Disclaimer:..... Ah, you know the drill.
Author's Note: Well , here's another installment.. Is it just me, or are these chapters getting longer..? Ah well....
The Lonely One
(Chapter 4: Party Crasher)
"...C'mon! It'll be fun ya know! real relaxin' ya know!" a persistent Raijin coaxed to a grumbling Seifer.
"..I'm not going fishing with you Raijin!!" he yelled slamming his fist down on the arm of the plush chair he was sitting in.
He clasped his hands together, "...Pleeeeeeeaaaaaaaaassssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeee.....?"
"I said NO!!!!"
The other man crossed his arms and snorted, "..You've been really bitchy lately, ya know? Even Fujin agreed to come fishing with me ya know!!!"
Seifer raised an eyebrow and looked back to the woman in question. Her hands were clasped behind her back, her face cool and solemn.
She nodded bringing her hands to rest at her sides, "...RELAXING....."
The blond man shook his head, "...Forget it!!!"
Raijin got up from his resting place on the couch and stood in front of Seifer, his arms crossed, "...You've been acting weird ass lately, and you've been holed up in this room all day!!!! It's all because of that blonde broad ain't it!!!??" he looked back to Fujin breifly, who at this point was coming up to stand beside him.
Seifer's face turned crimson, "..Screw off!!!"
His companions looked at one another in a silent discussion. After nodding to eachother, they flanked the unsuspecting blond and grabbed him by his arms roughly.
"..The hell are you doing!?!!?!" he cried trying to break away.
"..You're coming fishing whether you like it or not ya know!!!! We're getting you out of this damn motel room and into some fresh air!!!!"
"AFFIRMATIVE!!!" the woman yelled jerking on Seifer's left arm painfully. He didn't realize how strong his two companions actually were until they had over powered his struggles, and had already drug him out into the hallway. Sighing in defeat, he relaxed and shook his head.
"..Fine..... I'll go! I'd rather walk there with some dignity rather than being assualted by you two!"
With smiles of satisfaction, they released him, and the three of them walked side by side down the hallway.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"WOOOO- HOOOOO!!!!!!"
Zell covered his ears at the sudden verbal assualt, "..Son of a bitch Selphie!!!! I'm frickin' deaf now!!!"
The petite girl giggled and shrugged, "...Sorry, but I'm just so excited!!!" she clasped her hands in her lap and smiled brightly, "Today's the celebration! It's gonna be so much fun!!!!"
Quistis had her head leaned against her closed fist. She hadn't slept too well last night, for obvious reasons, so had decided to be quiet and listen to the brunette's incessive talking.
"..And Cid also agreed to have the Garden fly out over the ocean tonight!! Everything's going to be perfect..." she said dreamily arousing a smirk from Irvine.
"These kind of events are like your children aren't they...?"
She nodded, "..Definetly! The greatest joy to me is to watch the happy looks on peoples faces when they're at a party that I planned. It makes me feel like I made their day, and maybe even gave them some fond memories..."
Rinoa, who until now had remained silent, smiled and patted the green eyed girl on the shoulder, "..That's really nice Selphie."
The girl blushed and scratched her head.
Quistis smiled, her eyes scanning around the round table. They all seemed so happy.... Content..
(...Damn you Seifer.... In a period of four days you've managed to turn my world upside down....)
"Quisty...?"
The kind voice woke her from her inner ranting. Zell was looking at her, confusion and worry written all over his face.
"...Yes?"
He shrugged, "...You're awfully quiet... You feelin' okay? You kinda seem like something's bugging ya..."
"(......You have no idea..) It's nothing. Just tired I suppose." she said getting out of her seat. She was about to turn to walk away when Selphie piped up.
"...Just be ready for four o'clock!"
Turning back to her, the azure eyed woman raised an eyebrow, "...Why..?"
"Well..." Selphie smiled, "..That's when the Garden's going to take flight, so just be prepared okay? And don't forget thet the party starts at seven!!"
Quistis smiled and shook her head, "...I'll be there.." With that she headed for the Cafeteria's exit, pretending not to hear the worried whispers of her friends behind her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seifer sat on the dock... the one he had brought Quistis to last night. A fishing pole in one hand, the other resting on his knee...
(...Fuck this is boring....)
A cry of glee form Raijin caused him to raise his eyes from the still waters. The man was dancing around holding a ten-pounder by the tail.
"...YES!!! I caught me a big one!!!!!"
Seifer growled slightly arousing a look from Fujin. Getting up from the fold out chair he was sitting on, he threw his fishing pole to the ground, fighting back the urge to shove it up the dark man's behind.
"..I quit goddamn it!!!"
Raijin ignored his outburst and continued on with his victory dance. Fujin looked back and forth between the two before motioning to Raijin.
"...QUIET...."
No response.
"..CALM..."
Nothing..
"..SHUTUP!!!!" she growled shoving her foot into his hindquarters sending hin flying off the dock and into the cool Balamb waters. She stood there watching the man kick and curse as he tried to swim back, her features cool and collected. Seifer cried out in laughter at her sudden bold movement, thankful that someone had finally shut him up.
A shadow spread across the docks, plunging them into a momentary darkness. The laughter died as he gazed up at the cause.
(.....Balamb Gardem..)
The three of them watched in wonder as the military school and their childhood home flew overhead. Raijin's eyes wide with curiousity at the impressive sight, Fujin solemn and thoughtful......
"You should wish luck to the bad students who need it....."
"Alright then Seifer... Good luck."
"Ah..... Dear Instructor..... Am I still your favourite student..?"
"Not anymore!!"
"I'll show you the way home..."
"....I'd be willing to miss it if you wouldn't mind keeping me company...."
"..Asking me out..?"
"...I can't believe that for one second I thought you were a human being..."
"...That I was even sure that you had changed...... That I even was starting to--"
"....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!!!!"
The memories of the blue eyed woman played through his mind as he watched his former home fly softly on the wind. Smiling to himself, he watched as it fell to the water and drifted away....
(......Have faith in me Quistis.....Please still have faith...)
Turning to Fujin abruptly, he held out his hand.
"...Fu.. I need to borrow Leviathan."
She stared at him, confusion written across her features....... Then, her lips upturned into a smile. Reaching into her breast pocket, she pulled out the small shining orb. It sparkled like a crystal pool as it touched the sunlight.
Handing it to Seifer she clasped it into his hand. Not letting go, she brushed her lips against his earlobe.
"...Go get her.."
Her whisper was soft and soothing... encouraging. Stepping back, she let him go and clasped her hands in front of her. Seifer closed his eyes, allowing the GF to find its way into his mind. Feeling the cool sensation of its presence, he opened his eyes and raised his hand into the air.
The once smooth waters rippled then crashed as if being hit by a sudden storm. The serpentine GF rose from the depths and lowered its head to its caller. Looking back to Raijin and Fujin, Seifer saluted them and jumped onto Leviathan's neck, holding onto what he could.
"Don't wait up!!!!!"
And with that, he was off. The beast slithering along the water's surface in an effort to catch up with its target.
(...I'll prove you wrong......Instructor...)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quistis walked along the ballroom florr, her eyes wandering over the people, the decorations...... She honestly didn't want to be here, but considering that she had been drug here by Selphie and Zell, she hadn't had a chance at escape. Stopping in front of open balcony doors, she gazed up at the starlit sky, then the crystaline horizon glittering like a thousand diamonds. Sighing to herself, she walked over to the table holding the wine and other various consumables. Picking up a glass she took a drink and stood there..
All alone.
"..Heya!!!"
She tilted her head slightly allowing her long blonde bangs to brush against her chest.
"..Hi Irvine."
The brunette put a hand on his hip, "...What are you doing just standing here all by yourself..?"
She shook her head and took another drink of the wine in her hand. He cocked his head and furrowed his brow.
"...Ah well..If you don't want to talk about I understand.. I won't force it out of ya.."
"...Thanks.." she said relieved that she wouldn't have to suffer through a bunch of questions that she didn't want to answer.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
He ducked around a corner and listened.
He didn't know how he pulled it off... but he had managed to get onto Balamb Garden without being noticed. The ride on Leviathan had lasted for about two hours for the creature had a hard time catching up with the speedy Garden. Seifer was sure that he would've frozen to death if he had been out there any longer. The sea breeze whipping at his face wasn't exactly the most pleasant feeling in the world.
He'd been slinking around in the shadows for about an hour now, trying to devise a good route to take. Stepping out from around the corner, he ran in a ducked postion along the wall, his feet making not so much as a sound.
Little did he know that he had not snuck in completely unnoticed..........
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Smile for the camera Quisty!!!"
The blonde woman turned to the girl and shook her head unable to hold back a disguted growl.
"...Don't point that thing at me!"
Selphie laughed, "..It's not a gun or anything!"
"..Might as well be!!!"
"...Aw c'mon! Just a little smile..."
Giving in, Quistis faced the camera and waved awkwardly. Not knowing what to do when the girl didn't go on her way, Quistis stood there smiling, her face starting hurt.
The back of Irvine's head appeared in front of her eyes out of no where, causing her to step back in surprise.
"..IRVINE!!!!"the camera-girl cried.
"..Hehehe.... Here's a shot for ya Selph!" he smiled wrapping his arm around Quistis' shoulders. A blush creeping onto her face, she tried to shove him away.
"Let go of me!" she cried trying to hold back laughter. When the action proved unsuccesful, she slammed her foot down onto his.
"..OW!!!!" he cried stumbling back. Selphie giggled, her face almost completely hidden by the camcorder.
Quistis turned away and headed in the opposite direction. The smile on her face died down to a frown. She wasn't in the mood to play around tonight, and she wasn't sure how long she'd be able to hold out....
Her eyes falling on Cid, she sighed in relief and walked up to him.
"..Evening Headmaster..." she smiled.
His eyes lit up slightly, cheeks tinted a slight bit of red, no doubt from the consumption of wine.
"...Now Quistis, you don't have to call me that!"
Chuckling slightly the blonde nodded, "..I'm sorry."
"..Quite alright. Enjoying yourself..?"
She nodded, "...Yes actually, but Selphie seems to---"
The older man raised his glass, "--Be right behind you."
Quistis pivoted her head to see the green eyed girl staring at her through the camera lens.
Rolling her eyes, her lips turned up into a grin. Turning back to Cid she shook her head.
"..Anyway, where's Matron? I haven't seen her yet."
Cid scratched his forehead and looked around, "..She was here a minute ago..."
As if on cue, a dark haired woman walked up to his side. Her features unchanged over the past years, she seemed to hsve remained forever young. The strange headdress gone, along with the revealing dark violet dress. She had been found at Garden along with everyone else after Time Compession, her appearence about the way it was now. No one except the orphanage gang and Cid recognized her, which they figured was best in the long run.
Quistis looked at the older woman as one would look at their mother, "...Hello Matron."
Matron smiled up at her, " Hello Quistis." looking to Cid she patted his chest, "..My how's she's grown into such a fine young woman."
Quistis felt her face redden slightly as she opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off as a shadow spread over the older couple causing them to look up. Irvine stepped up to Quistis' side. Taking off his hat, he bowed slightly.
"..Matron.."
"..Irvine! You're so tall!" she laughed, " I remember when you used to be able to sit on my knee!"
A silly grin spread across his face as he shrugged.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seifer wiped his forehead on his sleeve trying to rid away the persperation that kept finding its way into his eyes.
(...Damn this is hard..)
He peeked his head around a corner, then abruptly pulled back when his eyes fell upon a group of girls chattering away...
(..I've come too far to get caught now...)
Something touched his shoulder....
A hand...
(..Shit..)
At that moment, he was sure that all the colour from his face drained away.. His heart beating a million miles a minute... Looking behind him, his heart sank as a group of about six men dressed in SeeD uniforms glared at him. Before he could do anything, they tackled him, holding him down as they pulled his arms behind his back.
Something smooth and cold was being placed around his wrists, coming together with a slight 'click'
Handcuffs...
Two of the men pulled him off of the marble floor and began leading him down the corridor.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quistis sighed as she watched Squall take Rinoa's wrist and pull her towards him, their lips brushing together. A pang of jealousy shot through her heart at the sight of them....
(...It's not fair..)
"..Commander Leonhart!?!?!! Out of the way!!! Where's the Commander!?!?"
Quistis turned to see a group of men in SeeD uniforms bust their way through the crowds. Furrowing her brow, she tried to see what they were surrounding, but their bodies were preventing her of getting a clear view. Feeling something brush against her arm, she looked to see Squall, Rinoa at his side.
The men stopped in front of him and saluted.
"..Sir, We found this sneaking around the empty halls!" a man with red hair sneered motioning for the others to step aside.
Quistis' eyes widened.....
The sound of her wine glass shattering against the hard floor echoed through out her ears.
Seifer stood there, his arms hancuffed behind his back. Upon looking up from the floor, his eyes locked with hers sending a shiver up her spine. Words could not describe how shocked her face must have looked......
Squall growled and took a step toward him.
"..Almasy..."
The blond just looked at him, his eyes holding intense hatred, hatred that was also reflected in Squall's stormy greys.
"..What the hell are you doing showing your face here?!"
Seifer shook his head, "I don't think it's any of your fucking buisness Puberty Boy."
Squall's face reddened at the use of the nick name.
"I think it would be in your best interest if you made it my buisness." he said calmly.
The blond looked at Quistis, "..I'm here to see her."
Everyone looked at Quistis with peircing gazes. By this time, everyone in the ballroom had stopped to watch the spectacle with unbridled interest.
"Why?" the young commander asked curtly.
"..I--" his eyes softened as they lingered on hers, "--I have some things I need to say."
Quistis looked at him, confused.
(.....Things to say..?)
Taking in a deep breath, the brunette nodded toward the men, "....Prepare him for transport to the Desert Prison for tomorrow morning." He looked back to Seifer, "..You got away once, but not this time Seifer.. You're going to pay for your crimes once and for all.."
The men began to drag Seifer away.
"NO!!!"
Squall looked at the prisoner in surprise at his cry. Seifer started struggling against the men, his feet kicking at whatever he could.
"LET ME GO!!!! I came to say something and goddammit--" he twisted and writhed, "--I'm going to say it!!!!!!"
Kicking a guard in the shin, he elbowed another in the ribs. Not wasting any time, he rushed for Quistis. The others stood in front of him and tried to bar his way.
"..You think I'm incapable of anything human!!!?? You think I'm a monster!? Well what do you think of this----"he cried looking at her intensely.
Quistis went to take a step froward, but Squall put his arm in front of her.
"..I love the way your glasses would fall to the tip of your nose when you were teaching a lesson!!!!" Seifer tried to fight against the men barring his path, but to no avail for they were pushing him toward the exit.
"..I--I love the way you used to sigh when I gave you a hard time!!!" he cried hastily, "And how you would try and stop me and Puberty Boy from fighting!!"
His voice was becoming more and more distant to Quistis, who just stood there, frozen, eyes wide. The gathered crowd began whispering amongst themsleves, their eyes looking from Seifer to Quistis.
"And I thank Hyne everyday that I met you!!!" his voice was breaking, indicating that the great Seifer Almasy, may in fact be on the verge of tears, "..I'm thankful, to have someone as kind and as wonderful as you in my miserable tainted life..... even if it was just for a little while..!! Even if you spit on my very existance....I'll still be thankful!!!"
They had finally reached the doors leading into the corridor when the blond man shouted--
"..GODDAMMIT!! QUISTIS TREPE... I LOVE YOU!!!!!"
And with that, they were gone, his rants and cries still echoing through out the hall.....
And in her heart...
The azure eyed woman stood staring, her eyes fixated on the entrance....
(....He loves me.......)
(...He said he loves me.......)
Turning to Squall, she looked at him calmly.
"Squall...?"
The brunette looked at her. He seemed clearly shocked also at the words of the ex-sorceress's knight.
"..Please let me go along with them tomorrow morning."
"....Quisty, no!!" she heard Selphie cry.
Squall shook his head, "..I don't think that---" he stopped as his eyes gazed into hers. Her jaw set, eyes peircing and determined.
"..Please..." her whisper was almost inaudible..
A few moments passed..... silence..
Finally, Squall sighed and shook his head, "....Whatever..."
Nodding, Quistis looked out over the crowd of wide-eyed gawkers. Her eyes caught Zell, Irvine, and Selphie.. Their faces taught with concern and questioning....
Taking a deep breath, she looked at Squall.
"...Be ready for 9 a.m..." he said quietly.
"..I will..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be continued
Author's Note: HAH! Well there you have it!! He said it! He finally said it!!! Granted he's now getting shipped off to prison, but still...
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.. I kind of got stuck a couple times on what to say..so I'm hoping that it seemed to blend well.... If that makes any sense what-so-ever.
Anyway, I hope you liked it!
Until chapter 5..
See ya!!!
Author's Note: Well , here's another installment.. Is it just me, or are these chapters getting longer..? Ah well....
The Lonely One
(Chapter 4: Party Crasher)
"...C'mon! It'll be fun ya know! real relaxin' ya know!" a persistent Raijin coaxed to a grumbling Seifer.
"..I'm not going fishing with you Raijin!!" he yelled slamming his fist down on the arm of the plush chair he was sitting in.
He clasped his hands together, "...Pleeeeeeeaaaaaaaaassssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeee.....?"
"I said NO!!!!"
The other man crossed his arms and snorted, "..You've been really bitchy lately, ya know? Even Fujin agreed to come fishing with me ya know!!!"
Seifer raised an eyebrow and looked back to the woman in question. Her hands were clasped behind her back, her face cool and solemn.
She nodded bringing her hands to rest at her sides, "...RELAXING....."
The blond man shook his head, "...Forget it!!!"
Raijin got up from his resting place on the couch and stood in front of Seifer, his arms crossed, "...You've been acting weird ass lately, and you've been holed up in this room all day!!!! It's all because of that blonde broad ain't it!!!??" he looked back to Fujin breifly, who at this point was coming up to stand beside him.
Seifer's face turned crimson, "..Screw off!!!"
His companions looked at one another in a silent discussion. After nodding to eachother, they flanked the unsuspecting blond and grabbed him by his arms roughly.
"..The hell are you doing!?!!?!" he cried trying to break away.
"..You're coming fishing whether you like it or not ya know!!!! We're getting you out of this damn motel room and into some fresh air!!!!"
"AFFIRMATIVE!!!" the woman yelled jerking on Seifer's left arm painfully. He didn't realize how strong his two companions actually were until they had over powered his struggles, and had already drug him out into the hallway. Sighing in defeat, he relaxed and shook his head.
"..Fine..... I'll go! I'd rather walk there with some dignity rather than being assualted by you two!"
With smiles of satisfaction, they released him, and the three of them walked side by side down the hallway.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"WOOOO- HOOOOO!!!!!!"
Zell covered his ears at the sudden verbal assualt, "..Son of a bitch Selphie!!!! I'm frickin' deaf now!!!"
The petite girl giggled and shrugged, "...Sorry, but I'm just so excited!!!" she clasped her hands in her lap and smiled brightly, "Today's the celebration! It's gonna be so much fun!!!!"
Quistis had her head leaned against her closed fist. She hadn't slept too well last night, for obvious reasons, so had decided to be quiet and listen to the brunette's incessive talking.
"..And Cid also agreed to have the Garden fly out over the ocean tonight!! Everything's going to be perfect..." she said dreamily arousing a smirk from Irvine.
"These kind of events are like your children aren't they...?"
She nodded, "..Definetly! The greatest joy to me is to watch the happy looks on peoples faces when they're at a party that I planned. It makes me feel like I made their day, and maybe even gave them some fond memories..."
Rinoa, who until now had remained silent, smiled and patted the green eyed girl on the shoulder, "..That's really nice Selphie."
The girl blushed and scratched her head.
Quistis smiled, her eyes scanning around the round table. They all seemed so happy.... Content..
(...Damn you Seifer.... In a period of four days you've managed to turn my world upside down....)
"Quisty...?"
The kind voice woke her from her inner ranting. Zell was looking at her, confusion and worry written all over his face.
"...Yes?"
He shrugged, "...You're awfully quiet... You feelin' okay? You kinda seem like something's bugging ya..."
"(......You have no idea..) It's nothing. Just tired I suppose." she said getting out of her seat. She was about to turn to walk away when Selphie piped up.
"...Just be ready for four o'clock!"
Turning back to her, the azure eyed woman raised an eyebrow, "...Why..?"
"Well..." Selphie smiled, "..That's when the Garden's going to take flight, so just be prepared okay? And don't forget thet the party starts at seven!!"
Quistis smiled and shook her head, "...I'll be there.." With that she headed for the Cafeteria's exit, pretending not to hear the worried whispers of her friends behind her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seifer sat on the dock... the one he had brought Quistis to last night. A fishing pole in one hand, the other resting on his knee...
(...Fuck this is boring....)
A cry of glee form Raijin caused him to raise his eyes from the still waters. The man was dancing around holding a ten-pounder by the tail.
"...YES!!! I caught me a big one!!!!!"
Seifer growled slightly arousing a look from Fujin. Getting up from the fold out chair he was sitting on, he threw his fishing pole to the ground, fighting back the urge to shove it up the dark man's behind.
"..I quit goddamn it!!!"
Raijin ignored his outburst and continued on with his victory dance. Fujin looked back and forth between the two before motioning to Raijin.
"...QUIET...."
No response.
"..CALM..."
Nothing..
"..SHUTUP!!!!" she growled shoving her foot into his hindquarters sending hin flying off the dock and into the cool Balamb waters. She stood there watching the man kick and curse as he tried to swim back, her features cool and collected. Seifer cried out in laughter at her sudden bold movement, thankful that someone had finally shut him up.
A shadow spread across the docks, plunging them into a momentary darkness. The laughter died as he gazed up at the cause.
(.....Balamb Gardem..)
The three of them watched in wonder as the military school and their childhood home flew overhead. Raijin's eyes wide with curiousity at the impressive sight, Fujin solemn and thoughtful......
"You should wish luck to the bad students who need it....."
"Alright then Seifer... Good luck."
"Ah..... Dear Instructor..... Am I still your favourite student..?"
"Not anymore!!"
"I'll show you the way home..."
"....I'd be willing to miss it if you wouldn't mind keeping me company...."
"..Asking me out..?"
"...I can't believe that for one second I thought you were a human being..."
"...That I was even sure that you had changed...... That I even was starting to--"
"....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!!!!"
The memories of the blue eyed woman played through his mind as he watched his former home fly softly on the wind. Smiling to himself, he watched as it fell to the water and drifted away....
(......Have faith in me Quistis.....Please still have faith...)
Turning to Fujin abruptly, he held out his hand.
"...Fu.. I need to borrow Leviathan."
She stared at him, confusion written across her features....... Then, her lips upturned into a smile. Reaching into her breast pocket, she pulled out the small shining orb. It sparkled like a crystal pool as it touched the sunlight.
Handing it to Seifer she clasped it into his hand. Not letting go, she brushed her lips against his earlobe.
"...Go get her.."
Her whisper was soft and soothing... encouraging. Stepping back, she let him go and clasped her hands in front of her. Seifer closed his eyes, allowing the GF to find its way into his mind. Feeling the cool sensation of its presence, he opened his eyes and raised his hand into the air.
The once smooth waters rippled then crashed as if being hit by a sudden storm. The serpentine GF rose from the depths and lowered its head to its caller. Looking back to Raijin and Fujin, Seifer saluted them and jumped onto Leviathan's neck, holding onto what he could.
"Don't wait up!!!!!"
And with that, he was off. The beast slithering along the water's surface in an effort to catch up with its target.
(...I'll prove you wrong......Instructor...)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quistis walked along the ballroom florr, her eyes wandering over the people, the decorations...... She honestly didn't want to be here, but considering that she had been drug here by Selphie and Zell, she hadn't had a chance at escape. Stopping in front of open balcony doors, she gazed up at the starlit sky, then the crystaline horizon glittering like a thousand diamonds. Sighing to herself, she walked over to the table holding the wine and other various consumables. Picking up a glass she took a drink and stood there..
All alone.
"..Heya!!!"
She tilted her head slightly allowing her long blonde bangs to brush against her chest.
"..Hi Irvine."
The brunette put a hand on his hip, "...What are you doing just standing here all by yourself..?"
She shook her head and took another drink of the wine in her hand. He cocked his head and furrowed his brow.
"...Ah well..If you don't want to talk about I understand.. I won't force it out of ya.."
"...Thanks.." she said relieved that she wouldn't have to suffer through a bunch of questions that she didn't want to answer.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
He ducked around a corner and listened.
He didn't know how he pulled it off... but he had managed to get onto Balamb Garden without being noticed. The ride on Leviathan had lasted for about two hours for the creature had a hard time catching up with the speedy Garden. Seifer was sure that he would've frozen to death if he had been out there any longer. The sea breeze whipping at his face wasn't exactly the most pleasant feeling in the world.
He'd been slinking around in the shadows for about an hour now, trying to devise a good route to take. Stepping out from around the corner, he ran in a ducked postion along the wall, his feet making not so much as a sound.
Little did he know that he had not snuck in completely unnoticed..........
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Smile for the camera Quisty!!!"
The blonde woman turned to the girl and shook her head unable to hold back a disguted growl.
"...Don't point that thing at me!"
Selphie laughed, "..It's not a gun or anything!"
"..Might as well be!!!"
"...Aw c'mon! Just a little smile..."
Giving in, Quistis faced the camera and waved awkwardly. Not knowing what to do when the girl didn't go on her way, Quistis stood there smiling, her face starting hurt.
The back of Irvine's head appeared in front of her eyes out of no where, causing her to step back in surprise.
"..IRVINE!!!!"the camera-girl cried.
"..Hehehe.... Here's a shot for ya Selph!" he smiled wrapping his arm around Quistis' shoulders. A blush creeping onto her face, she tried to shove him away.
"Let go of me!" she cried trying to hold back laughter. When the action proved unsuccesful, she slammed her foot down onto his.
"..OW!!!!" he cried stumbling back. Selphie giggled, her face almost completely hidden by the camcorder.
Quistis turned away and headed in the opposite direction. The smile on her face died down to a frown. She wasn't in the mood to play around tonight, and she wasn't sure how long she'd be able to hold out....
Her eyes falling on Cid, she sighed in relief and walked up to him.
"..Evening Headmaster..." she smiled.
His eyes lit up slightly, cheeks tinted a slight bit of red, no doubt from the consumption of wine.
"...Now Quistis, you don't have to call me that!"
Chuckling slightly the blonde nodded, "..I'm sorry."
"..Quite alright. Enjoying yourself..?"
She nodded, "...Yes actually, but Selphie seems to---"
The older man raised his glass, "--Be right behind you."
Quistis pivoted her head to see the green eyed girl staring at her through the camera lens.
Rolling her eyes, her lips turned up into a grin. Turning back to Cid she shook her head.
"..Anyway, where's Matron? I haven't seen her yet."
Cid scratched his forehead and looked around, "..She was here a minute ago..."
As if on cue, a dark haired woman walked up to his side. Her features unchanged over the past years, she seemed to hsve remained forever young. The strange headdress gone, along with the revealing dark violet dress. She had been found at Garden along with everyone else after Time Compession, her appearence about the way it was now. No one except the orphanage gang and Cid recognized her, which they figured was best in the long run.
Quistis looked at the older woman as one would look at their mother, "...Hello Matron."
Matron smiled up at her, " Hello Quistis." looking to Cid she patted his chest, "..My how's she's grown into such a fine young woman."
Quistis felt her face redden slightly as she opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off as a shadow spread over the older couple causing them to look up. Irvine stepped up to Quistis' side. Taking off his hat, he bowed slightly.
"..Matron.."
"..Irvine! You're so tall!" she laughed, " I remember when you used to be able to sit on my knee!"
A silly grin spread across his face as he shrugged.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seifer wiped his forehead on his sleeve trying to rid away the persperation that kept finding its way into his eyes.
(...Damn this is hard..)
He peeked his head around a corner, then abruptly pulled back when his eyes fell upon a group of girls chattering away...
(..I've come too far to get caught now...)
Something touched his shoulder....
A hand...
(..Shit..)
At that moment, he was sure that all the colour from his face drained away.. His heart beating a million miles a minute... Looking behind him, his heart sank as a group of about six men dressed in SeeD uniforms glared at him. Before he could do anything, they tackled him, holding him down as they pulled his arms behind his back.
Something smooth and cold was being placed around his wrists, coming together with a slight 'click'
Handcuffs...
Two of the men pulled him off of the marble floor and began leading him down the corridor.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quistis sighed as she watched Squall take Rinoa's wrist and pull her towards him, their lips brushing together. A pang of jealousy shot through her heart at the sight of them....
(...It's not fair..)
"..Commander Leonhart!?!?!! Out of the way!!! Where's the Commander!?!?"
Quistis turned to see a group of men in SeeD uniforms bust their way through the crowds. Furrowing her brow, she tried to see what they were surrounding, but their bodies were preventing her of getting a clear view. Feeling something brush against her arm, she looked to see Squall, Rinoa at his side.
The men stopped in front of him and saluted.
"..Sir, We found this sneaking around the empty halls!" a man with red hair sneered motioning for the others to step aside.
Quistis' eyes widened.....
The sound of her wine glass shattering against the hard floor echoed through out her ears.
Seifer stood there, his arms hancuffed behind his back. Upon looking up from the floor, his eyes locked with hers sending a shiver up her spine. Words could not describe how shocked her face must have looked......
Squall growled and took a step toward him.
"..Almasy..."
The blond just looked at him, his eyes holding intense hatred, hatred that was also reflected in Squall's stormy greys.
"..What the hell are you doing showing your face here?!"
Seifer shook his head, "I don't think it's any of your fucking buisness Puberty Boy."
Squall's face reddened at the use of the nick name.
"I think it would be in your best interest if you made it my buisness." he said calmly.
The blond looked at Quistis, "..I'm here to see her."
Everyone looked at Quistis with peircing gazes. By this time, everyone in the ballroom had stopped to watch the spectacle with unbridled interest.
"Why?" the young commander asked curtly.
"..I--" his eyes softened as they lingered on hers, "--I have some things I need to say."
Quistis looked at him, confused.
(.....Things to say..?)
Taking in a deep breath, the brunette nodded toward the men, "....Prepare him for transport to the Desert Prison for tomorrow morning." He looked back to Seifer, "..You got away once, but not this time Seifer.. You're going to pay for your crimes once and for all.."
The men began to drag Seifer away.
"NO!!!"
Squall looked at the prisoner in surprise at his cry. Seifer started struggling against the men, his feet kicking at whatever he could.
"LET ME GO!!!! I came to say something and goddammit--" he twisted and writhed, "--I'm going to say it!!!!!!"
Kicking a guard in the shin, he elbowed another in the ribs. Not wasting any time, he rushed for Quistis. The others stood in front of him and tried to bar his way.
"..You think I'm incapable of anything human!!!?? You think I'm a monster!? Well what do you think of this----"he cried looking at her intensely.
Quistis went to take a step froward, but Squall put his arm in front of her.
"..I love the way your glasses would fall to the tip of your nose when you were teaching a lesson!!!!" Seifer tried to fight against the men barring his path, but to no avail for they were pushing him toward the exit.
"..I--I love the way you used to sigh when I gave you a hard time!!!" he cried hastily, "And how you would try and stop me and Puberty Boy from fighting!!"
His voice was becoming more and more distant to Quistis, who just stood there, frozen, eyes wide. The gathered crowd began whispering amongst themsleves, their eyes looking from Seifer to Quistis.
"And I thank Hyne everyday that I met you!!!" his voice was breaking, indicating that the great Seifer Almasy, may in fact be on the verge of tears, "..I'm thankful, to have someone as kind and as wonderful as you in my miserable tainted life..... even if it was just for a little while..!! Even if you spit on my very existance....I'll still be thankful!!!"
They had finally reached the doors leading into the corridor when the blond man shouted--
"..GODDAMMIT!! QUISTIS TREPE... I LOVE YOU!!!!!"
And with that, they were gone, his rants and cries still echoing through out the hall.....
And in her heart...
The azure eyed woman stood staring, her eyes fixated on the entrance....
(....He loves me.......)
(...He said he loves me.......)
Turning to Squall, she looked at him calmly.
"Squall...?"
The brunette looked at her. He seemed clearly shocked also at the words of the ex-sorceress's knight.
"..Please let me go along with them tomorrow morning."
"....Quisty, no!!" she heard Selphie cry.
Squall shook his head, "..I don't think that---" he stopped as his eyes gazed into hers. Her jaw set, eyes peircing and determined.
"..Please..." her whisper was almost inaudible..
A few moments passed..... silence..
Finally, Squall sighed and shook his head, "....Whatever..."
Nodding, Quistis looked out over the crowd of wide-eyed gawkers. Her eyes caught Zell, Irvine, and Selphie.. Their faces taught with concern and questioning....
Taking a deep breath, she looked at Squall.
"...Be ready for 9 a.m..." he said quietly.
"..I will..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be continued
Author's Note: HAH! Well there you have it!! He said it! He finally said it!!! Granted he's now getting shipped off to prison, but still...
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.. I kind of got stuck a couple times on what to say..so I'm hoping that it seemed to blend well.... If that makes any sense what-so-ever.
Anyway, I hope you liked it!
Until chapter 5..
See ya!!!
