Disclaimer : eheheheheh ahahahaah!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 14: This story is getting long, don't you think? ;)
Fresh air was needed for everyone, Quistis decided after two days of everyone getting on everyone's nerves. Herself had been on the verge of killing Seifer for most of her awake hours, especially since he had learned of her little nighttime conversation with the boy. Allen couldn't stand being near the imposing blonde. Whenever he'd feel his presence near him, his delicate hands would start shaking uncontrollably and his eyes would grow as big as dinner plates. Seifer sure had an inner talent to scare people off. If only he could lay off the poor thing.
But right now, under a bright sunny sky, the sea breeze blowing with the spicy smell of sea and pines, he had found back something like childhood, although he told her last night that he was now four days away from his fourteenth birthday. Quistis had bought him and Zell a strange candy earlier, some stuffed pie or something. They had both fell in a food battle seconds afterwards, and now wore then trace of what seemed to be strawberry filling everywhere on their clothes. But everyone's mood had considerably lifted following that little prank-well, except for Seifer, but it wasn't a surprise.
Their path led them to the beach, exactly where they had landed in Squall and Seifer's field exam. Much to their surprise, the metallic cadaver of the X-ATM092 still laid on the sand, starting to rust from the salt water's action. Quistis and Allen slowly walked around it, Quistis telling the boy of what happened there that day, the communication tower, Elvoret almost knocking Squall down the higher level of the tower, then, before she trailed too far and betrayed Seifer's inappropriate behaviour, which led to his downfall, she pushed the boy's attention to a huge steel crane and the complex mix of electric wires.
She had not noticed Seifer going away, nor Seifer returning. The boy was asking a zillion questions, eyes glowing with pleasure. Then something pulled at her hand, and something soft, smooth, silky was slid between her fingers. Looking up from Allen who was busy digging through the X-ATM092's guts, her eyes met a pair of jade-colored, hurt irises. Seifer's face was a battlefield of feeling, his brow furrowed, mouth thinned by the fact he was actually biting his lower lip-something she could never imagine him doing because The Great Almasy was NEVER nervous, nor hurt for that matter. Her eyes briefly left his to look at her hand. Another piece of cloth, dark red with silver feathers. She remembered briefly whining about her other one, the one she didn't even took off to shower, beginning to turn icky. Apparently he was the only one who listened to her. Feeling guilty for having ignored the one who pulled her out of the hell she had been into, Quistis smiled sheepishly. Her hands met his under the soft fabric. Something definitely worth a second though passed between their gaze, and then..
"LOOK WHAT I FOUND!" An oily mess of black gears with wires was shoved under her nose. Seifer jumped away and quickly turned his back to them, joining Squall who enjoyed a bit of sunshine on the sand with Zell curled under his arm. The hyperactive blonde still hadn't a clue who he was, but he knew who needed him the most right now.
Unlike someone else. Seifer thought bitterly.
Quistis side-watched him leave, his other half of brain concentrated on the joyful boy's discovery. But she sure knew a good discussion would be needed once back to their hideout.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ten minutes later Seifer called the end of the fun, pretending he had seen a couple suspicious creatures around here. Althought everyone knew the reason was more Seifer's feeling of loneliness than anything else, they followed the man they had now set as the leader. Seifer just had the inner talent of taking a decision making everyone feels like it was the only one available. Allen joined Quistis's side, playing again the deer caught in the headlight everytime Seifer tried to get closer to them.
As they entered the first street, a loud silence had settled amongst them. Squall held Zell's hand tight in his, Zell watched the world around him like it was his first day on Earth. His beautiful innocent face beamed when they crossed a florist stand, yellow roses and daffodils and irises blooming in a cacophony of pastel tones. He and Allen immediately jumped in the shop, squeaking in unison in front of some huge orange sunflowers. Quistis eventually found the money to buy them each one, the two biggest with long, velvety petals and a heavy nectarine smell.
Allen's child side was definitely re-emerging from his too mature facade. Quistis still couldn't tell if it was a good thing.
Just as the walked out of the shop, Allen, who was running, bumped into a short, but rather plump woman holding a huge bouquet. She fell back and dropped the flowers, creating a nice rain of rose petals over the kid on the floor.
"I'm so sor-"
"My, Seifer, Squall, is that really you?"
The blonde and the brunette, who were busy keeping Zell from running, snapped their head in the woman's direction. The sight was too surreal to be true, but they needed to believe it.
"Dr. Kadowaki?" Seifer whispered, as if afraid she'd disappear in smoke if he talked loud.
"Hyne, and I wanted to stay in Balamb today and work on my darned diary!" The woman uttered before taking a dumbstruck Seifer in her arms, a familiar, reassuring hug he quickly returned. Soon Squall 'suffered' the same fate, but when she moved to a wide-eyed Zell, the small blonde, yelped and hid himself behind Squall.
"What in Hyne's love..." Kadowaki murmured trying to get ahold of the young man, but he kept jumping out of her reach.
"It's a long story." Squall said but he didn't move to help Kadowaki catch Zell.
"Oh..."
"Are you going to tell Cid that you found us?" Seifer asked, nervousness apparent in his tone.
"No, of course not!" The doctor said without hesitation. "The old man can get lost in Grandidi Forest! He's hadn't been his normal self lately. And I know better than thinking he's just in a bad mood."
"What do you mean?" Squall asked.
"Cid's mood swings are known by everyone, but you and I perfectly know it never went as far as paranoia and violence! No-one can understand him these days. Some are already talking about putting him into retirement."
"And..."
"And of course there have to be someone interested in that retirement plan, uh?" Seifer's sense of logic was another well-hidden talent all these years.
"Got it, my child." Kadowaki smiled up at him.
"Look," Squall cut, holding a very nervous Zell in his arms, "We are in urgent need of a doctor right now, but we can't afford to go to hospital because then they would know where we are. Did you bring your medical stuff along?"
"Of course I did, sweetheart. You never know who might need help."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr. Kadowaki flicked the mini lamp off and proceeded to check up the boy's respiration and blood pressure. Satisfied, she slightly pressed the skin of his scar, gathering unhealthy yellowish liquid and a quiet whimper of pain.
"It's been like this for how long?" She asked Allen.
"Since I got it. Almost a year ago."
"Mhm. Not normal. It would need extra check-up."
"Ah. And where would it be?" Squall's bitter voice cut off.
"In Deling hospital of course, Dear. You think the obsessions of an old fool would stop me from my duty?"
"If he finds us..."
"He won't, he won't..." Dr. Kadowaki cupped the young boy's cheek with gentleness and caressed his naked skull. "And those, sweetheart? You shave every morning?"
"No, ma'am. I never had to. They won't grow."
"Won't grow? Not normal too. Any kind of genetical diseases in your family?"
"Uh..."
"He only has his mother," Quistis cut. "And he doesn't wish to see her anymore."
"I'm not even sure she is my mother.." Allen muttered under his breath.
"What was that, dear?" Dr. Kadowaki asked, turning back to the boy.
"Nothing..."
"And you never knew who your dad was?"
"No. He died before I was born. Mom told me about him being a war hero and all...but she never showed me pictures of him, and never told me his name."
"Mmhm...would you like to find out who he was?"
"Doctor!" Seifer hissed from the back of the room.
"What? I can have access to Esthar's DNA bank as easily as you can access your bank account..."
Seifer's gaze only hardened at the mention of his untouchable money locked away from his grasp.
"Okay sorry sweetie, bad analogy."
"Ma'am?" Allen drew back her attention. "I would like to know. Really."
"That would definitely help clearing up your case, child. All I need is a blood sample and you'd know within the next day. How does that sound?"
"Nice...thanks a lot."
"Now just let me retrieve that good old needle..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After having drawn a couple vials of Allen's blood, Dr. Kadowaki asked Zell to join them, and then asked the other to leave them for a private conversation.
The others stood up silently and walked out of the bedroom. Squall quickly announced his intention of buying food for everyone and quickly left.
But no-one could have missed how shiny his eyes had become.
Seifer sat on one of the wooden chair of the small kitchen. Quistis sat in front of him, purposely blocking any escape.
"What exactly do you reproach to the boy, Seifer?" Quistis had never been the kind to fumble with her words.
She could see Seifer backing off against the chair, but he made no move to escape her questionning glare.
"He's evil..."
"He's a child. Have you seen any trace of evilness in him? Can't you understand the chances are that he had been manipulated?"
"Like I had been, uh?"
"I am not saying that."
"But you are thinking it."
"You are impossible"
"And you are adorably stupid."
"Seifer, stop playing with me."
"I am playing?" His cocky grin seriously made her palm itch for a good smack. Then something much more clever crossed her thoughts.
From her pocket, she pulled the new crimson cloth and handed it to the blonde, who stared at it not knowing at all what she wanted him to do with it. Quistis smiled at his dumb look. Sure, the bastard was pushed off balance. She pulled the old scarf from her head, where the disheveled hair was starting to be long enough to point in all directions. She closed her eyes-There were two mirrors in the kitchen, and she feared to see her reflexion in one of them.
"What-"
"Tie it, Seifer, do I have to draw it for you?"
"Ah go to hell." But she felt Seifer taking the cloth off her hand, and heard him unfolding it.
Then silence.
Quistis was considering opening her eyes just the time to smack him good, but then his large, very warm hands were on her, against the most hated part of her, covering the scar, the ugly, not-too-clean hair, the itchy parts where scabs still remained. She jumped first but the hands wouldn't let her go, they followed her, massaged the damaged skin until the idea of acceptance rose through her. He hands blindly searched for him, landed on steady shoulders, which she encircled before burrying her face against the hard chest. One of his arms circled her waist, but the other remained on her head, holding her tight against him.
It felt good.
It felt familiar.
Nothing to hide from him, not even her lips which she eagerly offered to him when he lifted her face. But her eyes kept tightly shut although tears now trickled down the golden eyelashes. She felt Seifer's lips on hers, not demanding, but rather gently exploring the flesh until she grew more impassionate and started to push her mouth against his, and her tongue sneaked out to lap at his lips, tasting her own tears and his masculine fragrance. Familiar, like she had tasted it before.
The sound of footsteps, coming from behind the closed door, forced them both to separate, still panting and definitely very flushed. Seifer quickly wrapped her head in the cloth, and kissed her cheek one last time before Kadowaki appeared, followed by an unnaturally calm Zell and Allen, smiling up at the talkative woman.
"Well, people, seems like I am going to leave you until tomorrow. Be sure to keep those two jewels locked," She gestured to her two patients, " I want to find them intact when I'll get back!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night Allen claimed Quistis' bed, claiming the nightmares were back, and although she knew he was probably lying about it, she also knew the realisation of her affection for him was still fairly new and very comforting, so she let him ease his shorter frame beside her, and soon, as he drifted off to sleep, his body curled inward like a bow, his head almost touching his raised hands and his forehead resting against her shoulder. Quistis sighed, readjusted the cloth on her head and tried to give in to slumber, even though his body heat made her feel uncomfortable and sweaty.
Grunting, She once again shifted, and groaned in frustration when the lithe form moved to adjust against her, his own sweat now mixing with hers. His soft snoring occasionnaly turned into little painful moans. Allen had nightmares almost every night, nothing alarming.
But inside the boy's brain, something pulled the right string, and the countdown began.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's notes Things to blame for my perpetual lateness: Aduldfanfiction.net, mediaminer.org, job, boyfriends, job, rats, Ebay.com, job, life, Harry Potter, trying to lessen my net hours, job.
I am already not a fast writer, and all those should be severely punished for making me even worse.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 14: This story is getting long, don't you think? ;)
Fresh air was needed for everyone, Quistis decided after two days of everyone getting on everyone's nerves. Herself had been on the verge of killing Seifer for most of her awake hours, especially since he had learned of her little nighttime conversation with the boy. Allen couldn't stand being near the imposing blonde. Whenever he'd feel his presence near him, his delicate hands would start shaking uncontrollably and his eyes would grow as big as dinner plates. Seifer sure had an inner talent to scare people off. If only he could lay off the poor thing.
But right now, under a bright sunny sky, the sea breeze blowing with the spicy smell of sea and pines, he had found back something like childhood, although he told her last night that he was now four days away from his fourteenth birthday. Quistis had bought him and Zell a strange candy earlier, some stuffed pie or something. They had both fell in a food battle seconds afterwards, and now wore then trace of what seemed to be strawberry filling everywhere on their clothes. But everyone's mood had considerably lifted following that little prank-well, except for Seifer, but it wasn't a surprise.
Their path led them to the beach, exactly where they had landed in Squall and Seifer's field exam. Much to their surprise, the metallic cadaver of the X-ATM092 still laid on the sand, starting to rust from the salt water's action. Quistis and Allen slowly walked around it, Quistis telling the boy of what happened there that day, the communication tower, Elvoret almost knocking Squall down the higher level of the tower, then, before she trailed too far and betrayed Seifer's inappropriate behaviour, which led to his downfall, she pushed the boy's attention to a huge steel crane and the complex mix of electric wires.
She had not noticed Seifer going away, nor Seifer returning. The boy was asking a zillion questions, eyes glowing with pleasure. Then something pulled at her hand, and something soft, smooth, silky was slid between her fingers. Looking up from Allen who was busy digging through the X-ATM092's guts, her eyes met a pair of jade-colored, hurt irises. Seifer's face was a battlefield of feeling, his brow furrowed, mouth thinned by the fact he was actually biting his lower lip-something she could never imagine him doing because The Great Almasy was NEVER nervous, nor hurt for that matter. Her eyes briefly left his to look at her hand. Another piece of cloth, dark red with silver feathers. She remembered briefly whining about her other one, the one she didn't even took off to shower, beginning to turn icky. Apparently he was the only one who listened to her. Feeling guilty for having ignored the one who pulled her out of the hell she had been into, Quistis smiled sheepishly. Her hands met his under the soft fabric. Something definitely worth a second though passed between their gaze, and then..
"LOOK WHAT I FOUND!" An oily mess of black gears with wires was shoved under her nose. Seifer jumped away and quickly turned his back to them, joining Squall who enjoyed a bit of sunshine on the sand with Zell curled under his arm. The hyperactive blonde still hadn't a clue who he was, but he knew who needed him the most right now.
Unlike someone else. Seifer thought bitterly.
Quistis side-watched him leave, his other half of brain concentrated on the joyful boy's discovery. But she sure knew a good discussion would be needed once back to their hideout.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ten minutes later Seifer called the end of the fun, pretending he had seen a couple suspicious creatures around here. Althought everyone knew the reason was more Seifer's feeling of loneliness than anything else, they followed the man they had now set as the leader. Seifer just had the inner talent of taking a decision making everyone feels like it was the only one available. Allen joined Quistis's side, playing again the deer caught in the headlight everytime Seifer tried to get closer to them.
As they entered the first street, a loud silence had settled amongst them. Squall held Zell's hand tight in his, Zell watched the world around him like it was his first day on Earth. His beautiful innocent face beamed when they crossed a florist stand, yellow roses and daffodils and irises blooming in a cacophony of pastel tones. He and Allen immediately jumped in the shop, squeaking in unison in front of some huge orange sunflowers. Quistis eventually found the money to buy them each one, the two biggest with long, velvety petals and a heavy nectarine smell.
Allen's child side was definitely re-emerging from his too mature facade. Quistis still couldn't tell if it was a good thing.
Just as the walked out of the shop, Allen, who was running, bumped into a short, but rather plump woman holding a huge bouquet. She fell back and dropped the flowers, creating a nice rain of rose petals over the kid on the floor.
"I'm so sor-"
"My, Seifer, Squall, is that really you?"
The blonde and the brunette, who were busy keeping Zell from running, snapped their head in the woman's direction. The sight was too surreal to be true, but they needed to believe it.
"Dr. Kadowaki?" Seifer whispered, as if afraid she'd disappear in smoke if he talked loud.
"Hyne, and I wanted to stay in Balamb today and work on my darned diary!" The woman uttered before taking a dumbstruck Seifer in her arms, a familiar, reassuring hug he quickly returned. Soon Squall 'suffered' the same fate, but when she moved to a wide-eyed Zell, the small blonde, yelped and hid himself behind Squall.
"What in Hyne's love..." Kadowaki murmured trying to get ahold of the young man, but he kept jumping out of her reach.
"It's a long story." Squall said but he didn't move to help Kadowaki catch Zell.
"Oh..."
"Are you going to tell Cid that you found us?" Seifer asked, nervousness apparent in his tone.
"No, of course not!" The doctor said without hesitation. "The old man can get lost in Grandidi Forest! He's hadn't been his normal self lately. And I know better than thinking he's just in a bad mood."
"What do you mean?" Squall asked.
"Cid's mood swings are known by everyone, but you and I perfectly know it never went as far as paranoia and violence! No-one can understand him these days. Some are already talking about putting him into retirement."
"And..."
"And of course there have to be someone interested in that retirement plan, uh?" Seifer's sense of logic was another well-hidden talent all these years.
"Got it, my child." Kadowaki smiled up at him.
"Look," Squall cut, holding a very nervous Zell in his arms, "We are in urgent need of a doctor right now, but we can't afford to go to hospital because then they would know where we are. Did you bring your medical stuff along?"
"Of course I did, sweetheart. You never know who might need help."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr. Kadowaki flicked the mini lamp off and proceeded to check up the boy's respiration and blood pressure. Satisfied, she slightly pressed the skin of his scar, gathering unhealthy yellowish liquid and a quiet whimper of pain.
"It's been like this for how long?" She asked Allen.
"Since I got it. Almost a year ago."
"Mhm. Not normal. It would need extra check-up."
"Ah. And where would it be?" Squall's bitter voice cut off.
"In Deling hospital of course, Dear. You think the obsessions of an old fool would stop me from my duty?"
"If he finds us..."
"He won't, he won't..." Dr. Kadowaki cupped the young boy's cheek with gentleness and caressed his naked skull. "And those, sweetheart? You shave every morning?"
"No, ma'am. I never had to. They won't grow."
"Won't grow? Not normal too. Any kind of genetical diseases in your family?"
"Uh..."
"He only has his mother," Quistis cut. "And he doesn't wish to see her anymore."
"I'm not even sure she is my mother.." Allen muttered under his breath.
"What was that, dear?" Dr. Kadowaki asked, turning back to the boy.
"Nothing..."
"And you never knew who your dad was?"
"No. He died before I was born. Mom told me about him being a war hero and all...but she never showed me pictures of him, and never told me his name."
"Mmhm...would you like to find out who he was?"
"Doctor!" Seifer hissed from the back of the room.
"What? I can have access to Esthar's DNA bank as easily as you can access your bank account..."
Seifer's gaze only hardened at the mention of his untouchable money locked away from his grasp.
"Okay sorry sweetie, bad analogy."
"Ma'am?" Allen drew back her attention. "I would like to know. Really."
"That would definitely help clearing up your case, child. All I need is a blood sample and you'd know within the next day. How does that sound?"
"Nice...thanks a lot."
"Now just let me retrieve that good old needle..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After having drawn a couple vials of Allen's blood, Dr. Kadowaki asked Zell to join them, and then asked the other to leave them for a private conversation.
The others stood up silently and walked out of the bedroom. Squall quickly announced his intention of buying food for everyone and quickly left.
But no-one could have missed how shiny his eyes had become.
Seifer sat on one of the wooden chair of the small kitchen. Quistis sat in front of him, purposely blocking any escape.
"What exactly do you reproach to the boy, Seifer?" Quistis had never been the kind to fumble with her words.
She could see Seifer backing off against the chair, but he made no move to escape her questionning glare.
"He's evil..."
"He's a child. Have you seen any trace of evilness in him? Can't you understand the chances are that he had been manipulated?"
"Like I had been, uh?"
"I am not saying that."
"But you are thinking it."
"You are impossible"
"And you are adorably stupid."
"Seifer, stop playing with me."
"I am playing?" His cocky grin seriously made her palm itch for a good smack. Then something much more clever crossed her thoughts.
From her pocket, she pulled the new crimson cloth and handed it to the blonde, who stared at it not knowing at all what she wanted him to do with it. Quistis smiled at his dumb look. Sure, the bastard was pushed off balance. She pulled the old scarf from her head, where the disheveled hair was starting to be long enough to point in all directions. She closed her eyes-There were two mirrors in the kitchen, and she feared to see her reflexion in one of them.
"What-"
"Tie it, Seifer, do I have to draw it for you?"
"Ah go to hell." But she felt Seifer taking the cloth off her hand, and heard him unfolding it.
Then silence.
Quistis was considering opening her eyes just the time to smack him good, but then his large, very warm hands were on her, against the most hated part of her, covering the scar, the ugly, not-too-clean hair, the itchy parts where scabs still remained. She jumped first but the hands wouldn't let her go, they followed her, massaged the damaged skin until the idea of acceptance rose through her. He hands blindly searched for him, landed on steady shoulders, which she encircled before burrying her face against the hard chest. One of his arms circled her waist, but the other remained on her head, holding her tight against him.
It felt good.
It felt familiar.
Nothing to hide from him, not even her lips which she eagerly offered to him when he lifted her face. But her eyes kept tightly shut although tears now trickled down the golden eyelashes. She felt Seifer's lips on hers, not demanding, but rather gently exploring the flesh until she grew more impassionate and started to push her mouth against his, and her tongue sneaked out to lap at his lips, tasting her own tears and his masculine fragrance. Familiar, like she had tasted it before.
The sound of footsteps, coming from behind the closed door, forced them both to separate, still panting and definitely very flushed. Seifer quickly wrapped her head in the cloth, and kissed her cheek one last time before Kadowaki appeared, followed by an unnaturally calm Zell and Allen, smiling up at the talkative woman.
"Well, people, seems like I am going to leave you until tomorrow. Be sure to keep those two jewels locked," She gestured to her two patients, " I want to find them intact when I'll get back!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night Allen claimed Quistis' bed, claiming the nightmares were back, and although she knew he was probably lying about it, she also knew the realisation of her affection for him was still fairly new and very comforting, so she let him ease his shorter frame beside her, and soon, as he drifted off to sleep, his body curled inward like a bow, his head almost touching his raised hands and his forehead resting against her shoulder. Quistis sighed, readjusted the cloth on her head and tried to give in to slumber, even though his body heat made her feel uncomfortable and sweaty.
Grunting, She once again shifted, and groaned in frustration when the lithe form moved to adjust against her, his own sweat now mixing with hers. His soft snoring occasionnaly turned into little painful moans. Allen had nightmares almost every night, nothing alarming.
But inside the boy's brain, something pulled the right string, and the countdown began.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~xXXx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's notes Things to blame for my perpetual lateness: Aduldfanfiction.net, mediaminer.org, job, boyfriends, job, rats, Ebay.com, job, life, Harry Potter, trying to lessen my net hours, job.
I am already not a fast writer, and all those should be severely punished for making me even worse.