watch, she sighed and pulled her black jacket around herself tightly.
(I've been around this whole damn town and I haven't seen a sign of him anywhere......)
Her head feeling fuzzy for a moment, she closed her eyes tightly and sneezed. Wiping her nose on her sleeve she looked around in an effort to find some shelter. Her legs were tired from running all over this town, and she figured it would be best to let them rest for a while. Azure eyes finally falling upon a neon light reading 'Midnight Getaway', she turned to regard the brick building. Wrinkling her nose slightly at the thought of herself in a bar, she hesitated slightly before heading towards the glass doors.
(...This is as good a place as any... I guess..)
Grabbing the polished silver handle, she opened the door. The scent of booze and cigarettes hit her full on causing her to choke and cough. Peeking her head in she decided it best to inspect before entering. Her eyes widened slightly as she beheld the sight before her.
The place was dimly lit, sending a warm feeling throughout the ample space. Tables were lined in rows beside eachother, some filled with a group of laughing friends, some filled with starry eyed couples, others were either empty or were occupied by a lone soul sipping silently at a drink. Looking to her right she saw the bar, it's polished mahogany counter gleaming in the light. A few men and women alike were sitting on the high swivel stools, various different types of liquor filled glasses entwined in their hands.
(Seems like a nice place.....)
Walking in completely, she felt the soft breeze of the door closing behind her hit the back of her neck. Looking the room over, she resolved to sit at the empty table near the wall. A few curious eyes watched her passing form as she made her way to the table. Dropping her leather shoulder bag on the chair beside her she sat down.
"Can I help you?"
Quistis nearly gasped aloud. Looking up, she saw a smiling woman dressed in a black mini skirt and white blouse holding a tray close to her abdomen. Her chestnut hair was cropped up to just below her ears, curling slightly at the ends.
"(Holy crap that was fast.. I just came in!)..Um.. yeah, I'd like a rum and Coke please."
She smiled and tilted her head, "..Just one moment Miss."
Quistis returned the warming smile and watched the young woman head up to the bar. Her eyes scanned the people sitting there, wondering if they were regulars or just visitors like her.
Her thoughts were jarred by the sudden cold air blowing in from the door. Quistis glanced to the entrance to see the men that she had passed on the street not too long ago. Shivering slightly as one caught her gaze, she quickly looked to the smooth table top. Something didn't quite feel right about those strange lingering eyes......
"Here you go."
The blonde woman looked to see the waitress holding her drink on the tray. In one graceful movement, the girl swept it off and placed it on the table in front of her, a small 'clink' sounded as the cool glass hit the polished wood. Quistis nodded gratefully, waited for the waitress to go, then took a sip of her drink. She never really was accostomed to alcohol, even if there wasn't much of it in a drink. Taking a bigger swig, she felt the liquid sting its way down to her belly. Fighting the sensation to wrinkle her nose at the after-taste, she kept her face calm and collected as she leaned her cheek against her palm.
(...I should be heading back to Garden soon.... Everyone's probably wondering where I am....)
"Excuse me."
Quistis' eyes widened. Looking beside her she noticed one of the men from the group had wandered over to her. His dark hair falling shaggily around his face, which was unshaven. He looked down right homely...
"Yes?"
A sly grin spread across his face as he leaned in, "...It must be lonely drinking here all by yourself... Mind if I keep you company..?"
The scent of alcohol mixed with some sort of food hit her nose as he practically breathed into her face. Pulling back slightly she turned away and took a hold of her glass.
"...I do actually."
That didn't seem to be the answer he was looking for...
"....I don't think you understood me--"
"I heard you loud and clear," she spat cutting him off, "..and I'm perfectly fine here on my own."
Laughter arose form the man's buddies as they witnessed their friend get the cold shoulder. The man shook slightly, heat rising to his face.
"...Stupid bitch." he muttered grabbing her wrist, "How dare you!"
The woman's eyes widened at the man's bold move. He was clearly displeased, out and out pissed off, with being made a fool of in front of his buddies. His friends had fallen silent and were now watching the spectacle.
"..Get the hell away from me!" Quistis cried trying to twist her wrist free. She felt his nails dig into her skin, and clenched her teeth. In a blink of an eye her fist flew out and dug its way into his stomach. Eyes bulging slightly, he stumbled, still holding onto her bruised and almost bleeding wrist.
The whole place had become deathly quiet.
The man looked at her, eyes wild.
"I'll teach you some damn manners!!!!" he cried raising his hand high. Quistis tried to block herself, readying for the blow....
A few moments passed by....
Nothing.
She opened one eye, then the other. The man stood frozen, his hand held at the wrist by another.
"Didn't your parents ever teach you not to hit girls?" the voice inquired icily.
Quistis' eyes widened as they fell upon the figure. A smile spreading across her features as the person glaced at her before jerking the man away, sending him stumbling backwards.
"....Seifer...."
Ignoring her, he kept his gaze on the strange man.
"Tch...." the miscriante finally muttered,"...She ain't even worth the trouble."
With that, he turned away and headed back towards his wide eyed, waiting friends. The blonde woman gazed at the back of her rescuer, her heart skipping a couple beats at the sight of him.
(...My search is over...)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
(.....Bastard...)
Seifer watched the man skulk back to his buddies sitting at the bar with a look of disgust. He didn't appreciate anyone treating a woman like that, and the fact that the woman this time was Quistis didn't help much either. Looking back at the thought of her, he noticed her eyes staring at him intently. The memories of the night before flodding back to his mind along with a million questions......
".....Thank you..." the blonde woman said in a hushed voice. Seifer just nodded curtly and headed for the door. At hearing the sound of her footsteps behind him he felt a slight bit annoyed and elated.
Annoyed becuase she was following him...
Elated because she was following him......
When he exited the bar and stood at the curb ready to cross, he felt her presence behind him, her eyes on his back. Sighing, he turned to her and rolled his eyes.
"....Why are you following me?" he asked sharply.
Looking surprised for a moment she put a hand on her hip, "..I came here to see you and that's all you have to say..?"
A curse escaping his slightly parted lips as he turned away again and waited for his chance to cross.
"...Can we go somewhere and talk...?"
His eyes widened slightly.
(...Talk....?)
"...Yeah whatever..."he muttered, kicking himself after at using the oh-so-famous catch line of his former rival. The street finally clear, they both crossed to the other side. The young man motioned for his female companion to follow.
".....This way.."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The docks were deserted except for a lone walker or two. She watched Seifer's strides lead them down one of the longest docks in the harbor. Squinting slightly at the cold air that bit into her skin, she was thankful when the wind had finally died down making her able to properly gaze around at their surroundings.
The waters were dark like gleaming onyxes on the moonlight, the silvery orb casting its reflection on the calm waves and ripples. Looking up to the sky, she noticed that it was quite clear, all of the major constallations shining in their pre-ordained patterns. Her sight seeing was cut short when she collided into the back of Seifer sending herself and him trying to regain balance.
"..S-Sorry..." she stuttered, a blush creeping across her face. Not receiving a reply, she sighed and put her hands into the pocket of her coat. Feeling the night air on her legs made her wish she had not worn her navy blue skirt, but her heavy peach one and her warm knee high boots.
Seifer crossed his arms and gazed out at the ocean, "..What did you want...?"
It was more of a demand than a question. Quistis dug the toe of her black simple black flat shoe into the wood of the dock.
"..Well.. I missed you last night so I thought I would come and see you today......."
Silence.
".... What did you want to see me about...?" she asked trying to catch a glimpse of his face.
"..Nothing important.." he said icily.
Her eyes widened at his tone. Her heart sinking a little, she rolled her eyes.
"..Nothing important..? Must've been something important enough to make you risk your neck just to get that message to me.."
"..Tch..", he put a hand on his hip, "...don't worry your pretty little head off."
He turned to her, an air of complete arrogance about him, "..It cost me thirty gil.." he looked her up and down, "..Though I hardly think you were worth it."
A few tears stung Quistis' eyes as the words slipped from his mouth. Trying to keep her cool, she stood her ground, though she knew she looked visibly shaken. Anger and hurt rose into her heart as she stared at the man in front of her.
"....Why did you say that?!"
Looking surprised at her outburst, Seifer took a step back then resumed his cross-armed postion.
"..Because it's true." he hissed.
The woman looked at him skeptically for a moment before opening her mouth again.
"....You're angry..." she said in an awed type of voice.
"..What?"
"..You're angry because you think I stood you up! Aren't you..?"
The man turned his back to her and shook his head.
"..No I'm not."
Quistis laughed and crossed her arms, "..Yes you are!"
He cut the air while swinging his arm in an arc, "..God dammit, no I'm not!!!!!"
"..Then why the fuck else would you be such a jerk to me!!!"
Seifer looked visibly stunned at her use of such language. No one had every heard her utter even the s-word aloud, let alone the f-word.
(...Guess people think I'm too nice to talk that way...)
Ignoring his stunned stare she continued on, "..I was held up at the gate last night so I couldn't get through! I didn't stand you up!"
A few moments passed by before she took a step toward him.
"...Why did you 'really' want to see me..?"
He looked away and shrugged, "..To give my thanks..."
"For what...?" she inquired tilting her head slightly.
"..For what you did in Time Compression..."
A moment of silence passed between the two. Quistis couldn't help but admire him in the moonlight........
.....Until he turned away again.
"...Um..." her face flushed a little,"... Well... there's a party at Garden tomorrow, for the sorceress being defeated.."
"..........."
She looked to the side, "..... I'd be willing to miss it if you wouldn't mind keeping me company...."
A few moments passed by.......then all of a sudden he errupted into laughter.
"....Asking me out?"
Her hands became sweaty"... Well... I--"
He turned to her and laughed again, "....Thanks but no thanks Trepe."
Turning his back to again he waved his hand at her, "......Now if don't you mind getting lost, I'd appreciate it. Or are you going to stalk me now...?"
"..You came to me first!" she cried angrily.
"...Yeah, and I did what I wanted to do. Got a problem, you can kiss my ass 'cause I don't really want some goody-goody ice queen like you hanging around me just 'cause I acknowledged that you even existed for a second."
Before she knew it, she had walked up to Seifer's side and slapped him right across the face, the sound of her hand making contact with his skin echoed throughout the area loud enough to make a few people nearby look around in confusion.
The skin turned a slight bit of red and purple, obviously having been hit hard enough to cause some damage. Seifer just stood there unflinching as Quistis closed her eyes, fighting back tears.
"...I can't believe that for one second I thought you were a human being..." she said quietly, "...That I was even sure that you had changed...... That I even was starting to--"
His eyes widened slightly at her unfinshed last words...
Looking him square in the eye, she allowed a single tear of frustration slide down her cheek.
"....But now that I see you... I know you're the same asshole who killed hundreds like a heartless demon! You'll never change Seifer Almasy! I should have left you where you belong; in that miserable wasteland! You don't have the capacity to do anything more than alienate and despise, and I hope you live with that thought for the rest of your miserable tainted life!!!!"
And with that, she fled from the docks, not waiting for him to even try and defend himself. She even ignored his voice calling out to her to come back..... no matter how pained it sounded....
Saving him in Time Compression, she was sure, was something that she would regret for the rest of her life.....
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Watching her form fade into the darkness, Seifer fell to his knees as his calls were un-heeded.
She had asked for his company... even willing to ditch her friends to spend time with him..
And he had laughed at her....
Insulted her......
Crushed her.....
Getting up, he took off after her, catching glimpses of her form rounding corners here and there. The chase took him all the way to a semi-deserted parking lot. He caught sight of her just in time to see her pull away onto the road leading to Garden.
"QUISTIS!!!!!!!!!!!"
He caught sight of her eyes on him in the rearview mirror, but then watched her speed away faster into the night.
After watching the car fade from sight, his rage could no longer be held in. He began punching the brick wall beside him over and over.
"Why!? Why!? Why did I do that!!!???"
Jolts of pain wound up his arms, his fists now leaving spots of blood on the hard wall. He slumped forward into the wall and closed his eyes.
(......The old Seifer wouldn't let me take her in my arms......)
He punched the wall again.
(...The uncaring bastard Seifer wouldn't let me admit.....
Again....
...that I wanted her....
A third time.....
...... to say yes to her .....
A fourth time.......
.... to....
He spread his hand on the wall and watched as the blood trickled from his cut and bruised knuckles......
.... to say .....
............ I love you...........)
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Author's Note: ..... Wow, this chapter came out longer than I expected! I hope you enjoyed it even if Seifer is dare I say, a total jerk to Quisty...
..But just wait 'til the next chapter! *hint hint*
Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this because I enjoyed writing it!
See ya!
