PeRFecT
CHAPTER 4
He was a killing machine.
Quistis simply had to follow the path of discarded carcasses to find the sharpshooter. Under the moonlight, he looked like the dead walking- he was dazed and luminous, once in awhile lifting the gun to nonchalantly snuff out a life. Quistis shadowed him, mesmerized by the silent, cold rampage. This. . . .was a killer.
Corpses fell at his feet, but he continued on, noiselessly. He didn't collect the bodies- the fresh blood would attract new creatures, so he didn't have to waste the time hunting them down. They would come to him, searching for death. Quistis shuddered, and drew her whip from it's casing as Irvine shot down another tentacled creature- a monster Quistis had never come across. And he continued on, like an automaton.
"Since when do I need a chaperone?" He didn't turn around. He asked the question, then fired his gun, knocking a fastilicon out of the air and into a sandy dune. He sighed. "What? So, like- Martine'll send me out ta murder important government officials, but I can't be trusted to kill a couple flyin' fish and rabid plants?"
"It's not like that." Quistis returned simply, enjoying his astonished gape as he whirled around. "I. . . .didn't think it was fair to send you out here by yourself when you obviously weren't to blame, so I decided to help you." She snapped her whip to the right, crushing a plant-monster's skull. "Besides- I was starting to feel a little 'antsy' cooped up in there. Is it okay if I help you?" She asked. He just stared. She raised an eyebrow. "Irvine- are you okay? Can I help you?"
"Um..your weapon is a. . . .whip." He stated, his eyes slightly glazing over. Quistis rolled her eyes. For all of his serious tendencies, he still could have moments of immaturity. First the thong. Now the whip. This guy had sex on the brain. . . ..well, what was wrong with that. Didn't she. 'NO!. . . . well, just a little. And just about him.'
"Yes. Does that concern you?" She asked severely. He swallowed hard and, grinning, shook his head.
"Not at all, Quisty. Not at all." He laughed and fired off another shot. Quistis snapped at thrustaevis and sent it sprawling.
"I'm sorry, Irvine. I.felt guilty. About how Seifer's treated you. I should've had more foresight. . . ."
"Don't sweat it. It's not your fault, it's his. But, this is the Unmerited-Guilt club, so feel right at home."
"I bet you feel guilty a lot, huh?" She paused to strike a couple fastilicons. He didn't answer her. "I know I would if Balamb was trying to mold me into a cold blooded assassin. It's not your fault."
"I pull the trigger, hun." He pulled the trigger and brought down a couple of overgrown vulture-like monsters. "I have the choice to do so or not. And I choose the same path every time. . . ..Bam! Every time." He stopped. Quistis could see the edge of the forest. The sun was sinking like a fiery ship into the sea of night. . . ..'what the hell? Where are all of these metaphors coming from?' She looked over at Irvine. 'Oh, yeah.'
"This is as far west as we go- there's some nasty critters about in that forest this time a night. They don't come out, so won't go in there and get'em all riled up."
"Sounds like a plan." Quistis murmured, searching the perimeter. "Where to, now?"
"We go south for 'bout a mile and a half- exterminate whatever we find, then circle back around."
They fought silently most of the way- Quistis understood that that was the way he did these kinds of things. If someone had told her earlier that the gorgeous, chatty flirt who had come to her rescue the night before was actually a serious, angst-ridden assassin, she probably would've checked them into a psych ward. But somehow, these paradoxical attributes seemed appropriately juxtaposed. There were psychological layers hidden behind those purple eyes and charming smile. And out here. . . . Out here she felt alive. The air was fresh and the smell of dirt and blood wafted magically through the air. The physicality of the situation was what she need most, but watching Irvine with his guns was intoxicating. For his sake, she made sure to put on a good show with her whip- just to repay the gesture.
Twilight had set in by the time they finished the south end of G-Garden's territory. Out between the desert and the mountains, there were very few habitations, so there was no light pollution to separate Irvine and Quistis from the stars. It was a perfect sight.
"Perfect." She whispered, glancing up. Irvine turned his attention to his blonde companion.
"What is?"
She didn't respond- she simply pointed up. He followed her finger to the sky, and tilted his hat for a better view.
"Sure is." He grinned, taking his hat off to run his hand through his hair. " It's a beaut of a night. Lucky for us, eh? Better ta sleep under the stars." He continued his walk towards his home. Quistis hurried after him.
"You're going to sleep out here? Why?" She touched his shoulder and he turned around. He merely blinked.
"Umm. . . .heh. . . .well, actually we both are."
Quistis felt her façade melt. 'What the hell is he saying?' she wondered, still gazing into his round, violet eyes. 'Is he implying?!?!? How presumptuous! I would never. . . .right at this moment. . .. fully sober. . . .' His eyes widened and he began to howl with laughter. The rookie instructor stood upright with her hands clenched, biting her tongue, watching as the cadet fell to the ground in a cackling heap. He would respect her.
So she walked over and kicked him in the gut.
"oooh. Damn. Sorry. So. . . ..Very sorry. I just . . .."He paused to catch his breath, which came out in wheezing puffs. "I didn't mean ta laugh at'cha, Quisty. But, the look on your face. . . whoo-wee! Alright. No . . ." He stood and brushed the sand from his clothes. "I didn't mean anythin' by it, honestly. But the fact remains that Garden locks its doors at nine o'clock. It's 'bout eleven now, hun. We're stuck out here. I figured you would'a been briefed on that, or somethin'. . .." He shot her a sincere smile. "I wouldn'ta letcha come if I'da known. But . . .we're stuck out here tonight. So- yes, it's a good thing the stars are out, 'cause it's pretty damn cold when it rains. Especially if we have no tent-just a blanket and a lighter."
"That's it?" Quistis moaned in disbelief. He nodded.
"That's all I was issued."
"Ah Hyne!"
Shaking her head and throwing her hands up into the sky, Quistis Trepe stormed back toward the Garden. 'Ah, dammit. I thought my luck was improving. I'm starving, I'm freezing and my entire regimen is going to be thrown completely out of whack. How long have I been here? Thirty one hours and..aw hell, who cares! It feels like forever. And I'm stuck out here with . . . ..' Her mind shut up as she realized the severity of her situation. 'Dammit- I'm out here all alone with him for the whole night, and we only have one blanket between us. This sounds like the plot of a porno. . . ..No! Bad Quistis! Stop it! You've only known him for thirty one hours! You're not easy. You're a virgin. You're just lonely and vulnerable. Pathetic. Stop it and be perfect.'
"There's a good spot just south east'a Garden. I usually camp out there when Martine locks me out. It's safe and there's some shelter,y'know. Like from the wind 'n stuff." He offered the suggestion tentatively, and Quistis felt guilty about kicking him. She knew she had been making that fish face again. That made her mad: Irvine made her mask deteriorate- and she was not happy about it. But she had already come to the conclusion that there was no way anyone could stay mad at him- he was too sincere. Wore his heart on his sleeve. She admired and feared that.
"Lead the way- We have no choice."
They were silent most of the way. 'Our silence isn't awkward. It's comforting. This is so foreign.' Quistis pondered, as they came upon Irvine's campsite. The remains of a fire and a crude shelter littered the spot. The cadet quickly went about lighting the fire- he had gathered dried brush along the way. He was sharp- he thought ahead. Practical. Soon the fire was leaping and prancing along the kindling. Pleased with his work, Irvine fell to the ground in a celebratory sit. Quistis sat a few steps away from him, so that they both had a different view of their surrounds and had their backs against a group of boulders. Standard surveillance position. 'He makes a damn good fire-though. If I were a Neanderthal, I'd be definitely make him my mate.' She giggled internally, picturing the two of them as troglodytes.
"What's so funny?" Asked Irvine, as he poked at the fire, eyebrow raised. She put a hand to her lips and waved with the other.
"Nothing. I was just thinking about how ridiculous I've been the last thirty two hours. " She answered, changing the subject mentally. "You must think me terribly incompetent. . . .."
"Not at all. I'm sorry your first day had ta be so. . . ..unorthodox?" He tested the word in his mouth. "well. . .shitty, anyway. Everythin's been so scattered. Galbadia Garden's been real tumultuous lately. We never know what's goin' on. Not that I generally know- but I usually have a darn good idea. But right now- wheush." He made a strange little sound that was probably supposed to signify overwhelming confusion. "I. . . .just don't know 'bout anythin'."
"I've noticed it too-and I've been here for point zero four three percent as long as you have."
" Point zero four three,eh?"
"Yeah. I rounded up." She blushed.
"Gotta thing for numbers?"
"Well, it's not a fetish or anything, but yeah, I like them. Numbers are consistent and unyielding. Math is. . . .perfect."
"Modeling yourself after math? Damn Quisty- that's a little tough, ain't it? Our options ain't finite. A number is a number. A couple of lines or curves. People-well, people are infinitely many things." He adopted a mystic, proverbial tone. She laughed.
"Too true. But numbers are. . .. well- I can control them. Manipulate them. I. . ..can't manipulate life." Why was she telling him this? Oh well- who would he share it with? It's not like it was a great party story or anything.
"Nope- but you sure can manipulate Martine- which means you have control over him, me and a good portion of Garden. I'd say that's a pretty decent start for such a little lady. . .."
"You're awful."
"Mmm. I reckon you're right. But it's true, ya'know. I think- I think you'll be good for Garden. Which means good for me. I'm not bein' selfish, here- just realistic." Removing his hat, he pulled the leather strap from his hair and refashioned his ponytail. His mane glistened a deep red from the warm light of the fire, reminding her of the fire cave near Balamb where she took her students to find their GF's. Suddenly, she became brilliant.
"Why don't put in your SeeD application? Transfer to Balamb and take the test in May with the rest of the class. Irvine, you're an amazing field fighter, and are quick on your feet. Plus, we haven't a sharpshooter at Balamb. You'd be an asset to the SeeD organization." She paused to breath, calming herself down. "You aren't happy here- you're exploited, abused and your talents are being used for all the wrong reasons. If you want to come to Balamb I'll . . .. I'll sponsor you. I have faith in what I've seen. You've demonstrated all the necessary SeeD qualities and then some. Wouldn't. . . ..wouldn't you like that?" She hoped her face only looked flushed from the fire and not because of her passion. Was that why he disoriented her? Because she had found a protégé? 'Not even close-but It's a bonus.' She studied his face, but it was unreadable. Was that good or bad?
"Quisty- I reckon that would make me happier than any man needs to be, but I can't. Not now. I want to- more than anythin'- but I can't. You don't have ta understand." He gazed into the fire and poked at the burning logs. He shook his head, resting it on his knee.
"I do understand. Believe me. Garden's like a family for you. I know it all too well- I'm- I'm an orphan too, Irvine." She met his fiery gaze. He didn't look surprise- in fact, he looked hopeful. Maybe a little nostalgic. Strange. "I've been adopted several times but. . . .I could never handle it. I didn't need that kind of atmosphere- smothering and pliant. I needed something rigid and structured, where I could prove to the world that I was not a forgotten child. I went to garden at fifteen and took to the life. Balamb is my home. Balamb is my mother and father. I'll never forget that. That's why I'm homesick already. That's why I trucked fifteen pounds of Balamb water with me. I love it. You must feel a similar feeling for Galbadia- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have tried to force you from your home."
"You don't know how that makes me feel. Thanks, hun." Irvine was smiling again, biting at his lip. "But, I do want to become a SeeD, Quisty. When Galbadia gives me freedom, I'll go. I hope it's soon than later, though. I. . . .can't take much more of this." He poked the fire again, rekindling the outer layer. "Do you realize we just met, like, last night, and we're here sharing all this personal stuff? It feels like I've known you for years . . .." His expression was, again, unreadable. She hated it when he did that. Where was his heart?- Certainly wasn't on his sleeve where it usually was. She nodded in affirmation.
"Yes. I keep thinking about that too. It's uncanny, really. But- it's not uncomfortable, so I don't really feel like fighting the idea." She chose her words very carefully, very deliberately. He replaced his cowboy hat to it's regular perch and rummaged around in his bag, producing a thick, tightly knit taupe blanket. Quistis then realized that it was at least midnight- forty three minutes past her regular bedtime. On cue, she yawned. The cowboy cadet noticed and grinned.
"I guess it's past your bedtime, eh Instructor?" he guffawed, snapping the blanket out to its full length. She yawned again and covered her mouth. He smiled and set up a makeshift bed. Taking his example, she did the same. He stopped.
"Quisty- don't. You have the blanket. I'm wearin' twice as many clothes as you are. Besides- you have ta work tomorrow. I'm suspended, remember?"
"No." She responded, stunned. "It's my fault that I'm not prepared. It was foolish of me to ignore the briefing and even stupider to run out here unprepared. We both know Martine's going to put you to work tomorrow- probably something ridiculously dangerous that'll require your utmost concentration and peak physical condition. Now- wrap yourself in the blanket, and get to sleep, cadet!" She barked, making sure her amusement shone through in her tone. She knew what the best solution would be- but she wouldn't dare offer it. Too much of a prude.
"Then we'll share it. We're both mature adults, and the blanket's big enough for us both. Plus, we all know that shared body heat is more beneficial in cold situations. So . . .. " Irvine shimmied over to the improvised bed and patted the side. The best solution. He wasn't a prude- but she figured that. She glanced over nervously. "Is this okay, Quistis? I know it's unconventional for a student and teacher ta work like this, but I won't tell anyone. And I'm sure you're not gonna go 'round braggin' either, so- c'mon. You're going to freeze. Just pretend I'm a big, friendly dog or somethin'."
'Mmm. . . .Or something, Irvine.'
"Okay. Whatever." She crawled over to the pile and lay down beside him. What a bleeding fantasy. She kept her body stiff, not quite knowing what to do. Hoping that he would take the initiative. He, of course, did, by pushing himself closer and wrapping the wool blanket around them both. It was a little itchy, but the warmth of it and him satisfied her nervous system.
"Everything okay?" He asked. She only nodded, turning her face towards his neck and subtly breathing in the scent of his hair. Pine and mint and musky outdoors. Perfect. He turned his head to meet her eyes.
"Hey- Quisty. Do. . . .Do you know who Edea Kramer is?"
Quistis had no idea what he was talking about. But the look on his face was so serious and meaningful, her heart would break to tell him so. But she couldn't lie. Not to him. Their short history seemed to be revealing as much.
"The name sounds a little familiar, but no, Irvine. I don't."
Pain. Sorrow. Rejection. He tried to smile and shrug, but it was obvious that the question held more connotations than Quistis could possibly know. . . Hyne, she wanted to kiss him.
"That's okay. I . . . Don't know either. Just somethin' I overheard. I'm goin' to F.H. tomorrow. We're going after an Estharian spy whose been illegally residin' in a house boat. Wish me luck."
"Good luck, Irvy." She fell asleep and dreamed of a lighthouse and pussy willows and messages in the sand.
CHAPTER 4
He was a killing machine.
Quistis simply had to follow the path of discarded carcasses to find the sharpshooter. Under the moonlight, he looked like the dead walking- he was dazed and luminous, once in awhile lifting the gun to nonchalantly snuff out a life. Quistis shadowed him, mesmerized by the silent, cold rampage. This. . . .was a killer.
Corpses fell at his feet, but he continued on, noiselessly. He didn't collect the bodies- the fresh blood would attract new creatures, so he didn't have to waste the time hunting them down. They would come to him, searching for death. Quistis shuddered, and drew her whip from it's casing as Irvine shot down another tentacled creature- a monster Quistis had never come across. And he continued on, like an automaton.
"Since when do I need a chaperone?" He didn't turn around. He asked the question, then fired his gun, knocking a fastilicon out of the air and into a sandy dune. He sighed. "What? So, like- Martine'll send me out ta murder important government officials, but I can't be trusted to kill a couple flyin' fish and rabid plants?"
"It's not like that." Quistis returned simply, enjoying his astonished gape as he whirled around. "I. . . .didn't think it was fair to send you out here by yourself when you obviously weren't to blame, so I decided to help you." She snapped her whip to the right, crushing a plant-monster's skull. "Besides- I was starting to feel a little 'antsy' cooped up in there. Is it okay if I help you?" She asked. He just stared. She raised an eyebrow. "Irvine- are you okay? Can I help you?"
"Um..your weapon is a. . . .whip." He stated, his eyes slightly glazing over. Quistis rolled her eyes. For all of his serious tendencies, he still could have moments of immaturity. First the thong. Now the whip. This guy had sex on the brain. . . ..well, what was wrong with that. Didn't she. 'NO!. . . . well, just a little. And just about him.'
"Yes. Does that concern you?" She asked severely. He swallowed hard and, grinning, shook his head.
"Not at all, Quisty. Not at all." He laughed and fired off another shot. Quistis snapped at thrustaevis and sent it sprawling.
"I'm sorry, Irvine. I.felt guilty. About how Seifer's treated you. I should've had more foresight. . . ."
"Don't sweat it. It's not your fault, it's his. But, this is the Unmerited-Guilt club, so feel right at home."
"I bet you feel guilty a lot, huh?" She paused to strike a couple fastilicons. He didn't answer her. "I know I would if Balamb was trying to mold me into a cold blooded assassin. It's not your fault."
"I pull the trigger, hun." He pulled the trigger and brought down a couple of overgrown vulture-like monsters. "I have the choice to do so or not. And I choose the same path every time. . . ..Bam! Every time." He stopped. Quistis could see the edge of the forest. The sun was sinking like a fiery ship into the sea of night. . . ..'what the hell? Where are all of these metaphors coming from?' She looked over at Irvine. 'Oh, yeah.'
"This is as far west as we go- there's some nasty critters about in that forest this time a night. They don't come out, so won't go in there and get'em all riled up."
"Sounds like a plan." Quistis murmured, searching the perimeter. "Where to, now?"
"We go south for 'bout a mile and a half- exterminate whatever we find, then circle back around."
They fought silently most of the way- Quistis understood that that was the way he did these kinds of things. If someone had told her earlier that the gorgeous, chatty flirt who had come to her rescue the night before was actually a serious, angst-ridden assassin, she probably would've checked them into a psych ward. But somehow, these paradoxical attributes seemed appropriately juxtaposed. There were psychological layers hidden behind those purple eyes and charming smile. And out here. . . . Out here she felt alive. The air was fresh and the smell of dirt and blood wafted magically through the air. The physicality of the situation was what she need most, but watching Irvine with his guns was intoxicating. For his sake, she made sure to put on a good show with her whip- just to repay the gesture.
Twilight had set in by the time they finished the south end of G-Garden's territory. Out between the desert and the mountains, there were very few habitations, so there was no light pollution to separate Irvine and Quistis from the stars. It was a perfect sight.
"Perfect." She whispered, glancing up. Irvine turned his attention to his blonde companion.
"What is?"
She didn't respond- she simply pointed up. He followed her finger to the sky, and tilted his hat for a better view.
"Sure is." He grinned, taking his hat off to run his hand through his hair. " It's a beaut of a night. Lucky for us, eh? Better ta sleep under the stars." He continued his walk towards his home. Quistis hurried after him.
"You're going to sleep out here? Why?" She touched his shoulder and he turned around. He merely blinked.
"Umm. . . .heh. . . .well, actually we both are."
Quistis felt her façade melt. 'What the hell is he saying?' she wondered, still gazing into his round, violet eyes. 'Is he implying?!?!? How presumptuous! I would never. . . .right at this moment. . .. fully sober. . . .' His eyes widened and he began to howl with laughter. The rookie instructor stood upright with her hands clenched, biting her tongue, watching as the cadet fell to the ground in a cackling heap. He would respect her.
So she walked over and kicked him in the gut.
"oooh. Damn. Sorry. So. . . ..Very sorry. I just . . .."He paused to catch his breath, which came out in wheezing puffs. "I didn't mean ta laugh at'cha, Quisty. But, the look on your face. . . whoo-wee! Alright. No . . ." He stood and brushed the sand from his clothes. "I didn't mean anythin' by it, honestly. But the fact remains that Garden locks its doors at nine o'clock. It's 'bout eleven now, hun. We're stuck out here. I figured you would'a been briefed on that, or somethin'. . .." He shot her a sincere smile. "I wouldn'ta letcha come if I'da known. But . . .we're stuck out here tonight. So- yes, it's a good thing the stars are out, 'cause it's pretty damn cold when it rains. Especially if we have no tent-just a blanket and a lighter."
"That's it?" Quistis moaned in disbelief. He nodded.
"That's all I was issued."
"Ah Hyne!"
Shaking her head and throwing her hands up into the sky, Quistis Trepe stormed back toward the Garden. 'Ah, dammit. I thought my luck was improving. I'm starving, I'm freezing and my entire regimen is going to be thrown completely out of whack. How long have I been here? Thirty one hours and..aw hell, who cares! It feels like forever. And I'm stuck out here with . . . ..' Her mind shut up as she realized the severity of her situation. 'Dammit- I'm out here all alone with him for the whole night, and we only have one blanket between us. This sounds like the plot of a porno. . . ..No! Bad Quistis! Stop it! You've only known him for thirty one hours! You're not easy. You're a virgin. You're just lonely and vulnerable. Pathetic. Stop it and be perfect.'
"There's a good spot just south east'a Garden. I usually camp out there when Martine locks me out. It's safe and there's some shelter,y'know. Like from the wind 'n stuff." He offered the suggestion tentatively, and Quistis felt guilty about kicking him. She knew she had been making that fish face again. That made her mad: Irvine made her mask deteriorate- and she was not happy about it. But she had already come to the conclusion that there was no way anyone could stay mad at him- he was too sincere. Wore his heart on his sleeve. She admired and feared that.
"Lead the way- We have no choice."
They were silent most of the way. 'Our silence isn't awkward. It's comforting. This is so foreign.' Quistis pondered, as they came upon Irvine's campsite. The remains of a fire and a crude shelter littered the spot. The cadet quickly went about lighting the fire- he had gathered dried brush along the way. He was sharp- he thought ahead. Practical. Soon the fire was leaping and prancing along the kindling. Pleased with his work, Irvine fell to the ground in a celebratory sit. Quistis sat a few steps away from him, so that they both had a different view of their surrounds and had their backs against a group of boulders. Standard surveillance position. 'He makes a damn good fire-though. If I were a Neanderthal, I'd be definitely make him my mate.' She giggled internally, picturing the two of them as troglodytes.
"What's so funny?" Asked Irvine, as he poked at the fire, eyebrow raised. She put a hand to her lips and waved with the other.
"Nothing. I was just thinking about how ridiculous I've been the last thirty two hours. " She answered, changing the subject mentally. "You must think me terribly incompetent. . . .."
"Not at all. I'm sorry your first day had ta be so. . . ..unorthodox?" He tested the word in his mouth. "well. . .shitty, anyway. Everythin's been so scattered. Galbadia Garden's been real tumultuous lately. We never know what's goin' on. Not that I generally know- but I usually have a darn good idea. But right now- wheush." He made a strange little sound that was probably supposed to signify overwhelming confusion. "I. . . .just don't know 'bout anythin'."
"I've noticed it too-and I've been here for point zero four three percent as long as you have."
" Point zero four three,eh?"
"Yeah. I rounded up." She blushed.
"Gotta thing for numbers?"
"Well, it's not a fetish or anything, but yeah, I like them. Numbers are consistent and unyielding. Math is. . . .perfect."
"Modeling yourself after math? Damn Quisty- that's a little tough, ain't it? Our options ain't finite. A number is a number. A couple of lines or curves. People-well, people are infinitely many things." He adopted a mystic, proverbial tone. She laughed.
"Too true. But numbers are. . .. well- I can control them. Manipulate them. I. . ..can't manipulate life." Why was she telling him this? Oh well- who would he share it with? It's not like it was a great party story or anything.
"Nope- but you sure can manipulate Martine- which means you have control over him, me and a good portion of Garden. I'd say that's a pretty decent start for such a little lady. . .."
"You're awful."
"Mmm. I reckon you're right. But it's true, ya'know. I think- I think you'll be good for Garden. Which means good for me. I'm not bein' selfish, here- just realistic." Removing his hat, he pulled the leather strap from his hair and refashioned his ponytail. His mane glistened a deep red from the warm light of the fire, reminding her of the fire cave near Balamb where she took her students to find their GF's. Suddenly, she became brilliant.
"Why don't put in your SeeD application? Transfer to Balamb and take the test in May with the rest of the class. Irvine, you're an amazing field fighter, and are quick on your feet. Plus, we haven't a sharpshooter at Balamb. You'd be an asset to the SeeD organization." She paused to breath, calming herself down. "You aren't happy here- you're exploited, abused and your talents are being used for all the wrong reasons. If you want to come to Balamb I'll . . .. I'll sponsor you. I have faith in what I've seen. You've demonstrated all the necessary SeeD qualities and then some. Wouldn't. . . ..wouldn't you like that?" She hoped her face only looked flushed from the fire and not because of her passion. Was that why he disoriented her? Because she had found a protégé? 'Not even close-but It's a bonus.' She studied his face, but it was unreadable. Was that good or bad?
"Quisty- I reckon that would make me happier than any man needs to be, but I can't. Not now. I want to- more than anythin'- but I can't. You don't have ta understand." He gazed into the fire and poked at the burning logs. He shook his head, resting it on his knee.
"I do understand. Believe me. Garden's like a family for you. I know it all too well- I'm- I'm an orphan too, Irvine." She met his fiery gaze. He didn't look surprise- in fact, he looked hopeful. Maybe a little nostalgic. Strange. "I've been adopted several times but. . . .I could never handle it. I didn't need that kind of atmosphere- smothering and pliant. I needed something rigid and structured, where I could prove to the world that I was not a forgotten child. I went to garden at fifteen and took to the life. Balamb is my home. Balamb is my mother and father. I'll never forget that. That's why I'm homesick already. That's why I trucked fifteen pounds of Balamb water with me. I love it. You must feel a similar feeling for Galbadia- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have tried to force you from your home."
"You don't know how that makes me feel. Thanks, hun." Irvine was smiling again, biting at his lip. "But, I do want to become a SeeD, Quisty. When Galbadia gives me freedom, I'll go. I hope it's soon than later, though. I. . . .can't take much more of this." He poked the fire again, rekindling the outer layer. "Do you realize we just met, like, last night, and we're here sharing all this personal stuff? It feels like I've known you for years . . .." His expression was, again, unreadable. She hated it when he did that. Where was his heart?- Certainly wasn't on his sleeve where it usually was. She nodded in affirmation.
"Yes. I keep thinking about that too. It's uncanny, really. But- it's not uncomfortable, so I don't really feel like fighting the idea." She chose her words very carefully, very deliberately. He replaced his cowboy hat to it's regular perch and rummaged around in his bag, producing a thick, tightly knit taupe blanket. Quistis then realized that it was at least midnight- forty three minutes past her regular bedtime. On cue, she yawned. The cowboy cadet noticed and grinned.
"I guess it's past your bedtime, eh Instructor?" he guffawed, snapping the blanket out to its full length. She yawned again and covered her mouth. He smiled and set up a makeshift bed. Taking his example, she did the same. He stopped.
"Quisty- don't. You have the blanket. I'm wearin' twice as many clothes as you are. Besides- you have ta work tomorrow. I'm suspended, remember?"
"No." She responded, stunned. "It's my fault that I'm not prepared. It was foolish of me to ignore the briefing and even stupider to run out here unprepared. We both know Martine's going to put you to work tomorrow- probably something ridiculously dangerous that'll require your utmost concentration and peak physical condition. Now- wrap yourself in the blanket, and get to sleep, cadet!" She barked, making sure her amusement shone through in her tone. She knew what the best solution would be- but she wouldn't dare offer it. Too much of a prude.
"Then we'll share it. We're both mature adults, and the blanket's big enough for us both. Plus, we all know that shared body heat is more beneficial in cold situations. So . . .. " Irvine shimmied over to the improvised bed and patted the side. The best solution. He wasn't a prude- but she figured that. She glanced over nervously. "Is this okay, Quistis? I know it's unconventional for a student and teacher ta work like this, but I won't tell anyone. And I'm sure you're not gonna go 'round braggin' either, so- c'mon. You're going to freeze. Just pretend I'm a big, friendly dog or somethin'."
'Mmm. . . .Or something, Irvine.'
"Okay. Whatever." She crawled over to the pile and lay down beside him. What a bleeding fantasy. She kept her body stiff, not quite knowing what to do. Hoping that he would take the initiative. He, of course, did, by pushing himself closer and wrapping the wool blanket around them both. It was a little itchy, but the warmth of it and him satisfied her nervous system.
"Everything okay?" He asked. She only nodded, turning her face towards his neck and subtly breathing in the scent of his hair. Pine and mint and musky outdoors. Perfect. He turned his head to meet her eyes.
"Hey- Quisty. Do. . . .Do you know who Edea Kramer is?"
Quistis had no idea what he was talking about. But the look on his face was so serious and meaningful, her heart would break to tell him so. But she couldn't lie. Not to him. Their short history seemed to be revealing as much.
"The name sounds a little familiar, but no, Irvine. I don't."
Pain. Sorrow. Rejection. He tried to smile and shrug, but it was obvious that the question held more connotations than Quistis could possibly know. . . Hyne, she wanted to kiss him.
"That's okay. I . . . Don't know either. Just somethin' I overheard. I'm goin' to F.H. tomorrow. We're going after an Estharian spy whose been illegally residin' in a house boat. Wish me luck."
"Good luck, Irvy." She fell asleep and dreamed of a lighthouse and pussy willows and messages in the sand.