PeRFecT
PeRFecT
Chapter 12
"You're thinking."
"I am not- stop saying that. I'm in a deep, meditative trance. . ."
"If you were deeply involved in your meditation, you wouldn't be conversing with me."
"Hyne- you're playing mind games with me. . ."
"Stop blaspheming- that's what got you into this in the first place, remember? You have to silence your internal monologue- Good lord, I'm starting to think you have a cerebral attention deficit disorder. . ."
" Pardon me- but you're the meditation-fascist. I'm sorry Samah, but I can only spend so many hours a day in enlightening, contemplative bliss. Frankly, I find it exhausting."
Quistis untangled her legs and flopped onto the grass. Heaving a great sigh, she placed her hands behind her head and gazed after the fleeting sun. It was true- meditation was insanely difficult for such an extreme introvert as herself. But after venturing to that plane of solace thrice that week, Quistis was beginning to feel it's effects on her body. Physically, she was doing well- she'd felt perf. . .healthy since Sunday. Mentally- she was doing better. Trauma was harder to hide than physical scars. T-rexaurs haunted her nightmares, and, at times, she swore she could hear the intrusive voice. But she hadn't- the voice hadn't spoken to her since Samah had given her the bracelet. The charm was warding off her demons and the last six days had been heaven compared to the previous terrors.
Quistis had actually taught this week- fifteen classes, which included four of her very own battle tactics classes. Co-Instructing with Evana always brought interesting results- Quistis' mentor was an amazing, though exceedingly disciplined, instructor. Gruff and strict, her military background was obvious in the classroom, but she never missed an opportunity to flip off a joke at the Galbadian Government's expense. The topic itself, military strategy and espionage, was insightful and dangerous. Evana had a brilliant martial mind. But Quistis loved the class most for its camaraderie. They had escaped death together and saved a country from certain destruction. There was nothing more beautiful than that.
Since he was always so calm and collected, Quistis tended to forget that Lukan Samah was, in fact, a world-class martial artist. As an applied class, the Hand to hand class focused on demonstration and student application. First, Instructor Samah would begin with a lecture and illustration, then, he would have the students attempt the techniques while he observed and corrected. This, of course, made sense to Quistis. However, she hadn't planned her role to be that of a sparring partner for Samah. Always conscious of her temper and abilities, Samah was careful with his blows, but she knew her technique was embarrassing- she had always believed herself to be above fist-fighting. Now. . .well, she was in awe of its possibilities.
Her own classes proved more challenging. Here she was- thrust into a senior battle tactics class with no experience and relatively no preparation- at the age of seventeen. The students were only a year younger. She wanted to demand respect! But. . .she didn't really believe she deserved it.
They were patient with her. The class often asked her questions about her own military background, so the young instructor would recount one of her adventures, while incorporating field skills and survival tips. On the Thursday, she lectured on her experiences with Guardian forces, which brought up a few interesting questions. . .
"Instructor Trepe?"
"Yes?"
"Is it true that Guardian Forces insert themselves into your mind and take over your memories?"
"There are critics who say that junctioning does affect your ability to reference your long-term memory. Nothing has been proven. Did you hear that from Instructor Furtivan?"
"No. Kinneas. He said GFs make people forget their childhood. I was just curious, because I never want to lose the few family memories I have left. . ."
Memories. Irvine was obsessed with remembrance. She couldn't blame him- she couldn't image what it would be like having the ability to recall any detail from any place at any time. No matter how many he smiles he shared with the world, he couldn't hide the fact that he was a very serious, very troubled young man.
'You'll forget me, Quisty. Someday you will. Everyone does. Someday you'll forget this. . .'
She wouldn't forget it. How could she? No eyes had ever glistened so fiercely as his had at that moment. Every time she recalled the event a slight tremor ripped through her body and goose bumbs rose from her skin. The voice was gone, but the lust was still there. And so was the guilt.
Quistis hadn't seen Irvine since Saturday morning and was mortally afraid of confronting him, of seeing the pain thinly veiled by his witty quips and suggestive poses. She ached to be near him again- his charisma was catching and nothing would sooth her nerves more than quick ride with a gorgeous cowboy.
She pulled her brain out of the past and into the present.
"Where'd your mind go?" Samah asked, seated cross-legged beside her. She couldn't help but giggle.
"The gutter." She laughed aloud, covering her mouth with her hand. He bit back a grin.
"I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. You're generally so mature. I always forget that you're seventeen."
"So do I." She whispered, grinding her foot into the turf.
"How was that last meditation? Was it easier to sink into?" Instructor Samah pressed. Quistis simply nodded. He took her hand. "Quistis- you need to help me here. ..Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine. Just a little disoriented. Anyway- what are we going to do now? Are we going to study some more of the Centran language? Maybe discuss my journal? How about some Yoga? Hyne- my thighs are killing me from yesterday. . ."
"I was actually wondering if you'd take off the bracelet so we could try an exercise. . ."
'Dammit. No. Just when everything is starting to fall into place. Say no. Make a joke. Say something clever. . .'
"Samah- out of respect for the man who gave me this bracelet, I have decided to never remove it from my wrist."
"Quistis- I gave you that bracelet so, if you truly respect me, you'll comply with my wishes. .." Samah's sienna eyes were friendly but Quistis could not deny the sobering glint.
'Everything is going to start over again. It's not as if I've gotten any more disciplined or powerful over the last five days- perhaps a little more focused and relaxed, but that's hardly going to stand up the terrorizing cosmos and the disjointed voice bouncing off the walls of my cranium. Quick, Trepe, change the subject. . .' Quistis pulled a pressing questions from her arsenal.
"I want you to tell me more about Diadem, Samah. I'm still curious about her. .." Hmm. . .how about, 'scared shitless. . .' It wasn't exactly a blithe topic, but Quistis' tactic was to preoccupy Samah, not piss him off. This would get him excited. And she really did wanted to know.
"If I tell you about Diadem, will you let me guide you through the exercise?"
"Uh. . .of course." 'Or I'll simply steer you off topic again. Poison your water with the cyanide drained from thousands of apple seeds. . ..Possibly seduce you and knock you out with a fern. I don't know, we'll see. . .' Quistis giggled at her last option. It was unfortunate that Xu refused to use her PHS- Quistis desperately wanted to reveal Samah's feelings to her best friend.
"You're flaking off again, Trepe. . ."
"Oh, my apologies. Please. . .enlighten me." She rolled onto her stomach and crossed her legs at the ankles. She picked at the grass and poked at the anthills as he spoke.
"I'm sorry, Quistis. I know very little. Just bits and pieces of scattered legends, most of which had simply been passed down orally, as opposed to in print. Odine collected most of them himself and created his own archives. I had enough foresight to copy some of the material- I had planned on forming our own sorceress research facility here at East Garden, but that fell through. But I can tell you a bit."
"Did anyone know her? What she was like?" 'Was she similar to a bossy, disembodied voice moving in parallel minor thirds. . ?'
" There are conflicting views on her pre-lunar cry biography. But the legends concur on her personality- arrogant, violent, dominating, charming, brilliant and physically beautiful. In fact, there are some variations on the Defiance Legend that show these characteristics. One example was taken from the cactuar clan in South Centra, who tell that after Hyne had defeated Diadem, he was so entranced by her beauty and power, that he offered her a godly post as his consort. But she refused his proposal- and offered him a position as her lap dog. Then, upon spitting acid into his face- it would be that same acid you used to melt that assassin- she was punished for her arrogance through GF servitude."
"So. . .she is a GF?"
"I honestly can't tell you the truth, Quistis- only what I've heard. The cactuars say that she was sent to another plane of existence. Odine's study with the Tonberrys was a different matter. They swear that Diadem was imprisoned in a GF, and I'm more inclined to believe them, since they are Odin's subjects."
"Odin?"
"The legendary Knight-spirit who rules over the dead Centran landscape. Odin was a Centran paladin who died a gruesome death at Diadem's hands. He was the society's greatest protector and sacrificed his life for his people. For his valor and selflessness, Hyne granted him the status of an emancipated GF- able to aid whomever he saw fit. Supposedly, he shares residence with the Tonberry King. But I digress. . . " Quistis couldn't help but chuckle at Samah's expense- he was so enthusiastic and eager! Child-like even. 'For a man who knows and has seen everything, he certainly is innocent.'
"Anyhow, the Tonberry Society says that Diadem WAS transmuted into a GF, and in this form she is guarded by a biological weapon of immeasurable power. These are all just speculations and hear-say. No one has ever found this GF, nor found any reliable manuscripts. I'm sorry, Quistis. . can't remember much more. I will lend you my books if there is anything you would like to research. . .."
"No, that's fine." She shook her head, rising to her feet. "I just wanted to know what kind of person she was."
"Any reason?"
"What about the dark sorceresses? Where are they now?"
"I'm sorry, Quistis- that information is classified. They've been sealed- that's really all I can say." He stood as well, swatting at the seat of his pants.
"What's their relationship to the Blue Mage powers?" She helped him wipe the dirt and grass from his pants, which erupted in a very red, very embarrassed Samah.
"Well. . .I don't really know. There has never been any record of a meeting between the two. I mean- they must be linked somehow. Diadem did unofficially create the Sorceresses and they did butcher and imprison her. The magic itself should be enough to bind them somehow. Why?" His suspicion was obvious. Quistis simply shrugged and grinned.
"Don't know- just wasting time. Hoping that seven o'clock would roll around and I'd be able to head inside for some peace and quiet. . ."
"Without taking off the bangle. . ."
"Without taking off the bangle. . ." She repeated, acknowledging his acumen. He lightly took her wrists in his palms and stared her in the eye.
"You need to trust me, Quistis. I'm not going to let anything harm you. But you can't hide from yourself forever. I gave you this charm to give you a rest- to let you adapt. You can't deny who you are. And you can't run away from this gift. . .even if it painful to accept. You're much stronger than that- we all know it."
"Lukan, you don't know!" She gasped, bursting into tears. She wanted to share everything- pin her burden on him. On anyone. But that. . .was not part of who she was. Sacrifice. Discipline. Honor. Perfection.
"You're right. I don't know. I'm here if you need to tell me. If you feel uncomfortable with me, tell someone else- Xu or Evana or Graybeard or Kinneas or Martine-not that telling him would benefit you in anyway-the man's a complete tool when it comes to empathy- but something is definitely bothering you. Get help. You are not alone- does it sound banal? I'm sorry if it does, but it's the truth. Don't give into these passive-aggressive tendencies, Trepe. We're here to help."
'Irvine- I'll tell Irvine. He'll understand. He's crazy too.'
"Thank you. I. . .really appreciate it." Quistis whispered, wiping the brackish tears from her cheeks. Samah wrapped his thick arms around her shoulders and held her for a moment. She buried her face in the crook of his neck and tried to blink back her tears. Being so close to a man only fuelled her need for her Cadet. But the way Samah held her was chaste and brotherly.
"Whoa! Holy shit, Instructor- you really don't waste any time, do you?"
She didn't even have to turn around to identify the intruder. She could only sigh and roll her eyes irritation. If it wasn't one thing it was another. . .
"Good evening, Seifer. How was your trip?" Quistis addressed her favorite person. 'Dammit- it's already starting. I haven't even taken the bracelet off, and all hell is about to break loose. . .' She met Seifer's haughty gaze. He simply smirked and pulled his packs from his shoulder. His cadet uniform may've been a little wrinkled, and his white trenchcoat was filthy, but Seifer was still Seifer. One of the few constants in Quistis' life.
'And how very sad that is.' She mourned her own existence.
"It was a mission, Instructor. One of dire importance at that, let me tell you. . ."
"Seifer, I when I found you in Timber Saturday night, you and the hyena twins were lying dead drunk in a ditch after loosing thirty-five triple triad games in a row. . ."
"That card expert's a fuckin' cheater, Samah! Him and his posse robbed us blind while we weren't looking. . ."
"He didn't steal the Garden truck from you. God, Martine's going to lay an egg when he finds out you bet and lost his hummer. . ."
"Oh, so that's why you're on foot. . .I was wondering why. . ." Quistis giggled, placing her hand over her mouth. Seifer glared, but soon it melted into a low rumbling chuckle.
"Yeah-we had to boot it all them way from the train station- we called into head office and got Instructor Botchaskya- thank fuckin' Hyne- but she wouldn't pick us up! Damned woman. Yeah. .. it was pretty stupid. Wasn't me- Dunkan's a compulsive gambler. Fact is-I can't ever remember that fuckin' game. . ."
"That's 'cause you were in the back room with some dame, Almasy. Dumb kid. . ." Seifer's superiors trudged up the grassy knoll behind the group, lugging strung crates and cases of field equipment. Dunkan, who had spoken, dropped the rope he'd been dragging along behind him and picked up a single, mid-sized crate. Westmut, a troll of a SeeD with ruddy-skin and flaming red hair, approached Seifer from behind and smacked him along-side the head. The man's palm was the size of Seifer's skull. Seifer winced and swung back.
"Uh uhn, little Cadet. You're in big trouble, young man. Your punishment for takin' off like a little pussy is. . .well, you get to cart this shit back to Garden. By yourself."
"Hey-that's not right." Seifer sneered in rebuttal. "You fuckers split the work. . ."
"Hey-Hey, Almasy. Watch your mouth. There's a lady here." Dunkan grinned and, taking Quistis' gloved hand, pressed his chapped lips to the leather. "Good afternoon, Instructor Trepe. I hope the evening finds you well. . ." He was trying to be funny and charming at the same time. Quistis didn't find him to be either- just irritating.
"I'm fine, Lieutenant Dunkan. I hope your mission was successful." She answered, board-stiff.
"No sweat,hun. Say- how old are you again?"
"Ten days older than the last time you saw me."
"Yo- Dunkan. Lay off, kay? That's my teacher. . ." Seifer stepped in, much to Quistis' relief. Of course, he had an ulterior motive. "Besides- she's got a cowboy fetish, y'know?"
'Damn you, Seifer Almasy.'
"Oh- yeah. Totally forgot about that. Say- is your boy still alive?"
'Respect me! For Hyne's sake, respect me you arrogant, self-gratifying, boorish fucke. . .'
"If you mean, Cadet Kinneas yes- he was released from the infirmary on Sunday." Samah interjected sternly, clearly warning them of the severity of their implications. Quistis took the opportunity to shoot Seifer a nasty glare, to which he responded with a shrug and grin.
"Good- 'cause I have something I need to tell him him."Seifer stated, folding his arms across his chest. Quistis couldn't suppress her groan. 'Well- he did promise to get right back to bullying Irvine when he returned. . .Damn Seifer. Poor Irvine- he's going to remember Seifer's antagonism for the rest of his life.
"Well- we'll leave you to that, Almasy. Take it easy, Samah. ALWAYS a pleasure, Instructor Trepe." Dunkan tipped his hat as he and his giant comrade left for Garden. Seifer glared after them.
"Instructor Samah- what happens if I don't follow their orders?"
"Bathroom duty- two weeks."
"We'll help you, Seifer." Quistis offered, grabbing onto one of the crates. Seifer glared and tore it from her grasp.
"I don't need any help, Instructor. I'm fine. . ."He growled haughtily. Quistis simply rolled her eyes- she found she did that a little too often when Seifer was present.
"Don't be a fool, Almasy." Samah replied as he gathered one of the loads. "And offer your instructor a little respect- I don't care how well you know her." The men met eyes for a moment- it was obvious that Seifer was weighing his opponent carefully, as Quistis had seen him do a thousand times. The dark-haired SeeD was smaller and lighter than the cadet, but it was clear who the more experienced soldier was. Seifer, though brash, was no fool.
"Sure sure, whatever, Instructor Samah. Do what you want." He grasped hold of a cart and marched towards Garden.
Quistis caught up with the blonde gunbladesman, lugging several cases of artillery. 'Got enough fire-power here, Seifer? Hyne- boys and their toys. . .'
"Word on the street's you're a hero, Instructor." Seifer didn't turn to her- his eyes were focused on Garden. His voice lacked the regular derisiveness- his tone was actually quite strange. If Quistis hadn't known better, she would've labeled it envy. She didn't really know how to respond to that.
"I did what I had to do, Seifer. Everyone encounters a moment in their life when they are destined to make a profound difference- they may not be conscious of it, but they are a determinate in the overall balance of the cosmos. The universe and everything in it are inextricably connected. . ." Seifer stopped in his tracks and stared at her. Quistis couldn't help but blush. 'Um. . .yeah. Deep, Quistis. Very Deep.' "I've been spending too much time with Instructor Samah, I think."
"I'd say so." Seifer chuckled, resuming his journey. Quistis just knew that Samah had a big, smug smile on his face. He was getting through to her. . .unfortunately.
They unloaded the cargo at the Cadet hangar and proceeded through to the lobby. Glancing at his watch, Instructor Samah tapped Quistis on the shoulder.
"You did it- you managed to distract me long enough to escape my exercise for today. I want you to meditate for at least forty-five minutes each day- not counting the enormous length of time it takes you to settle down. Quistis, you need to do this, okay? And maybe, spend ten minutes at a time without the bracelet- see how it feels in comparison to what you experienced last week, and what you experience when you're wearing the charm. I have a meeting, so I'll take my leave of you. Have a good weekend, Quistis. Mr. Almasy. . ." He turned his attention to Seifer, who had already begun his tirade by pestering a group of junior classmen. He growled, sending them shrieking. "You need to check in with Headmaster Martine before eight o'clock, Seifer. You're still on suspension- remember this, okay? This is a probationary step- one more outburst and
you will be sent back to Balamb."
"I know, I know. You think I don't have the routine memorized? Pshah." Seifer chuckled and kicked the wall.
"I don't know. One would expect you to have the rules memorized by now, but that is evidently not the case. . ."
"Oh, I always know what rules I'm breaking, Instructor Samah.. . ." He smirked. The SeeD veteran heaved a sigh and left Quistis to deal with a temperamental Seifer, who took the opportunity to stretch his limbs and yawn.
"Well- I suppose I should be getting back to daily routine. I'll see you on Monday, Instructor."
He took off down the hall.
Quistis followed him.
He stopped. She stopped. He turned about face.
"What?!?!"
"Don't yell at me, Mr. Almasy. Lay off Kinneas for a little while- at least until your probationary period is terminated. . ."
"I just wanna talk to the cowboy, Instructor. I'm not looking to make any trouble. . ."His boyish face was bright and sunny, but there was pure mischief in those emerald eyes. Quistis couldn't help but groan.
"Fine. But I'm going to follow you, just in case he doesn't find this particular stunt as amusing as you most-definitely will and decides to put a gun to your head. . ."
"It's all in good fun, Instructor. . ."
"Of course, Seifer. It's absolutely hilarious. You're both morons." She was now walking alongside the statuesque cadet. He turned to her, feigning hurt.
"Well, someone's been feeling a little jilted- did you miss me or, is the cowboy not fulfilling your needs. . ."
Quistis nonchalantly slipped her foot in Seifer's path. He tumbled to the ground in a flurry of white cotton and curses.
"Hyne, I missed you Seifer Almasy."
"Thought so." He groaned and jumped to his feet. His face was flushed and his mouth almost formed a pout. Almost. 'Dammit- now I've done it. He's just itching to let out some of his aggression. That Almasy pride. . .'
Five steps later, an obviously impatient Seifer grabbed a random senior cadet by the front of their uniform and pushed them against the wall.
"You- where's the cowboy?"
"Um. . .'cowboy', sir? This is Galbadia- there are millions of. .."
"The sniper with the girly hair and the gay hat- where is he?"
'Wow-Someone other than me needs to get laid. . .'Quistis giggled to herself. She really couldn't stop Seifer if she tried. Not with the bangle suppressing her powers.
"He means Kinneas, Cadet. If you tell him, he'll let you go unharmed." Quistis offered with a sympathetic look. The cadet swallowed and pointed down the hall.
"H. . .he was just down there, sir. Down the hall. I'm not lyin'- honest. . ." Seifer intensified his suspicious glare then dropped the unfortunate boy on his tail.
"You better not be lying- I'd have fun chasing down a weasel like yourself. . ."
"Get over yourself, Seifer." Quistis pulled him away from the Galbadian, who scurried off in panic. Seifer gave a 'hmpf' and sauntered off down the hallway in search of prey. The instructor was beginning to feel a little like a midget walking a rotweiller.
They could hear Irvine's voice as they approached a bend in the hallway. Quistis' heart began to palpitate and her mind began to race.
'Is he upset with me? Does he hate me? Will he be mad at me for bringing Seifer? Does he remember what I did to him? What else does he remember? Did he enjoy the kiss? Was it a mistake? Would he ever kiss me again? Did I taste alright? Did I slobber? Does he care for me or would I be a conquest? Did Martine talk to him? Did his knife-wound scar? Has he been depressed? Does he want his homework?. . .' She stopped herself and took in a deep breath. Luckily, Seifer was too intent on stalking his prey than focusing on his company. Irvine and his companions' voices got louder then suddenly stopped. Seifer and Quistis rounded the corner and the Instructor wasn't quite sure what to expect from Seifer.
But the surprise didn't come from Seifer.
It came from Irvine who was pressed against the wall and occupied in an intense, full-bodied kiss.
Jealousy. Hatred. Fear. Self-loathing. Anxiety. Lust. Sorrow.
Loneliness.
She recalled the words that had given her hope. 'He's yours- I made him so.' They were so precious and beautiful. But false. He didn't belong to her- he belonged to any little tramp who offered him her body for the night. At this particular moment, it was one of her favorite little cadets. Astrid. She felt nauseous and betrayed.
She turned and ran. . .
. . .three steps. Something caught a hold of her arm and jerked her back. Ready to scream, she slapped at Seifer's chest. The look on his fair face was utterly serious, which really disoriented her.
"I never anticipated you to be the jump-to-conclusions type, Instructor. So many relationships end because of scenes like this, and-believe me- there's usually an explanation." Pulling her behind the wall, they both watched- Quistis in misery and Seifer in earnest- as Astrid drew her mouth from Irvine's. It was a strange scene- the girl's tiny little body dominating his long strong form. She wasn't strong enough a person to govern Irvine. Quistis took one look at the cadet's (no longer Her Cadet's) face and wanted to cry. His back pressed to the wall, his legs ready to buckle, Irvine burst out in his lopsided grin and his vibrant eyes sparkled with mirth. He straightened his hat and laughed. His little whore giggled as well.
"So?" She asked in a nauseatingly adorable voice. He threw his hands in the air in a wide shrug- he was still grinning madly.
"So? Well-hun. If it's like that, then there are only two possibilities. . ."
"Which are?"
"One- he's a robot. And two- he likes boys. That's about all I can offer. . .sheesh, girl- you got a set of lips on ya. .."
'What are they talking about?. ..'
"Don't get any ideas, Kinneas." She warned, wagging her finger at the grinning cowboy. "I just wanted your expert opinion. . .hey, you don't actually think he's gay, do you?"
'She doesn't want him. ..'
"No, not really, since I spend so much time with that guy and he's hasn't felt me up yet. I'm pretty gosh-darned irresistible, ya'know. So, I guess he's a robot. Or just a frigid, vain bastard. . ." Irvine popped off the wall and stretched. "'Causes kisses like that aren't easy to ignore, Astrid. Believe me- you're a damn fine kisser, girl."
"Thanks, Kinneas." She blushed, staring at her sandaled-feet. "Well- what should I do? I. .. I'm in love with him, Irvine. What would you do if you fell in love with your best friend?"
"Honestly- I would tell them. They deserve a heads up about anything that could potentially destroy the friendship. . .I know you guys like grew up tagether- but that don't mean you can't be more than pretend siblings. I'm sure he's pretty damn confused right now- so just explain it to'im. He's not real swift all the time- doesn't really understand the value of emotions- you've always fielded that for him. So teach'em, 'cause you're too sweet ta be mopin' around, actin' all dreary." Irvine rubbed the back of his neck and shuffled his feet. He was so sincere. Quistis' fears melted into a fiery ball of pride in her stomach- he was a good boy. A good man. She rested her eyes on his face- the golden skin, the dark arching eyebrows, the full smiling mouth, chiseled bone structure- she herself was melting. 'Why was I hiding from him this week? He understands. He accepts me. . .'
"Damn you, Kinneas. Actin' all mushy 'n shit- I almost don't feel like beating the hell out of you."
'Seifer Almasy- you just have to spoil the mood. . .'
"Holy horseradish!" Astrid squeaked and scurried behind Irvine, clutching fearfully at
his suede duster. Irvine chuckled a little nervously.
"Howdy Seifer. . .fancy meetin'. . say, weren't ya scheduled to come back on Sunday?"
"I was, but I made sure we finished our assignment early- couldn't wait to get back to pummeling you, ya long-haired yokel. . ." Seifer grinned and cracked his knuckles. Quistis groaned and clamped her hand onto his shoulder.
"Seifer- that's enough. You said you had something to tell, Irvine. That's the only reason I didn't march you straight back up to your room. You're both suspended- remember, this is a probationary time frame. . ."
"Say something. . ." Seifer looked puzzled for a moment. "Oh yeah. Hey cowboy, I just wanted to say congratulations." Seifer chuckled. Irvine glanced from Seifer to Quistis, totally bewildered.
"I don't know what he's talking about." Quistis smiled, shrugging.
"Whadda'ya mean, Almasy?" Irvine crossed his arms and stared at his rival pointedly. Seifer paused a moment to catch his breath.
"Oh well- I saw yer son and his mom at the grocery store. Man- the kid's fuckin' adorable- never expected that considering both you and the mother are butt ugly. . .Hey, I've never teased you about. . ."
"What?!?" Both Quistis and Astrid screamed, staring at Seifer then slowly turned to Irvine, whose face had been drained of all color. 'H. . .his. . .'
"I. . .have a kid?" He whispered almost inaudibly. "Wow. I. . .never expected this. Whose is it? The mother, I mean. I don't really know anyone in Timber. . .Except Rinoa." He paused, his eyes growing to an immeasurable size. "Holy Hyne- no wonder she was mad at me for never visitin'. One night- damn. We was protected 'n everythin' I. . ." Quistis watched in worry and awe as he scrambled around, then finally grabbed Seifer by the shoulders. Seifer seemed furious for an unknown reason. " I . . . gotta apologize. I gotta start payin' some child support and- what did Rinny name the kid? Did she say I was allowed to see'em? I really. . ."
"Fuckin' hell, Kinneas! Shut up! I was just kidding." Seifer pushed Irvine away. The sharpshooter fell against the wall. " It was a joke- the boys and I just thought it would be funny to tease you and get you riled up- ya horny bastard. But. . ." Seifer advanced and grasped Irvine by the lapels. "You slept with Rinoa, eh? Shit- why am I not surprised that she lied to me. She'll put out for some damn-retarded yokel but not for the man who saved her life. Fuck you, Kinneas." Seifer sneered and threw him back against the wall. Quistis was a little confused. Snorting, Seifer turned from Irvine to Astrid. "And you, little girl- I saw that useless SOB Hunter suckin' dick in the boys bathroom last week. I think you need to find a new hobby. Shit- you're all useless." Cracking his neck, he turned to saunter down the hall, but was stopped by Valiant, whose barrel was pressed to Seifer's forehead. Irvine cocked the gun.
"Dammit, Irvine. . ." Quistis cried out, grabbing his arm. She couldn't budge him- he had amazing strength and control.
"Never. . .I mean never joke about family to someone who's never had one." Irvine spoke clearly and precisely without taking his eyes from Seifer's face. "I figured you of all people would understand that, Almasy."
"Whatta you mean, cowboy? You got me." Seifer didn't budge but managed to crack an ironic grin. Irvine removed his gun and tucked it into it's holster.
"I don't want'chya." He said simply. Neither moved- they were locked in a twisted staring contest. She just wanted to scream.
"What the hell is goin' on here. . ." A thick holler reverberated through and down the halls. Seifer just chuckled and pulled out. Irvine followed his lead just as Evana, followed by a flustered Astrid, marched onto the scene. 'I didn't even realize Astrid had left. . .'
"What the hell are you two thinkin'?" She smacked them both in the forehead. Seifer returned with a glare, and Irvine with a whimper. "Almasy, you just got back and you're already startin' trouble? Hells Bells, boy- you have so much energy, get your lazy ass to the Training center. There's some grats in there with your name tatooed across their testicles. If you're ready, we can start some of your training. But I ain't gonna teach you anything if you keep beating up on Kinneas here. Shit- he doesn't even use a real weapon, how do you expect to spar with him if he can't even pick up a damn blade? Let's go, right now- If you can kick my ass, then I'll let you torture who you want. But if you can't-well, I'm gonna own you boy." Evana growled and grabbed him by the ear. Quistis and Irvine couldn't contain their laughter as the short, compact instructor hauled the giant cadet off to the Training room with the five-foot nothing elfin Astrid skipping along behind. This was followed by a subdued moment.
"Irvine. . . are you okay?" Quistis asked, rubbing his shoulder affectionately. He chuckled and nodded.
"Yeah, I'm just dandy, Quisty."
"You're not upset. . ." 'for any particular reason. . .'
"Naw- He scared me for a sec, but I realized he was bluffin'- he was too busy laughin' inside. So I decided to blow it up in his face. Heh heh- gonna have ta apologize to Rin for that. She'd freak out if she knew I'd told her new beau we'd been sleepin' tagether. . ." He grinned. "Glad I ran inta Dunkan beforehand- would never'a figured Seifer and Rin ta be together or anythin'. . ."
"If you weren't mad, why'd you pull a gun on him?" Quistis crossed her arms and tapped her foot- it may've been Seifer's fault, but Irvine had just done the inexcusable. Threatening the life of a comrade. Irvine stared Quistis directly in the eye as he spoke.
"I WAS mad. I meant what I said- You don't joke about family with a guy who don't have any. You're an orphan, hun- don't ya believe that?"
"I suppose. . ." She simply trailed off. Silence descended on the scene. She didn't know what else to say. Rubbing the bridge of her nose, she suddenly wished for the disembodied voice- It always helped her with Irvine. She glanced down at her wrist where the glittering bangle lived. 'What harm would five minutes do?' She reached for her key. . .
" Hey. . .um, Quisty? You don't have my homework, by any chance, do ya??" His voice cut through her mental roadblock. Homework?
"Oh! Yes, Of course I do. I've been gathering it all week." She breathed a sigh of relief and pushed her previous thoughts from her mind. "It's just up in my apartment. Do you have two minutes?"
"I have all the time in the world for you, hun." He grinned, tipping his hat. She tried to disregard his flirting with a stern look, but she was full aware of her rampant blush and smiling eyes.
She took him to room fifty-two. His homework sat neatly on the left-corner of her desk, organized in four, color coordinated file folders with corresponding duo-tangs for his hand-outs. Yes- she had been thinking about him over the past week. She handed him his homework.
"Astrid copied her notes for you and I collected the handouts from your instructors-these are in the duo-tangs. You have two makeup tests on Tuesday- I offered to proctor these for you- in Strategy and your Vectors class-don't ask me to help with that homework. Ummm. . .lets see. Your reading list is In the file folder with the notes and, I think that's everything. Do you have any questions?" She kept her tone light and flippant, but inside she was congratulating herself. 'Hyne, I'm good. Professional, thorough- perfect. . .'
"Uh, yeah. I. . .uh, kinda do," He answered, sorting through his homework. He placed it on the bed and sat, wringing his hands biting his lip. His body language was a little troubling.
"Irvine, what's wrong?" She sat beside him, rubbing his shoulder as had become habit. He halted his fussing and grinned.
"Nothin', hun. I was. . well, just wonderin' what you were up to tonight. . ."
She was slightly taken aback.
"Well- nothing. I. . .will probably plan for Monday's class or look over some of these standardized tests I'm supposed to pass out on Tuesday. . ." He lame reply was greeted with an obnoxious groan from her partner. "What? It's something I have to do, Irvine. I haven't anything else to waste my time on. I'm an instructor- I just can't join the students in the dormitory for a 'kegger' or anything, It doesn't work that way. . ."
"I know! I know, hun!" He lifted his hands in acceptance. "I. . .well. . . nothin'. It was nothin'. I guess you do have a full night, eh?" He stood, grabbed his books and started for the door. "I. . .well, was just wonderin' if you'd be interested in goin' into the city with me tonight. I know you haven't been here real long, so I kinda figured I could show you around and we could have a nice night. Get outta Garden, y'know. But I see you're busy, so I'll letcha get ta work so you don't get behind an'all. . ."
"I would love to come."
'Dammit, Quistis! This is unacceptable. You are going to get fired. . ."
"Really?" He dropped his books and ran back- elated that his guilt trip had triggered the desired effect. "Hot damn! Alrighty, well- why dontcha meet me outside around eight? Near the hangar. Get outta yer SeeD uniform and wear somethin' comfy- preferably less bloodstained. Shoot- gotta get ready. Seeya in. . ." He glanced up at her clock. "Twenty four minutes and thirty two, one. . .seconds." He jumped up, kissed her on the head and ran out of the room. . .without his books. Quistis counted twelve seconds before he popped his grinning face back in the room.
"Um. . .I forgot. . ."
"They're right where you left them. . ."
"Thanks." He scratched his head, grabbed the books, and fled the room. Sometimes he was simply energy and happiness incarnate.
She slipped out of her SeeD uniform and into her freshly pressed, coral field outfit. She glanced at her appearance.
'I'm so bloody conservative. C'mon, Quisty- think sexy. Do something Sexy. Be SEXY!'
She undid the bottom two buttons of her pink sweater to show her midriff and the top button to show a little cleavage. It was really all she could do. . .and all her modest self would allow.
At seven fifty six and thirty two seconds, she locked room fifty two and left to meet her cowboy.