Okay, okay. I know. You had to wait a long time for this chapter, and I
apologize... I was, really, really, really lazy and I thought I deserved a
break! ^.^ But you might be happy to know that I actually have the rest of
the story planned out... so, I won't have a writer's block (or shouldn't at
least) which means I probably won't abandon this fic and not continue this
story for say, the next three months. Aren't you proud of me? Oh, and
also, since I have the rest of the story planned out, I know exactly how
many more chapters left! Yay! ^.^
thugstra - At first, I did plan for Kianne to like Seifer (you know, a little competition for Quistis) But then I thought about it, and then I decided, no it wasn't a good idea. Kianne and Seifer's personalities don't match at all. I thought she would be better off with Zell. As for the happy ending for them? Well, all I can say is, you have to read till the end of the story to found out if this was a match made by heaven! ^.^ The Irvine romance talk made you teary? *is really, really happy* Aww!! You made my day!! ^.^ I especially love it when I can make my readers either feel the Angst, or feel all teary! I'm so happy! ^.^ As for Seifer going away from Balamb? It's not my fault okay? I can't control him! (Well... yes I can... but that's not my point here ^.^) If he leaves, it's not my fault! And whatever I'm implying... well like I said before, you just gotta read and find out! ^.^ I'm so evil sometimes! I'm really glad you like this story and that you were entertained! And don't worry about 'wasting' my 'precious-writing-the-next-chapter-minutes' because you didn't, and I really enjoy writing back to my reviewers! ('Cuz y'all are just so wonderful! ^.^) Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Starlight4u - Yes you are impatient! ^.^ But it's all good to me. You know why? 'Cuz it just motivates me to work on the fic! You see, if I stop writing for a while, and nobody sends me a review for a long while, I sorta forget things, and I end up usually not working on the story! But, with your friendly little reminders, it got me going again! Good job! ^.^ Yay!! ^.^ This is your favorite story in this category! ^.^ WOO HOO! ^.^ but... PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!!! *sniff* *sniff* If you kill me, then I won't be able to update this! Lol!
Vegakeep - You think so too? I didn't really like it when I started to make Seifer going soft... but I needed him to be a little more open so the story could go on... otherwise, it would just drag on, and on... and we all don't like that now do we? I liked your idea with the ransom thing tho! I should have done that! But nah... it's too late now!
Kat- Not only does this fic take everyone forever to read, it takes me forever to write as well! (Why, oh why did I decide to write such a long fic?!) I tend to make all the characters a little OOC one way or another, but I really hope you don't mind it! ^.^ So Irvine and Selphie HAS to stay together...? *wonders what will happen to her if she doesn't make that happen* Should I ask? Lol! Just continue reading the story and eventually, you'll find out if they stay together or not!
StarChild1 - Thankies for reading my fic! Thanks for the encouragement and I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the other ones! ^.^
Ghost140 - I completely agree with you! I would also prefer the Drama/Angst/Romance going on, and I would have liked not using the little drunken cliché. I did try to think of ways to avoid that whole situation, but, it just happened to fit perfectly into my story and what happens and how it all ends. I'm truly, very sorry I had to use that, but I couldn't think of a better way. Oh, and also... WHY MUST YOU ALL ATTACK ME LIKE THIS? Can't we settle this down like civilized people? Instead of attacking me with a pitchfork, or a gunblade, or killing me when I sleep (I haven't had a good night sleep since I read your review! Shame on you!) can't we talk this over tea? Oooh! Or over iced cappuccinos? Hmmm... Iced cappuccinos... ^.^
The Omega Weapon - Thanks for the encouragement and review! Hope you enjoy the rest of this fic! ^.^
Quistis88 - It's alrite you couldn't review for the previous chapter... we'll be even after I pull the trigger on this sniper that is aimed at your head... hehe ^.^ Juss joking! I would never do that to my wonderful reviewers! I'm glad you loved the chapters! And I hope you enjoy the rest as well!
Lovelace - Damn... the shout out was supposed to trick you!! *sigh* Guess I need to find a better way ne? I'm glad you liked how Kianne points out why Seifer deserved to pass. I had a WAY better speech in my head before, but when I was typing the story out, I completely lost it, so I had to come up with another, less good one. *sigh* I must say, you are quite observant! "Galbadia's fiancée looks evil" How did you come up with that? Lol! But whatever Galbadia's planning, (like I said to several other people) you have to read to find out! That is... if they really are planning something! Hey! If there's lots going on your head (and if it takes a lot of space to write it) go on ahead! I love reviews (especially when they are long! ^.^) Even if it is pointless to the story, it's still welcomed! ^.^
Dragon Princess Isis - Awww!! You think my fic's cute! *is happy* ^.^ but... *wonders if DPI would still think her fic is cute when DPI continues reading* hmmm... I sure hope so! ^.^ Hope you enjoy this chappy!
punky gal - Yes! Finally some Quiefer action eh? I know I didn't update soon, but better late than never right? And you're such a sweetheart! Even if you didn't mention my fic in your story (don't know if you did or not...lol!), it was still sweet of you to even think about it! It's the thought that counts... right? ^.^
Hotaru9 - Awww! *huggles Hotaru*
You're such a sweetheart! Too bad you can't review!!! *sniff* *sniff* But that's okay! At least I still know that you like my ficcy!
I didn't really like the ending of the last chappy... I really, really wanted to change it... but I couldn't think of another way... *sigh* But either way, I'm trying to get the next chapter up soon... although it's taking me a heck of a long time... but when I do get it done, I'll be sure to post a notice here! ^.^
p.s. You don't know how much it means to me when I find out people actually like my fics!
Okay, with that done, we shall continue now! Yay!! ^.^ Last chapter... Seifer passed his SeeD exam! YAY!!! GO SEIFER!!! *ahem* anyway, ummm, it SEEMS like Irvine and Selphie are back together now! ^.^ We also found out that Kianne has this 'secret' crush on Zell! Awww!! How cute! Oh! And we also found out that Quistis doesn't exactly LOVE Squall anymore! She probably still likes him... but who knows! (Well, I do, but you don't! MUAHAHA ----- a loser-like author trying to laugh maniacally) Oh, Rinoa no longer hates Quistis, and she and Squall are happily together! Then there's the Galbadian couple, Charles and Elaine, who wants to steal Seifer from Quistis! *someone comes up to whisper something in aznchika's ear* Oh right... haha, silly me. They want to 'borrow' Seifer for a while. OH! And one last thing... as Lovelace said, there's an evil person lurking around! *gasp* What will happen next?!
-- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - --- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - --
(Saturday)
(Quistis)
I woke up with a major migraine. The sun was shining brightly in my eyes, and my head was pounding like crazy. I couldn't quite remember what happened exactly, but I didn't care at the moment. I closed my eyes. I desperately needed some aspirin.
I rolled to my left to get to my bed stand, in hopes of getting some aspirin, when suddenly I rolled into something that blocked my path.
"What the hell?" I mumbled, getting a bit annoyed. [What could possibly be in my bed?] I thought. I opened my eyes and was surprised to see something that looked like somebody's back. "The hell's this thing doing in my bed?" I asked myself.
I placed my hand on it. It felt warm, but I couldn't think properly. I was about to push it over the bed, when it moved. I quickly pulled my hand away. My eyes widened. I was full of alert. The object moved to rest on its back. Then I saw that it was a person. I wanted to scream.
My heart began beating faster and faster. I was panicking. And what was worse, the person happened to be Seifer. Seifer Almasy. [Oh hyne. Oh hyne! He didn't wake up did he?! Oh hyne. This is terrible!] My heart continued to beat fast. It sounded really loud and I was afraid that my heart beating could even wake him up. [Help hyne. What did I do to deserve this?!] My eyes kept on moving. I would try to focus on something else in the room, but my eyes seemed to always return to Seifer. I would be looking at his face, then down his chest, before I realized I was looking at him.
I shut my eyes. [Oh hyne, please tell me he's not awake... please.] My prayers were answered when he let out a soft snore. Sighing in relief, I opened my eyes again, and slowly, quietly, and carefully got up, still holding the blanket to my chest. Our clothes were all over the floor. I saw my shirt lying nearby, so I tried to pull it close to me using my feet, as I continued to hold the blanket. After a few unsuccessful attempts, I finally realized something. [Okay, okay. No need to panic. He's sleeping, therefore he cannot see you. So just get out of the bed, and grab your clothes and go into the bathroom.] Slowly, I began sliding off the bed, always fearing that he could wake up any minute. [Come on Quistis, you can do this!]
Cautiously, I grabbed my shirt, panties, and pants, and began searching for my bra. [Where the hell could it be?] I was looking under the bed when I heard the bed squeaking slightly. [Oh shit! He's up!] The voice in my mind screamed. [Screw it! Run into the bathroom NOW!] I did as the voice told me to. Unfortunately, because I was so afraid, I slammed the bathroom door. [Oh drat. Now he knows I'm here for sure.]
I dropped my clothes onto the cold tiled floor and began dressing myself, with my back against the door. Even though I had locked the door, I was still afraid that he might suddenly try to come in. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally heard the door to my dorm slide open and close. I continued to stand there, breathing hard. [What was I thinking?] I asked myself. My eyes began to blur and tears slid down my cheek. I didn't know why I was crying, but it just felt right to do so. I slid down the door and hugged my knees.
"Why me?" I sniffed.
* * *
(Seifer)
I woke up when I felt something warm on my back. I was tired and sleepy, and I really didn't want to get up. I rolled onto my back and closed my eyes again, falling asleep again.
I woke up again shortly after when I felt my bed sudden bounce up a bit. I opened one eye, to see what could have possibly done that. Panic rushed past me when I saw a feminine figure moving about as if she was looking for something. I quickly shut my eye. [Shit! This is happening! This just isn't happening!!!] I shouted in my mind.
I opened one eye again to see if I had been dreaming. To my relief, the feminine figure was no longer there. [I really need a girlfriend again.] I thought, realizing that I had just imagined a naked girl in my room. [I wonder who I was thinking of?] I continued to think, now a lot more relaxed, knowing that it never actually happened. [I wonder if that girl was anyone I knew...] I had only see the back of the girl, but she had a fine figure and it got me thinking.
[Must have drank a lot last night to be thinking like this! I hardly ever have such dirty ideas.] I tried to shake the feeling off. [Probably should get up.] I shifted in the bed but stopped suddenly when someone shot up from the foot of the bed and into the washroom, slamming the door loudly. I began breathing really heavily. [Okay. This is just my imagination.] I kept on repeating in my mind. I looked down at my chest. [Okay. Don't panic. Just because your shirt is off doesn't mean anything. You always sleep without your shirt on. This is just your imagination Seifer. Nothing happened.] Slowly, I reached to the blanket lying on my stomach and bravely lifted it up slightly.
I nearly had a heart attack. I carefully dropped the blanket back on my stomach. [Okay... it still doesn't mean anything happened. Just get up and get dressed. Nothing actually happened. You're worrying about something that didn't actually happened.]
I tossed my legs over the side of the bed; still having the blanket covering below my waist, and quickly grabbed my clothes that were scattered on the ground. As I grabbed my pants, a bra was revealed. My eyes widened. [Okay. So maybe you didn't imagine the girl... BUT, that doesn't mean something actually happened.] I quickly pulled on my pants, when I realized I was wearing my SeeD uniform. [Shit! I don't want to wear this!] I paced over to my shirt drawer and pulled it open.
To my surprise, some horribly sick, and perverted person stuffed the drawer full of bras and panties. [What the fukk?! Whoever did this is dead!] Then it clicked it. [Oh SHIT!! This isn't even my room!]
Panicking, I rushed out of the room in horror.
* * *
I was hurriedly rushing to my dorm when I suddenly stopped walking and froze in the middle of the hallway. It was still early in the morning and it seemed like no one else was up at this time. Besides, who would be awake after last night's party? I was staring straight ahead, but I couldn't make out what exactly I was looking at. Why? Because I didn't even care. I was too preoccupied. A lot of things were going on in my head. And the main thing that was clogging up my mind was my cardkey to my dorm. It was in my wallet. And my wallet was back in that room. And to top things off, I didn't even remember which room it was.
I tightened my fist into a ball, closed my eyes and turned my head to face the ceiling. I could not believe how incredibly stupid I was to leave my walled in that room! I was in such a rush to get out, that I completely forgot it, and worse, I didn't know which room I came out of, much less the innocent girl I preyed on last night. [Fukk.] I swore in my head. [How the hell am I going to get into my dorm?! And that stupid card is in my wallet too! Now I can't even pick the lock to my door! And there's no way I'm going to ask Xu to open my dorm. Fukk! What the hell is wrong with me lately?!]
"Morning Seifer! You're up early!" Someone's voice called out to me.
I opened my eyes to see who else would be up so early.
"And how come you're still dressed in your SeeD uniform?" It was Selphie. She gave me a suspicious look. "What were you up to last night?"
I couldn't think properly. Too much going on in my head. It took me a while to finally answer her.
"What else could I be up to?" I smirked.
Her face twisted in disgust.
"You're so nasty Seifer! Nasty and dirty!" She stuck out her tongue at me.
I laughed. "Looks who's talking. I never said anything like that. You only assumed it. For your information, I was only sleeping." It was a partial truth, but I sincerely hoped she bought that.
She raised an eyebrow, as if questioning me in her head. Then I realized how stupid I sounded. The normal Seifer would not have added the 'for your information' comment. I couldn't believe that getting drunk made me so incredibly moronic and slow. I couldn't even think of a remark right away.
"Anyway," Selphie interrupted, letting the topic go, much to my relief. "Matron's been looking for you. I stopped by your dorm last night... but no one answered."
Damn, she got me there. [Think Seifer, think!!] A voice in my head screamed at me. I could practically hear the gears in my head moving, but nothing came out.
"I fell asleep early." I couldn't believe how lame that sounded.
Selphie's mouth formed an 'O' shape. Then she said, "Matron's probably waiting for you in the office." She paused for a moment before adding, "Go change. You look so disheveled." She began heading towards her dorm. "Bye Seifer! See ya later!" She was back to her usual perky mood.
Even after she left, I didn't move. [How am I supposed to get back into my dorm? Maybe if I broke in through the windows... but then, the alarm would go off. Fukk! I am so screwed!] It wasn't until I heard footsteps behind me did I finally move. I spun around to face the intruder. To my surprise, it was Quistis. [What the hell is she doing up so early? Why are so many people up this early?]
"I take it that you can't get into your dorm?"
I froze. [How did she know? Was I that obvious?] This was not good. How the hell did I get into this mess?
"Course not." She continued. "You left this in my room."
She tossed me something black. I caught it and finally realized what it was. It was my wallet. My heart nearly stopped beating. [I was with Quistis last night?! Shit!! This is just not my day!]
I forced a chuckle out. "So there it was. Glad you returned it, otherwise I'd have to stop by your dorm again." I smirked, hoping I sounded like my typical self.
Quistis rolled her eyes. "That had better not happen again." She quickly turned around and began walking back.
My eyes widened. [Again?! What did she mean by that?!]
"I'm glad you enjoyed it that much that you wanna see me again." I shouted back at her. My head seemed to be clearing up, I didn't have to think about that one to say this time.
Quistis was getting further and further away before she stopped. Without looking back, she said, "By the way Seifer, your fly's unzipped." Then she continued on her way.
I looked down. Sure enough, it was unzipped and my boxers were some- what showing. [Fukk, how embarrassing! I hope Selphie didn't notice that.]
* * *
I rapped lightly on the door to Cid's office. Just as I expected, Matron opened the door to greet me.
"Good morning Seifer," Her tone was flat. It sounded as if she was really tired or really worried. That bothered me. Something important must be going on or else Matron wouldn't act like that. "Come on in. take a seat."
I walked in and was surprised to see two unfamiliar couple in the room. A man and a lady. Before I got to my seat, the lady came up to me.
"Oh! You must be Seifer!" She gave me a big smile. Something about her made me feel uneasy, but I couldn't tell what. "I'm Elaine, the headmistress of Galbadia Garden." She held out her hand to me. Her dark blue nails seemed to reflect the light.
She didn't hold out her hand as if for a handshake, it looked more like she wanted me to take her hand and kiss it. I arched an eyebrow. I didn't know what to say. Nor did I know what to do. I wasn't the type to kiss a lady's hand either.
"Seifer," Matron broke in. "Headmaster Charles," She gestured to the man. "And Miss Elaine would like..." She got cut off.
"Would like to know if you would be interested in transferring to Galbadia Garden." Elaine finished off.
"Temporarily." Matron added. "Seifer, you do not have to go, if you don't want to."
"We just need a top SeeD student such as yourself to lead our students." She continued to smile at me before she added. "As Commander."
"If you don't want to transfer, I'm sure another student could go in your place." Matron looked right into my eyes. I could tell she did not want me to go.
"Why do you want me? Why not another student? I just made it to SeeD." I asked.
"Because..." Elaine took a seat and stared right at me. "We want the best of the best leading our school. And I know what you are capable of doing... but I know you're so restrained here in Balamb. Come to Galbadia Garden, because we can provide for you." She grinned.
There was something about her that I really didn't like. Maybe it was the way she kept on smiling at me. It seemed as if she was plotting something or using me, or plotting against me. Or maybe all that wine yesterday still hadn't cleared up yet, and I was still imagining things. [And if that is possible, then maybe I didn't sleep with Quistis after all! Maybe I'm just overreacting, and over-thinking.]
"Seifer, you can take some time to think about this if you need to." Matron interrupted my thoughts.
"Well what do you say?" Elaine seemed to really want me to go to Galbadia.
I turned my head to face the man. He hadn't said a single word yet, nor did it seem like he cared.
"I'll think about it."
* * *
(Afternoon - Quistis)
"... and then we left.' Rinoa finished, her face all red.
The four of us sat here in the Cafeteria, gossiping about last night's party. Well, actually, more like the three of them. I was preoccupied. [Did I sound normal when I gave back his wallet? Oh hyne... I was shaking so much! I can't believe I actually said 'that had better not happen again'. What was I thinking?!]
"Liar!! I know you two were up to something! What else were you two doing?" Selphie accused.
"Nothing!" Rinoa replied, but then began mumbling, "We went into my room."
"Oh my!!" This time it was Kianne who shouted out. "You guys..." She didn't have to finish her sentence because we all knew what she was implying.
Rinoa nodded her head slightly and continued to blush furiously.
[Oh hyne.] It got me thinking of Seifer, and what happened last night. [I couldn't have been that drunk... was I? Just what was going on my head? I sure hope no one else knows about it... that Seifer better not be bragging or saying anything about this... Oh hyne... what if he is?! My whole life will be ruined!] I began breathing heavily. [Oh shit. I hope I'm not acting strange!!] I took a sip from my cup of coffee.
"Was it... fun?" I was surprised to hear that coming from Selphie.
Rinoa nodded again, her head looking down, face completely red. [I wonder... did I have fun? Did Seifer? Or was he too drunk to notice? Probably wasn't his first time either... but it was mine...]
"Well, what about you Selphie? Looks like your back together with a certain someone!" Rinoa winked. Her face was now a lighter shade of red.
[Holy shit!!] The coffee cup slipped from my hands. Coffee splattered everywhere, but mainly on me. Strange thing was that I didn't even feel the scalding hot liquid. [Did I just wonder if I had fun?!] I began panicking. I never ever, ever thought like that before!
"Quistis! Are you alright?!" Rinoa rushed to get some napkins and shoved some at me before wiping the mess on the table. Kianne and Selphie began helping her.
"For your information, my Irvypoo isn't as dirty as your Squall!" Selphie replied as the continued to clean up my mess.
Rinoa began laughing.
"What's so funny? Both Irvine and I are still virgins!"
"So you finally admit it!" Kianne exclaimed, now taking her seat again.
"Admit to what?" Selphie helped me throw out the dirty napkins.
"That you and Irvine are back together!" This time, both Rinoa and Kianne went into a fit of giggles.
"Oh!!" Selphie gave us her little angry/pouty look. "Well, what about you Kianne? I saw you and Zell dancing a whole lot last night! Don't tell me nothing's going on between you two!"
Both girls stopped laughing.
"Well... Kianne began. "He still doesn't know."
Rinoa's eyes widened in shock. "So you really do like him?!"
"Why of course she does! But what do you mean he still doesn't know? How can he not know? It's so obvious!" Selphie exclaimed.
"Are you serious? Is it that obvious?"
"Well, to me it is... but still, how can he not see that you like him?" Selphie asked angrily. "He can be so oblivious sometimes!"
[I better go... I just know they'll pounce on me and what I did last night... and what if Seifer accidentally slips out?! I am so screwed.]
I got up from my seat. "Oh, I just remembered I had some things to do. So I better be heading out." I quickly made my way out of the cafeteria.
"Quistis... are you alright?" I heard Rinoa call out to me.
"I'm fine." I just desperately needed to leave that place. I could not, and would not let them know about Seifer. I just had to pray to hyne that Seifer would keep his big mouth shut and not say anything about what happened.
"Quistis?" Someone had followed me out of the cafeteria.
I spun around. "Selphie? Why aren't you back with Rinoa and Kianne?" Panic rushed past me. [Oh hyne... what if she suspects something?! What if... she knows about Seifer?! Oh shit!]
"Oh... I just wanted to see if you were alright. Something seems to be bothering you Quistis... you know, if you want, you could always come and talk to me." Selphie skipped alongside me.
"Nothing. Nothing's wrong." I shot out quickly. [Oh shit. That came out too fast. Now she'll know something's going on!!]
"Quistis, are you thinking... about a certain someone?" She questioned me.
"No! No! Of course not. Who would I be thinking of?" [Fukk. That came out to fast too. Okay... calm down Quistis. Calm down. Maybe you're just overreacting. Maybe it's just a question, and she doesn't actually know what is going on. You're just overreacting.] I repeated in my head over and over again.
"Oh... okay!" She smiled brightly. "Hey... have you seen Seifer lately? I mean, well, today?"
[Oh hyne. She knows! She knows!! But how the hell did she find out?!] "No... why?" This time it didn't come out sounding weird.
"Oh nothing really. He's just acting a little strange... and I thought that was a little peculiar."
"Hmm... I wouldn't really care Selphie... he's no longer my student." [Okay, that came out calm. Good. Good.]
"Not even a little?" She looked me in the eye.
[Okay... she definitely knows about it!!] "Why would I?"
She didn't say anything for a while. "Hey Quistis... I haven't seen you with a guy for a really, really long time now..." I cut her off.
"I'm happy this way."
"Oh. But hey... I was wondering, what do you think about a blind date?"
"I think those are pointless."
"Oh but Quistis, it would be so much fun! Come on, why don't you give it a chance? I mean, you could meet this really, really, really, great guy! It doesn't hurt to try now does it? Oh please Quistis! Please?" She begged me.
"Selphie, I know your intentions are good... but I really don't think these things would work out." [I already have too much on my hands...]
"Quistis! You wouldn't know if it'd work out or not if you didn't try! And I know this really, really, really great guy! And I'm sure you two would just be so... perfect for each other! You have to give this a try!" She persisted.
"Uh... Selphie..." She cut me off this time.
"You won't regret it! I promise you!"
I stopped walking for a moment. "Fine."
"Great! Okay, how about Friday night at Balamb beach?" She took out a little notebook and began jotting down something in it.
"Sure." I sighed. [Maybe this will stop her badgering...]
"Excellent! Don't forget about it Quistis!" I jumped up with joy and ran off in another direction.
[Such a weird girl.]
* * *
(Selphie)
I jumped with joy after finally getting Quistis to agree with the blind date. [She sure is acting weird though... maybe something's wrong... but I wonder what...] I pondered for a while. I sat on the edge of the fountain in the main foyer, thinking who I could set Quistis up with. [Maybe she's acting weird 'cause we were all talking about our special someone, and Quistis didn't have anyone. Poor, poor Quistis!]
The students were finally waking up and the loud chatter from students came with them. I scanned the area finding someone who would be a perfect match for Quistis. [Hmm, he's okay... but he's too loud for Quistis... Oh! Then there's that guy! He'd be perfect for Quistis! Too bad he's got a girlfriend already.] I was deep in my thoughts, that I didn't notice someone creep up towards me until I was pushed off the side of the fountain.
"Hey!" I shouted angrily.
"Sorry Selphie! Didn't think you weren't paying attention!" Someone helped me up.
I looked at the person angrily and realized that it was Irvine. "Irvy? What was that for?"
"Just seeing what you're up to here." He took a seat beside me. "Are you checking out guys?" He raised an eyebrow at me.
"I'm not like you!"
"Whoa, whoa! I don't check out guys!"
I giggled. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pushed my head to rest on his shoulder. "So what are you up to?"
"I'm trying to find someone for Quistis." I smiled at him.
"Oh? Quistis has a special someone?"
"No, no. I'm trying to find a someone to be special to her." I continued to scan the area. There didn't seem to be any perfect pigeons yet.
"What about him?" Irvine pointed to someone.
I turned my head to follow his direction, but didn't see anyone. "Who?" I turned my head back to face him, but when I did, he leaned in and kissed me on the lips. It felt really nice, but I pulled back. "Hey!! You tricked me!" I pretended to sound mad and looked away.
"I'll trick you again if that's what it takes to get another kiss." He tilted my head to face him again. He looked me right in the eyes. It felt like he was looking into my soul, and capturing me in his gaze. I wanted to look away, but I found myself really attracted to this man. I was slowly leaning in towards him when he grabbed me and pulled me right into him. I rested my head on his chest and just sat there, enjoying the moment together.
"I still need to find someone for Quistis." I whispered to him.
"Well, how about Seifer?"
"Seifer?" I asked. He was probably just naming the person on the top of his head just so I could quickly find someone for Quistis and stop worrying about it.
"Ya, Seifer. They'd be perfect for each other. Quistis would be the only girl who could handle him and Seifer... well, I guess he can tolerate Quistis better than anyone else." He explained.
"What do you mean?"
"You know... when she seems so... distant and cold sometimes? I think Seifer could probably unlock her from that cage." He held me tighter.
"Hmm... maybe you're right... and it wouldn't hurt to try right?" We sat in the position for a short while before I spoke up again. "Irvy... tell me, did you just make that up so I would hurry and get over Quistis and spend more time with you?" I tilted my head upwards to face him.
He laughed. "Damn, you caught me!" He leaned down and kissed me on the forehead.
"Oh, get a room!" Someone shouted loudly, probably directed to us. We couldn't help but laugh.
* * *
(Saturday Night)
[Okay Seifer... where the hell are you?] I thought as I continued running up and down the halls looking for Seifer, but he was nowhere in sight. [Seifer!! Stop hiding!! You're not in your room and you're not in the Training Center... where else could you possibly go?!] As I turned the corner to head outside, I saw Seifer walk through the front gates. He was holding something, and he was all alone.
[What could he possibly be doing?] I thought, while debating whether or not I should approach him.
As I continued to watch Seifer, he opened the thing he held in his hands and looked at it. Then he carefully pulled out what he was looking at. To my surprise, it was a necklace. It was too dark and I couldn't make out exactly how it looked, but I got the gist of the shape of it. [What the hell is Seifer doing with a necklace?] I thought. [Could he possibly... have someone in mind already?]
"Hey Seifer!" I called out, pretending that I hadn't seen him with the necklace. He quickly thrust the necklace and case into his pocket.
"Selphie?"
"What are you doing up so late?" I pretended to act as suspicious as I could. I didn't want him to know that I knew he had a necklace. I had to pretend to be my typical self.
"I could ask you the same question." He stated out flatly.
I laughed. "Good point. So where were you all day? I was looking everywhere for you, but I never found you!"
"I went out to train."
"Ah... I see." [Well... he COULD be telling the truth... after all, he is holding his gunblade... but that doesn't explain the necklace...] "Hey Seifer, I haven't seen you with any girl before..." He cut me off.
"I don't need one." He seemed a little bitter talking about this subject, but I ignored it. I came to talk to him for a specific reason, and I was not leaving until I was done what I had set for.
"Funny... that's what Quistis said too..." I mumbled inaudibly.
"What?"
"Oh nothing! You know what I really wanna do? I wanna watch the sunset on Friday..." I tried to hint at him. If he were like Irvine, he would offer to take me.
"Then go watch it."
"But... I don't want to watch it alone." I persisted. There was no way I was going to quit so easily.
"Go with one of your friends."
Something was wrong with Seifer. Maybe something was bothering him... but whatever it was, I didn't like it. He was beginning to sound a lot like how he used to be... and I hated that. I really wanted to ask what was wrong, but I knew if I did, he wouldn't have told me anyway.
"Seifer... I was wondering if you'd go with me..." I paused to let him answer, but when he opened his mouth to speak, I quickly added, "I really, really want you to go with me... please?"
There was a long awkward silence before Seifer replied. "Fine." He sounded really reluctant.
"Thanks Seifer! Friday night, at Balamb beach! Don't forget!" I jumped with joy and headed back to my dorm. [This is going to be perfect!]
* * *
(Friday Night - Seifer)
Too much had been going in my head all week long. The first one being the incident with Quistis. I still wasn't sure if anything happened, but it was undeniable now. The few times I actually saw Quistis this week, and if she saw me, she'd quickly turn around and head in the other direction. She was avoiding me. And it could lead to only one possibility. We had slept together. I couldn't shake that feeling away. The guilt. I couldn't believe I would actually do something like that. It just wasn't me. Sure, people who didn't know me would think I was the type who would just sleep around with any girl... but no. I know better than that. I actually have morals if they would believe it or not. I didn't believe in such things. Sexual intercourse was a sacred thing between two loving couples. Quistis and I? I wouldn't call us a loving couple. But... things could change... only if I had the courage to talk to her...
I stood in the sand on Balamb beach, looking up at the sky. The sun was setting and yet, Selphie still hadn't come yet. I was beginning to wonder if she wasn't going to come at all. What was worse was that my stomach began growling, which only reminded me that I hadn't eaten yet.
"I'm sorry I'm late..." A feminine voice said from behind me. And it definitely didn't sound like Selphie.
I spun around to face the girl and was surprised to see who it was.
"Seifer?" The girl looked puzzled to see me.
"Quistis."
We stood a couple feet away from each other, not moving, but staring at each other. Then Quistis dropped her purse. All the contents in her purse poured out. I reluctantly walked up to her and her stuff and began helping her pick up her things. Lipstick. Mirror. Blush. Brush. All these feminine products. It made me shiver.
"Selphie, you are dead when I get back." I heard her mumbling.
So Selphie had set us up. Why? [Fukk.] I thought as I realized something. [Does Selphie know about what happened between me and Quistis?! Shit. How'd she find out?! Unless...] I looked at Quistis for a brief moment. She was avoiding any eye contact. [Quistis told her...?]
After clearing up the mess, we both stood up, not knowing what to say. Until my stomach growled again.
"You must be hungry. Let's get something to eat." Quistis stated and began walking towards Balamb.
I was about to follow her, but then I noticed something under my foot. I lifted my leg and saw a cardkey underneath. I picked it up and was about to give it back to Quistis, but I decided not to. I pocketed it instead.
"If you really want to walk, then suit yourself. But I have a car." I headed past her and into my car. I sat in the driver's seat for a moment, before Quistis reluctantly climbed into the passenger seat.
The ride to Balamb was awkward and made us both feel uneasy. We didn't say one word to each other. Once we got to Balamb we both headed to the only restaurant. It was more crowded than usual, but we somehow managed to get a table just as we got in.
A waitress headed to our table just as we sat. "Hello! Welcome to Balamb Restaurant. My name's Glory." She smiled brightly to us. "Would you like to know our special we're having today?" Before either one of us could answer, she continued talking. "Our special today is the 'Loveboat'. It's a fantastic meal, and I guarantee that you'll be satisfied with it. Would you like to try it?" She took out a pad and began scribbling something on it.
"No." Quistis stated out flatly. "We'll have separate meals. Just give us the menu."
"Oh! But the 'Loveboat' is really, really good. And it's really cheap too. And a couple such as yourselves shouldn't resist this chance. It could be a once in a lifetime chance to spend such a romantic dinner together. Trust me, the 'Loveboat' is fantastic!" Glory continued.
"I said 'No.' Just give us the menu." Quistis hissed at the waitress.
"Right away!" When she turned her back to Quistis, I saw her expression change to anger.
Just as the waitress left, a man with a camera came up to us.
"Hello sir, ma'am." He smiled at Quistis. "The name's Pierre." He pointed to his nametag on his shirt. "Would you two like a picture? For only 30 gil, you'll get two pictures to remember this wonderful evening!"
"No." Quistis was getting annoyed, even a blind person could tell she was.
"Oh, but nobody has ever said no to Pierre."
"Yes there is. And that person is me." She glared at the man.
He was shocked to see her expression like that, but he decided to leave her be. He began walking away, but as he passed me, he whispered, "I feel sorry for you buddy. Hope you can cheer up your girlfriend."
"Quistis darling, what's wrong? How come you don't want to try the 'Loveboat', or take a picture with me?" I joked.
She rolled her eyes in disgust. "Seifer hunny, I don't think I'll be able to finish it. I'm not that hungry tonight."
"Well baby, I could finish it for you." I wanted to laugh, but I held it in.
Just as I said that, Glory was heading towards us and heard our conversation. "Oh! Then it's settled then! One 'Loveboat' for table 69!" She shouted back to the kitchen.
Quistis' expression changed. It looked as if she was thinking 'Oh great. Now they actually think we're a couple.' "Seifer dear," She hissed out the words at me. "Now they think we're a couple."
"Oh, but muffin, I thought we were." I grinned at her. Maybe this evening wasn't going to be that bad after all.
An older lady sitting behind Quistis turned her head slightly and said, "Darling, you shouldn't be so harsh on your boyfriend."
Quistis' eyes widened. I was laughing out loud in my head, but to Quistis, I just continued to smile. "Didn't you hear the nice lady, you shouldn't be so harsh on me."
"I'm sorry sweetie, I'm just having a bad day." She glared at me. I was beginning to love this evening. "Maybe when we start eating, it would shut that mouth of yours." She mumbled the last part, enough so that I could hear it, but no one around us.
* * *
As Glory had said, dinner was delicious. For the most part, Quistis kept her mouth shut and didn't say anything, but the few times she did say something, she commented on how delicious the food was.
Some of the tables were being cleared out and a few couples went to the middle of the restaurant, waiting for something. Suddenly, music began playing. It was upbeat and kinda romantic. The couples in the middle began dancing and laughing, while other couples from the tables got up to dance.
Quistis was watching the couples with dreamy eyes. Strange thing was, when I looked at her like that, she looked absolutely gorgeous. As if she were a goddess sent down in search of one man, and whoever that man was, he was extremely lucky.
"Darling, shall we?" I held out my hand for her to take.
She just looked at my hand for a while, not knowing what to do. So instead of waiting for her, I just grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. I wasn't sure if I was doing this just to make Quistis pissed off, or because I wanted to.
"Seifer! What the heck are you up to?!" She whispered harshly at me. Flinging her hand off from mine.
"Why, dancing with my lovely 'girlfriend' of course." I stretched out the word 'girlfriend' on purpose.
Quistis did something surprising. She smiled mischievously. "Alright then Mr. Knight-in-Shining-Armour, let's dance!" She took my hand and began swaying from side to side.
Suddenly, there was a flash, and Pierre came up to us.
"No one ever says 'no' to Pierre." He said as he handed us two pictures of us. Both were the same picture, and we were dancing really close in the photograph.
Quistis handed him 30 gils and pocketed one of the pictures. "Guess not." She laughed.
* * *
We had been at the restaurant for a long time, when we finally noticed a lot of people were already gone. I was surprised with how well Quistis could dance, and also the fact that she played along with my little 'game'.
"Dear Cinderella, I believe it's past the stroke of midnight. Isn't your lovely dress supposed to turn into tattered rags?" I joked, hoping she'd take the hint that it was time to leave.
"I take it that our 'lovely' ride is going to turn into a pumpkin soon." She laughed and began heading towards the door, still holding onto my hand.
The car ride back to Balamb Garden was short, and wasn't as awkward as going to Balamb. The weird thing about the ride, was that when we got back to the Garden, I actually wished that the ride was longer. We got out of the car and walked through the Parking Lot and into the Garden. We both didn't say a word to each other, but I still walked her to her dorm.
We were walking side by side, and I couldn't stop thinking about how wonderful our night had turned out to be. Instead of making her all pissed off and upset, she actually seemed to have fun. And... so did I.
Her hand hit against mine, and my immediate reaction was to grab her hand. And I did. However, she didn't pull back, she clasped her hand with mine. It seemed really awkward, but it still seemed like the right thing to do.
We were soon at her door, and she let go of my hand. "Thanks Seifer. I hate to admit it, but I actually had fun." The words seemed to stumble out of her mouth.
"Here." I shoved her cardkey at her. "You dropped it before."
"Thanks."
[Okay Seifer... here's your chance. All week you wanted to ask her, and now you have the perfect chance. At least she'll listen to you. Come one Seifer, just get it over with!] My mind screamed at me.
"Quistis." I said, as she opened her door. "About last Friday..."
"Forget about it..." She didn't seem to want to talk about it, but I had to. It was just eating me away if I didn't straighten it out.
"Look Quistis, you may not think that I am, but I'm a really responsible man. I take responsibility for my actions... and last Friday... I'm sorry about it, but I'll accept the consequences..." I just couldn't seem to get out what I was supposed to, I was just going on in circles.
"What are you trying to say?"
"Quistis... I'll marry you."
* * *
(Quistis)
I froze. I didn't know what to say. 'I'll marry you.' Seifer had said that. It wasn't a question... it was more of a statement. My heart began beating faster. It was beating louder too. Did he actually mean it? Or was this another one of his sick little jokes? It sounded like he was being sincere, but I wasn't absolutely sure. Everything was a mess. I couldn't think properly. I was panicking. I was afraid. I was happy. I was angry. [Why, hyne, why me?] I thought. [Why must I suffer like this? Why do I have to go through all this?! How do I answer him? Is he for real?!] I was just too confused. I didn't know how to react.
So, I laughed. A nice, big, hearty laugh. "Seifer, you say it as if you have to suffer."
"Uh... no..." He seemed surprised. It didn't sound like he knew how to react either. I must admit, he must have been really courageous to ask that... that is... if he were for real.
"But even if it were, why would I marry you for something so insignificant as that?" Without letting him say anything else, I spun around and walked into my room, quickly closing the door behind.
I heard his retreating footsteps. I felt terrible. It felt like my heart had been stabbed with a thousand knives... and what was worse, I was the one who stabbed myself. My fist curled into a ball. [Why... why did I do that?! Why...?] I wanted to cry, but I wouldn't let myself. I buried my head in my hands and let out a soft sob. Did I just throw away that opportunity? Did I give him up...? Would he choose another destiny...? Where I wasn't in it?
I threw my purse onto my desk angrily and noticed a small box slide out. I hadn't seen that box before, so I took it in my hands and snapped it open. Inside, there was a beautiful rose necklace. In the middle of the rose, in barely visible letters were three little words. 'I love you'.
I dropped the box on my desk. Seifer must have slipped that in my purse sometime when I wasn't paying attention. My throat became dry. My legs were feeling weak. My arms were getting numb. And tears began welling up in my eyes. My heart felt like it had stopped beating.
Tears flowed out of my eyes freely, soon forming a small puddle on the desk. My legs gave way. I crumbled to the ground, and when I fell down, it felt like my heart had shattered into a million pieces.
I couldn't believe it. He was actually being sincere. He had even considered me. And above all... I had just given him up. My salty tears were beginning to sting my cheeks. I reached up for the necklace and laced around my fingers around it. I still couldn't believe it. Although it was undeniable. Tears continued to flow down my cheeks, each one reminding me how I had let him go.
I gave him up.
* * *
(Matron)
"Seifer?" I called out as I knocked gently on his door.
The door slid open and Seifer stood there to greet me.
"Matron." He smiled weakly at me.
"May I come in?" I asked. He moved aside, so I slipped in.
His room was extremely neat. Just the way he had always liked it. I scanned the room, looking for any bags of any sort. Thankfully I didn't see any. That could be a good sign, or a bad sign. But I wanted to think optimistic.
"Seifer, tomorrow, when you see Miss Elaine and Headmaster Charles, you don't have to go with them." I wanted to convince him to stay. I didn't want him to leave. "I know you may have gone off with the wrong foot with some of the students here... but Seifer, you always have me here. And you know how much I love and care for you... Selphie does too. Please Seifer, you have to think about this really carefully."
"Matron, I know you'll be there for me..." I cut him off.
"Seifer dear, child... I don't want you to make a decision that you'll regret. Seifer... I don't want you to leave me again." I whispered the words to him. I didn't want to lose him without a fight. And I didn't plan to lose that fight either.
"Matron... I've already made my decision..."
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okay, so I FINALLY have Chapter 6 done!! Woo hoo! Go me! Anyway, I think I told someone this before in the shouts, but I'll repeat it here again... I really, really, really did not like the ending of last chapter... I wish I could have used something else, but I was really, really, really out of ideas, so I had to use that ending. As for this chapter... I really, truly, hope I made at least one or two people teary but Quistis rejected him... (although I doubt it, 'cuz to me, it sounded pretty crappy...) I actually was thinking of being mean and letting the chappy end when Seifer asked her the question... well, more like, statement... but ya, I decided to be a little nicer! ^-^
Well, maybe it was just me, but this chapter seemed incredibly short... and not to mention, it didn't seem... umm... how should I put this... 'good'? I mean, I think my other chapters were written a lot better, and didn't seem all too rushed. Tell me if you think that too, or if I'm just imagining things. Comments, criticism, or just little conversations are ALWAYS welcome! So don't be afraid if your review is long, short, or non- existent --- *sniff* *sniff* hehe Everything's welcome! Even... *sigh* flames if you have any.
Next Update - Unknown. Next Chapter - Chapter 7: Together (I think that was what I named it)
thugstra - At first, I did plan for Kianne to like Seifer (you know, a little competition for Quistis) But then I thought about it, and then I decided, no it wasn't a good idea. Kianne and Seifer's personalities don't match at all. I thought she would be better off with Zell. As for the happy ending for them? Well, all I can say is, you have to read till the end of the story to found out if this was a match made by heaven! ^.^ The Irvine romance talk made you teary? *is really, really happy* Aww!! You made my day!! ^.^ I especially love it when I can make my readers either feel the Angst, or feel all teary! I'm so happy! ^.^ As for Seifer going away from Balamb? It's not my fault okay? I can't control him! (Well... yes I can... but that's not my point here ^.^) If he leaves, it's not my fault! And whatever I'm implying... well like I said before, you just gotta read and find out! ^.^ I'm so evil sometimes! I'm really glad you like this story and that you were entertained! And don't worry about 'wasting' my 'precious-writing-the-next-chapter-minutes' because you didn't, and I really enjoy writing back to my reviewers! ('Cuz y'all are just so wonderful! ^.^) Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Starlight4u - Yes you are impatient! ^.^ But it's all good to me. You know why? 'Cuz it just motivates me to work on the fic! You see, if I stop writing for a while, and nobody sends me a review for a long while, I sorta forget things, and I end up usually not working on the story! But, with your friendly little reminders, it got me going again! Good job! ^.^ Yay!! ^.^ This is your favorite story in this category! ^.^ WOO HOO! ^.^ but... PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!!! *sniff* *sniff* If you kill me, then I won't be able to update this! Lol!
Vegakeep - You think so too? I didn't really like it when I started to make Seifer going soft... but I needed him to be a little more open so the story could go on... otherwise, it would just drag on, and on... and we all don't like that now do we? I liked your idea with the ransom thing tho! I should have done that! But nah... it's too late now!
Kat- Not only does this fic take everyone forever to read, it takes me forever to write as well! (Why, oh why did I decide to write such a long fic?!) I tend to make all the characters a little OOC one way or another, but I really hope you don't mind it! ^.^ So Irvine and Selphie HAS to stay together...? *wonders what will happen to her if she doesn't make that happen* Should I ask? Lol! Just continue reading the story and eventually, you'll find out if they stay together or not!
StarChild1 - Thankies for reading my fic! Thanks for the encouragement and I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the other ones! ^.^
Ghost140 - I completely agree with you! I would also prefer the Drama/Angst/Romance going on, and I would have liked not using the little drunken cliché. I did try to think of ways to avoid that whole situation, but, it just happened to fit perfectly into my story and what happens and how it all ends. I'm truly, very sorry I had to use that, but I couldn't think of a better way. Oh, and also... WHY MUST YOU ALL ATTACK ME LIKE THIS? Can't we settle this down like civilized people? Instead of attacking me with a pitchfork, or a gunblade, or killing me when I sleep (I haven't had a good night sleep since I read your review! Shame on you!) can't we talk this over tea? Oooh! Or over iced cappuccinos? Hmmm... Iced cappuccinos... ^.^
The Omega Weapon - Thanks for the encouragement and review! Hope you enjoy the rest of this fic! ^.^
Quistis88 - It's alrite you couldn't review for the previous chapter... we'll be even after I pull the trigger on this sniper that is aimed at your head... hehe ^.^ Juss joking! I would never do that to my wonderful reviewers! I'm glad you loved the chapters! And I hope you enjoy the rest as well!
Lovelace - Damn... the shout out was supposed to trick you!! *sigh* Guess I need to find a better way ne? I'm glad you liked how Kianne points out why Seifer deserved to pass. I had a WAY better speech in my head before, but when I was typing the story out, I completely lost it, so I had to come up with another, less good one. *sigh* I must say, you are quite observant! "Galbadia's fiancée looks evil" How did you come up with that? Lol! But whatever Galbadia's planning, (like I said to several other people) you have to read to find out! That is... if they really are planning something! Hey! If there's lots going on your head (and if it takes a lot of space to write it) go on ahead! I love reviews (especially when they are long! ^.^) Even if it is pointless to the story, it's still welcomed! ^.^
Dragon Princess Isis - Awww!! You think my fic's cute! *is happy* ^.^ but... *wonders if DPI would still think her fic is cute when DPI continues reading* hmmm... I sure hope so! ^.^ Hope you enjoy this chappy!
punky gal - Yes! Finally some Quiefer action eh? I know I didn't update soon, but better late than never right? And you're such a sweetheart! Even if you didn't mention my fic in your story (don't know if you did or not...lol!), it was still sweet of you to even think about it! It's the thought that counts... right? ^.^
Hotaru9 - Awww! *huggles Hotaru*
You're such a sweetheart! Too bad you can't review!!! *sniff* *sniff* But that's okay! At least I still know that you like my ficcy!
I didn't really like the ending of the last chappy... I really, really wanted to change it... but I couldn't think of another way... *sigh* But either way, I'm trying to get the next chapter up soon... although it's taking me a heck of a long time... but when I do get it done, I'll be sure to post a notice here! ^.^
p.s. You don't know how much it means to me when I find out people actually like my fics!
Okay, with that done, we shall continue now! Yay!! ^.^ Last chapter... Seifer passed his SeeD exam! YAY!!! GO SEIFER!!! *ahem* anyway, ummm, it SEEMS like Irvine and Selphie are back together now! ^.^ We also found out that Kianne has this 'secret' crush on Zell! Awww!! How cute! Oh! And we also found out that Quistis doesn't exactly LOVE Squall anymore! She probably still likes him... but who knows! (Well, I do, but you don't! MUAHAHA ----- a loser-like author trying to laugh maniacally) Oh, Rinoa no longer hates Quistis, and she and Squall are happily together! Then there's the Galbadian couple, Charles and Elaine, who wants to steal Seifer from Quistis! *someone comes up to whisper something in aznchika's ear* Oh right... haha, silly me. They want to 'borrow' Seifer for a while. OH! And one last thing... as Lovelace said, there's an evil person lurking around! *gasp* What will happen next?!
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(Saturday)
(Quistis)
I woke up with a major migraine. The sun was shining brightly in my eyes, and my head was pounding like crazy. I couldn't quite remember what happened exactly, but I didn't care at the moment. I closed my eyes. I desperately needed some aspirin.
I rolled to my left to get to my bed stand, in hopes of getting some aspirin, when suddenly I rolled into something that blocked my path.
"What the hell?" I mumbled, getting a bit annoyed. [What could possibly be in my bed?] I thought. I opened my eyes and was surprised to see something that looked like somebody's back. "The hell's this thing doing in my bed?" I asked myself.
I placed my hand on it. It felt warm, but I couldn't think properly. I was about to push it over the bed, when it moved. I quickly pulled my hand away. My eyes widened. I was full of alert. The object moved to rest on its back. Then I saw that it was a person. I wanted to scream.
My heart began beating faster and faster. I was panicking. And what was worse, the person happened to be Seifer. Seifer Almasy. [Oh hyne. Oh hyne! He didn't wake up did he?! Oh hyne. This is terrible!] My heart continued to beat fast. It sounded really loud and I was afraid that my heart beating could even wake him up. [Help hyne. What did I do to deserve this?!] My eyes kept on moving. I would try to focus on something else in the room, but my eyes seemed to always return to Seifer. I would be looking at his face, then down his chest, before I realized I was looking at him.
I shut my eyes. [Oh hyne, please tell me he's not awake... please.] My prayers were answered when he let out a soft snore. Sighing in relief, I opened my eyes again, and slowly, quietly, and carefully got up, still holding the blanket to my chest. Our clothes were all over the floor. I saw my shirt lying nearby, so I tried to pull it close to me using my feet, as I continued to hold the blanket. After a few unsuccessful attempts, I finally realized something. [Okay, okay. No need to panic. He's sleeping, therefore he cannot see you. So just get out of the bed, and grab your clothes and go into the bathroom.] Slowly, I began sliding off the bed, always fearing that he could wake up any minute. [Come on Quistis, you can do this!]
Cautiously, I grabbed my shirt, panties, and pants, and began searching for my bra. [Where the hell could it be?] I was looking under the bed when I heard the bed squeaking slightly. [Oh shit! He's up!] The voice in my mind screamed. [Screw it! Run into the bathroom NOW!] I did as the voice told me to. Unfortunately, because I was so afraid, I slammed the bathroom door. [Oh drat. Now he knows I'm here for sure.]
I dropped my clothes onto the cold tiled floor and began dressing myself, with my back against the door. Even though I had locked the door, I was still afraid that he might suddenly try to come in. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally heard the door to my dorm slide open and close. I continued to stand there, breathing hard. [What was I thinking?] I asked myself. My eyes began to blur and tears slid down my cheek. I didn't know why I was crying, but it just felt right to do so. I slid down the door and hugged my knees.
"Why me?" I sniffed.
* * *
(Seifer)
I woke up when I felt something warm on my back. I was tired and sleepy, and I really didn't want to get up. I rolled onto my back and closed my eyes again, falling asleep again.
I woke up again shortly after when I felt my bed sudden bounce up a bit. I opened one eye, to see what could have possibly done that. Panic rushed past me when I saw a feminine figure moving about as if she was looking for something. I quickly shut my eye. [Shit! This is happening! This just isn't happening!!!] I shouted in my mind.
I opened one eye again to see if I had been dreaming. To my relief, the feminine figure was no longer there. [I really need a girlfriend again.] I thought, realizing that I had just imagined a naked girl in my room. [I wonder who I was thinking of?] I continued to think, now a lot more relaxed, knowing that it never actually happened. [I wonder if that girl was anyone I knew...] I had only see the back of the girl, but she had a fine figure and it got me thinking.
[Must have drank a lot last night to be thinking like this! I hardly ever have such dirty ideas.] I tried to shake the feeling off. [Probably should get up.] I shifted in the bed but stopped suddenly when someone shot up from the foot of the bed and into the washroom, slamming the door loudly. I began breathing really heavily. [Okay. This is just my imagination.] I kept on repeating in my mind. I looked down at my chest. [Okay. Don't panic. Just because your shirt is off doesn't mean anything. You always sleep without your shirt on. This is just your imagination Seifer. Nothing happened.] Slowly, I reached to the blanket lying on my stomach and bravely lifted it up slightly.
I nearly had a heart attack. I carefully dropped the blanket back on my stomach. [Okay... it still doesn't mean anything happened. Just get up and get dressed. Nothing actually happened. You're worrying about something that didn't actually happened.]
I tossed my legs over the side of the bed; still having the blanket covering below my waist, and quickly grabbed my clothes that were scattered on the ground. As I grabbed my pants, a bra was revealed. My eyes widened. [Okay. So maybe you didn't imagine the girl... BUT, that doesn't mean something actually happened.] I quickly pulled on my pants, when I realized I was wearing my SeeD uniform. [Shit! I don't want to wear this!] I paced over to my shirt drawer and pulled it open.
To my surprise, some horribly sick, and perverted person stuffed the drawer full of bras and panties. [What the fukk?! Whoever did this is dead!] Then it clicked it. [Oh SHIT!! This isn't even my room!]
Panicking, I rushed out of the room in horror.
* * *
I was hurriedly rushing to my dorm when I suddenly stopped walking and froze in the middle of the hallway. It was still early in the morning and it seemed like no one else was up at this time. Besides, who would be awake after last night's party? I was staring straight ahead, but I couldn't make out what exactly I was looking at. Why? Because I didn't even care. I was too preoccupied. A lot of things were going on in my head. And the main thing that was clogging up my mind was my cardkey to my dorm. It was in my wallet. And my wallet was back in that room. And to top things off, I didn't even remember which room it was.
I tightened my fist into a ball, closed my eyes and turned my head to face the ceiling. I could not believe how incredibly stupid I was to leave my walled in that room! I was in such a rush to get out, that I completely forgot it, and worse, I didn't know which room I came out of, much less the innocent girl I preyed on last night. [Fukk.] I swore in my head. [How the hell am I going to get into my dorm?! And that stupid card is in my wallet too! Now I can't even pick the lock to my door! And there's no way I'm going to ask Xu to open my dorm. Fukk! What the hell is wrong with me lately?!]
"Morning Seifer! You're up early!" Someone's voice called out to me.
I opened my eyes to see who else would be up so early.
"And how come you're still dressed in your SeeD uniform?" It was Selphie. She gave me a suspicious look. "What were you up to last night?"
I couldn't think properly. Too much going on in my head. It took me a while to finally answer her.
"What else could I be up to?" I smirked.
Her face twisted in disgust.
"You're so nasty Seifer! Nasty and dirty!" She stuck out her tongue at me.
I laughed. "Looks who's talking. I never said anything like that. You only assumed it. For your information, I was only sleeping." It was a partial truth, but I sincerely hoped she bought that.
She raised an eyebrow, as if questioning me in her head. Then I realized how stupid I sounded. The normal Seifer would not have added the 'for your information' comment. I couldn't believe that getting drunk made me so incredibly moronic and slow. I couldn't even think of a remark right away.
"Anyway," Selphie interrupted, letting the topic go, much to my relief. "Matron's been looking for you. I stopped by your dorm last night... but no one answered."
Damn, she got me there. [Think Seifer, think!!] A voice in my head screamed at me. I could practically hear the gears in my head moving, but nothing came out.
"I fell asleep early." I couldn't believe how lame that sounded.
Selphie's mouth formed an 'O' shape. Then she said, "Matron's probably waiting for you in the office." She paused for a moment before adding, "Go change. You look so disheveled." She began heading towards her dorm. "Bye Seifer! See ya later!" She was back to her usual perky mood.
Even after she left, I didn't move. [How am I supposed to get back into my dorm? Maybe if I broke in through the windows... but then, the alarm would go off. Fukk! I am so screwed!] It wasn't until I heard footsteps behind me did I finally move. I spun around to face the intruder. To my surprise, it was Quistis. [What the hell is she doing up so early? Why are so many people up this early?]
"I take it that you can't get into your dorm?"
I froze. [How did she know? Was I that obvious?] This was not good. How the hell did I get into this mess?
"Course not." She continued. "You left this in my room."
She tossed me something black. I caught it and finally realized what it was. It was my wallet. My heart nearly stopped beating. [I was with Quistis last night?! Shit!! This is just not my day!]
I forced a chuckle out. "So there it was. Glad you returned it, otherwise I'd have to stop by your dorm again." I smirked, hoping I sounded like my typical self.
Quistis rolled her eyes. "That had better not happen again." She quickly turned around and began walking back.
My eyes widened. [Again?! What did she mean by that?!]
"I'm glad you enjoyed it that much that you wanna see me again." I shouted back at her. My head seemed to be clearing up, I didn't have to think about that one to say this time.
Quistis was getting further and further away before she stopped. Without looking back, she said, "By the way Seifer, your fly's unzipped." Then she continued on her way.
I looked down. Sure enough, it was unzipped and my boxers were some- what showing. [Fukk, how embarrassing! I hope Selphie didn't notice that.]
* * *
I rapped lightly on the door to Cid's office. Just as I expected, Matron opened the door to greet me.
"Good morning Seifer," Her tone was flat. It sounded as if she was really tired or really worried. That bothered me. Something important must be going on or else Matron wouldn't act like that. "Come on in. take a seat."
I walked in and was surprised to see two unfamiliar couple in the room. A man and a lady. Before I got to my seat, the lady came up to me.
"Oh! You must be Seifer!" She gave me a big smile. Something about her made me feel uneasy, but I couldn't tell what. "I'm Elaine, the headmistress of Galbadia Garden." She held out her hand to me. Her dark blue nails seemed to reflect the light.
She didn't hold out her hand as if for a handshake, it looked more like she wanted me to take her hand and kiss it. I arched an eyebrow. I didn't know what to say. Nor did I know what to do. I wasn't the type to kiss a lady's hand either.
"Seifer," Matron broke in. "Headmaster Charles," She gestured to the man. "And Miss Elaine would like..." She got cut off.
"Would like to know if you would be interested in transferring to Galbadia Garden." Elaine finished off.
"Temporarily." Matron added. "Seifer, you do not have to go, if you don't want to."
"We just need a top SeeD student such as yourself to lead our students." She continued to smile at me before she added. "As Commander."
"If you don't want to transfer, I'm sure another student could go in your place." Matron looked right into my eyes. I could tell she did not want me to go.
"Why do you want me? Why not another student? I just made it to SeeD." I asked.
"Because..." Elaine took a seat and stared right at me. "We want the best of the best leading our school. And I know what you are capable of doing... but I know you're so restrained here in Balamb. Come to Galbadia Garden, because we can provide for you." She grinned.
There was something about her that I really didn't like. Maybe it was the way she kept on smiling at me. It seemed as if she was plotting something or using me, or plotting against me. Or maybe all that wine yesterday still hadn't cleared up yet, and I was still imagining things. [And if that is possible, then maybe I didn't sleep with Quistis after all! Maybe I'm just overreacting, and over-thinking.]
"Seifer, you can take some time to think about this if you need to." Matron interrupted my thoughts.
"Well what do you say?" Elaine seemed to really want me to go to Galbadia.
I turned my head to face the man. He hadn't said a single word yet, nor did it seem like he cared.
"I'll think about it."
* * *
(Afternoon - Quistis)
"... and then we left.' Rinoa finished, her face all red.
The four of us sat here in the Cafeteria, gossiping about last night's party. Well, actually, more like the three of them. I was preoccupied. [Did I sound normal when I gave back his wallet? Oh hyne... I was shaking so much! I can't believe I actually said 'that had better not happen again'. What was I thinking?!]
"Liar!! I know you two were up to something! What else were you two doing?" Selphie accused.
"Nothing!" Rinoa replied, but then began mumbling, "We went into my room."
"Oh my!!" This time it was Kianne who shouted out. "You guys..." She didn't have to finish her sentence because we all knew what she was implying.
Rinoa nodded her head slightly and continued to blush furiously.
[Oh hyne.] It got me thinking of Seifer, and what happened last night. [I couldn't have been that drunk... was I? Just what was going on my head? I sure hope no one else knows about it... that Seifer better not be bragging or saying anything about this... Oh hyne... what if he is?! My whole life will be ruined!] I began breathing heavily. [Oh shit. I hope I'm not acting strange!!] I took a sip from my cup of coffee.
"Was it... fun?" I was surprised to hear that coming from Selphie.
Rinoa nodded again, her head looking down, face completely red. [I wonder... did I have fun? Did Seifer? Or was he too drunk to notice? Probably wasn't his first time either... but it was mine...]
"Well, what about you Selphie? Looks like your back together with a certain someone!" Rinoa winked. Her face was now a lighter shade of red.
[Holy shit!!] The coffee cup slipped from my hands. Coffee splattered everywhere, but mainly on me. Strange thing was that I didn't even feel the scalding hot liquid. [Did I just wonder if I had fun?!] I began panicking. I never ever, ever thought like that before!
"Quistis! Are you alright?!" Rinoa rushed to get some napkins and shoved some at me before wiping the mess on the table. Kianne and Selphie began helping her.
"For your information, my Irvypoo isn't as dirty as your Squall!" Selphie replied as the continued to clean up my mess.
Rinoa began laughing.
"What's so funny? Both Irvine and I are still virgins!"
"So you finally admit it!" Kianne exclaimed, now taking her seat again.
"Admit to what?" Selphie helped me throw out the dirty napkins.
"That you and Irvine are back together!" This time, both Rinoa and Kianne went into a fit of giggles.
"Oh!!" Selphie gave us her little angry/pouty look. "Well, what about you Kianne? I saw you and Zell dancing a whole lot last night! Don't tell me nothing's going on between you two!"
Both girls stopped laughing.
"Well... Kianne began. "He still doesn't know."
Rinoa's eyes widened in shock. "So you really do like him?!"
"Why of course she does! But what do you mean he still doesn't know? How can he not know? It's so obvious!" Selphie exclaimed.
"Are you serious? Is it that obvious?"
"Well, to me it is... but still, how can he not see that you like him?" Selphie asked angrily. "He can be so oblivious sometimes!"
[I better go... I just know they'll pounce on me and what I did last night... and what if Seifer accidentally slips out?! I am so screwed.]
I got up from my seat. "Oh, I just remembered I had some things to do. So I better be heading out." I quickly made my way out of the cafeteria.
"Quistis... are you alright?" I heard Rinoa call out to me.
"I'm fine." I just desperately needed to leave that place. I could not, and would not let them know about Seifer. I just had to pray to hyne that Seifer would keep his big mouth shut and not say anything about what happened.
"Quistis?" Someone had followed me out of the cafeteria.
I spun around. "Selphie? Why aren't you back with Rinoa and Kianne?" Panic rushed past me. [Oh hyne... what if she suspects something?! What if... she knows about Seifer?! Oh shit!]
"Oh... I just wanted to see if you were alright. Something seems to be bothering you Quistis... you know, if you want, you could always come and talk to me." Selphie skipped alongside me.
"Nothing. Nothing's wrong." I shot out quickly. [Oh shit. That came out too fast. Now she'll know something's going on!!]
"Quistis, are you thinking... about a certain someone?" She questioned me.
"No! No! Of course not. Who would I be thinking of?" [Fukk. That came out to fast too. Okay... calm down Quistis. Calm down. Maybe you're just overreacting. Maybe it's just a question, and she doesn't actually know what is going on. You're just overreacting.] I repeated in my head over and over again.
"Oh... okay!" She smiled brightly. "Hey... have you seen Seifer lately? I mean, well, today?"
[Oh hyne. She knows! She knows!! But how the hell did she find out?!] "No... why?" This time it didn't come out sounding weird.
"Oh nothing really. He's just acting a little strange... and I thought that was a little peculiar."
"Hmm... I wouldn't really care Selphie... he's no longer my student." [Okay, that came out calm. Good. Good.]
"Not even a little?" She looked me in the eye.
[Okay... she definitely knows about it!!] "Why would I?"
She didn't say anything for a while. "Hey Quistis... I haven't seen you with a guy for a really, really long time now..." I cut her off.
"I'm happy this way."
"Oh. But hey... I was wondering, what do you think about a blind date?"
"I think those are pointless."
"Oh but Quistis, it would be so much fun! Come on, why don't you give it a chance? I mean, you could meet this really, really, really, great guy! It doesn't hurt to try now does it? Oh please Quistis! Please?" She begged me.
"Selphie, I know your intentions are good... but I really don't think these things would work out." [I already have too much on my hands...]
"Quistis! You wouldn't know if it'd work out or not if you didn't try! And I know this really, really, really great guy! And I'm sure you two would just be so... perfect for each other! You have to give this a try!" She persisted.
"Uh... Selphie..." She cut me off this time.
"You won't regret it! I promise you!"
I stopped walking for a moment. "Fine."
"Great! Okay, how about Friday night at Balamb beach?" She took out a little notebook and began jotting down something in it.
"Sure." I sighed. [Maybe this will stop her badgering...]
"Excellent! Don't forget about it Quistis!" I jumped up with joy and ran off in another direction.
[Such a weird girl.]
* * *
(Selphie)
I jumped with joy after finally getting Quistis to agree with the blind date. [She sure is acting weird though... maybe something's wrong... but I wonder what...] I pondered for a while. I sat on the edge of the fountain in the main foyer, thinking who I could set Quistis up with. [Maybe she's acting weird 'cause we were all talking about our special someone, and Quistis didn't have anyone. Poor, poor Quistis!]
The students were finally waking up and the loud chatter from students came with them. I scanned the area finding someone who would be a perfect match for Quistis. [Hmm, he's okay... but he's too loud for Quistis... Oh! Then there's that guy! He'd be perfect for Quistis! Too bad he's got a girlfriend already.] I was deep in my thoughts, that I didn't notice someone creep up towards me until I was pushed off the side of the fountain.
"Hey!" I shouted angrily.
"Sorry Selphie! Didn't think you weren't paying attention!" Someone helped me up.
I looked at the person angrily and realized that it was Irvine. "Irvy? What was that for?"
"Just seeing what you're up to here." He took a seat beside me. "Are you checking out guys?" He raised an eyebrow at me.
"I'm not like you!"
"Whoa, whoa! I don't check out guys!"
I giggled. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pushed my head to rest on his shoulder. "So what are you up to?"
"I'm trying to find someone for Quistis." I smiled at him.
"Oh? Quistis has a special someone?"
"No, no. I'm trying to find a someone to be special to her." I continued to scan the area. There didn't seem to be any perfect pigeons yet.
"What about him?" Irvine pointed to someone.
I turned my head to follow his direction, but didn't see anyone. "Who?" I turned my head back to face him, but when I did, he leaned in and kissed me on the lips. It felt really nice, but I pulled back. "Hey!! You tricked me!" I pretended to sound mad and looked away.
"I'll trick you again if that's what it takes to get another kiss." He tilted my head to face him again. He looked me right in the eyes. It felt like he was looking into my soul, and capturing me in his gaze. I wanted to look away, but I found myself really attracted to this man. I was slowly leaning in towards him when he grabbed me and pulled me right into him. I rested my head on his chest and just sat there, enjoying the moment together.
"I still need to find someone for Quistis." I whispered to him.
"Well, how about Seifer?"
"Seifer?" I asked. He was probably just naming the person on the top of his head just so I could quickly find someone for Quistis and stop worrying about it.
"Ya, Seifer. They'd be perfect for each other. Quistis would be the only girl who could handle him and Seifer... well, I guess he can tolerate Quistis better than anyone else." He explained.
"What do you mean?"
"You know... when she seems so... distant and cold sometimes? I think Seifer could probably unlock her from that cage." He held me tighter.
"Hmm... maybe you're right... and it wouldn't hurt to try right?" We sat in the position for a short while before I spoke up again. "Irvy... tell me, did you just make that up so I would hurry and get over Quistis and spend more time with you?" I tilted my head upwards to face him.
He laughed. "Damn, you caught me!" He leaned down and kissed me on the forehead.
"Oh, get a room!" Someone shouted loudly, probably directed to us. We couldn't help but laugh.
* * *
(Saturday Night)
[Okay Seifer... where the hell are you?] I thought as I continued running up and down the halls looking for Seifer, but he was nowhere in sight. [Seifer!! Stop hiding!! You're not in your room and you're not in the Training Center... where else could you possibly go?!] As I turned the corner to head outside, I saw Seifer walk through the front gates. He was holding something, and he was all alone.
[What could he possibly be doing?] I thought, while debating whether or not I should approach him.
As I continued to watch Seifer, he opened the thing he held in his hands and looked at it. Then he carefully pulled out what he was looking at. To my surprise, it was a necklace. It was too dark and I couldn't make out exactly how it looked, but I got the gist of the shape of it. [What the hell is Seifer doing with a necklace?] I thought. [Could he possibly... have someone in mind already?]
"Hey Seifer!" I called out, pretending that I hadn't seen him with the necklace. He quickly thrust the necklace and case into his pocket.
"Selphie?"
"What are you doing up so late?" I pretended to act as suspicious as I could. I didn't want him to know that I knew he had a necklace. I had to pretend to be my typical self.
"I could ask you the same question." He stated out flatly.
I laughed. "Good point. So where were you all day? I was looking everywhere for you, but I never found you!"
"I went out to train."
"Ah... I see." [Well... he COULD be telling the truth... after all, he is holding his gunblade... but that doesn't explain the necklace...] "Hey Seifer, I haven't seen you with any girl before..." He cut me off.
"I don't need one." He seemed a little bitter talking about this subject, but I ignored it. I came to talk to him for a specific reason, and I was not leaving until I was done what I had set for.
"Funny... that's what Quistis said too..." I mumbled inaudibly.
"What?"
"Oh nothing! You know what I really wanna do? I wanna watch the sunset on Friday..." I tried to hint at him. If he were like Irvine, he would offer to take me.
"Then go watch it."
"But... I don't want to watch it alone." I persisted. There was no way I was going to quit so easily.
"Go with one of your friends."
Something was wrong with Seifer. Maybe something was bothering him... but whatever it was, I didn't like it. He was beginning to sound a lot like how he used to be... and I hated that. I really wanted to ask what was wrong, but I knew if I did, he wouldn't have told me anyway.
"Seifer... I was wondering if you'd go with me..." I paused to let him answer, but when he opened his mouth to speak, I quickly added, "I really, really want you to go with me... please?"
There was a long awkward silence before Seifer replied. "Fine." He sounded really reluctant.
"Thanks Seifer! Friday night, at Balamb beach! Don't forget!" I jumped with joy and headed back to my dorm. [This is going to be perfect!]
* * *
(Friday Night - Seifer)
Too much had been going in my head all week long. The first one being the incident with Quistis. I still wasn't sure if anything happened, but it was undeniable now. The few times I actually saw Quistis this week, and if she saw me, she'd quickly turn around and head in the other direction. She was avoiding me. And it could lead to only one possibility. We had slept together. I couldn't shake that feeling away. The guilt. I couldn't believe I would actually do something like that. It just wasn't me. Sure, people who didn't know me would think I was the type who would just sleep around with any girl... but no. I know better than that. I actually have morals if they would believe it or not. I didn't believe in such things. Sexual intercourse was a sacred thing between two loving couples. Quistis and I? I wouldn't call us a loving couple. But... things could change... only if I had the courage to talk to her...
I stood in the sand on Balamb beach, looking up at the sky. The sun was setting and yet, Selphie still hadn't come yet. I was beginning to wonder if she wasn't going to come at all. What was worse was that my stomach began growling, which only reminded me that I hadn't eaten yet.
"I'm sorry I'm late..." A feminine voice said from behind me. And it definitely didn't sound like Selphie.
I spun around to face the girl and was surprised to see who it was.
"Seifer?" The girl looked puzzled to see me.
"Quistis."
We stood a couple feet away from each other, not moving, but staring at each other. Then Quistis dropped her purse. All the contents in her purse poured out. I reluctantly walked up to her and her stuff and began helping her pick up her things. Lipstick. Mirror. Blush. Brush. All these feminine products. It made me shiver.
"Selphie, you are dead when I get back." I heard her mumbling.
So Selphie had set us up. Why? [Fukk.] I thought as I realized something. [Does Selphie know about what happened between me and Quistis?! Shit. How'd she find out?! Unless...] I looked at Quistis for a brief moment. She was avoiding any eye contact. [Quistis told her...?]
After clearing up the mess, we both stood up, not knowing what to say. Until my stomach growled again.
"You must be hungry. Let's get something to eat." Quistis stated and began walking towards Balamb.
I was about to follow her, but then I noticed something under my foot. I lifted my leg and saw a cardkey underneath. I picked it up and was about to give it back to Quistis, but I decided not to. I pocketed it instead.
"If you really want to walk, then suit yourself. But I have a car." I headed past her and into my car. I sat in the driver's seat for a moment, before Quistis reluctantly climbed into the passenger seat.
The ride to Balamb was awkward and made us both feel uneasy. We didn't say one word to each other. Once we got to Balamb we both headed to the only restaurant. It was more crowded than usual, but we somehow managed to get a table just as we got in.
A waitress headed to our table just as we sat. "Hello! Welcome to Balamb Restaurant. My name's Glory." She smiled brightly to us. "Would you like to know our special we're having today?" Before either one of us could answer, she continued talking. "Our special today is the 'Loveboat'. It's a fantastic meal, and I guarantee that you'll be satisfied with it. Would you like to try it?" She took out a pad and began scribbling something on it.
"No." Quistis stated out flatly. "We'll have separate meals. Just give us the menu."
"Oh! But the 'Loveboat' is really, really good. And it's really cheap too. And a couple such as yourselves shouldn't resist this chance. It could be a once in a lifetime chance to spend such a romantic dinner together. Trust me, the 'Loveboat' is fantastic!" Glory continued.
"I said 'No.' Just give us the menu." Quistis hissed at the waitress.
"Right away!" When she turned her back to Quistis, I saw her expression change to anger.
Just as the waitress left, a man with a camera came up to us.
"Hello sir, ma'am." He smiled at Quistis. "The name's Pierre." He pointed to his nametag on his shirt. "Would you two like a picture? For only 30 gil, you'll get two pictures to remember this wonderful evening!"
"No." Quistis was getting annoyed, even a blind person could tell she was.
"Oh, but nobody has ever said no to Pierre."
"Yes there is. And that person is me." She glared at the man.
He was shocked to see her expression like that, but he decided to leave her be. He began walking away, but as he passed me, he whispered, "I feel sorry for you buddy. Hope you can cheer up your girlfriend."
"Quistis darling, what's wrong? How come you don't want to try the 'Loveboat', or take a picture with me?" I joked.
She rolled her eyes in disgust. "Seifer hunny, I don't think I'll be able to finish it. I'm not that hungry tonight."
"Well baby, I could finish it for you." I wanted to laugh, but I held it in.
Just as I said that, Glory was heading towards us and heard our conversation. "Oh! Then it's settled then! One 'Loveboat' for table 69!" She shouted back to the kitchen.
Quistis' expression changed. It looked as if she was thinking 'Oh great. Now they actually think we're a couple.' "Seifer dear," She hissed out the words at me. "Now they think we're a couple."
"Oh, but muffin, I thought we were." I grinned at her. Maybe this evening wasn't going to be that bad after all.
An older lady sitting behind Quistis turned her head slightly and said, "Darling, you shouldn't be so harsh on your boyfriend."
Quistis' eyes widened. I was laughing out loud in my head, but to Quistis, I just continued to smile. "Didn't you hear the nice lady, you shouldn't be so harsh on me."
"I'm sorry sweetie, I'm just having a bad day." She glared at me. I was beginning to love this evening. "Maybe when we start eating, it would shut that mouth of yours." She mumbled the last part, enough so that I could hear it, but no one around us.
* * *
As Glory had said, dinner was delicious. For the most part, Quistis kept her mouth shut and didn't say anything, but the few times she did say something, she commented on how delicious the food was.
Some of the tables were being cleared out and a few couples went to the middle of the restaurant, waiting for something. Suddenly, music began playing. It was upbeat and kinda romantic. The couples in the middle began dancing and laughing, while other couples from the tables got up to dance.
Quistis was watching the couples with dreamy eyes. Strange thing was, when I looked at her like that, she looked absolutely gorgeous. As if she were a goddess sent down in search of one man, and whoever that man was, he was extremely lucky.
"Darling, shall we?" I held out my hand for her to take.
She just looked at my hand for a while, not knowing what to do. So instead of waiting for her, I just grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. I wasn't sure if I was doing this just to make Quistis pissed off, or because I wanted to.
"Seifer! What the heck are you up to?!" She whispered harshly at me. Flinging her hand off from mine.
"Why, dancing with my lovely 'girlfriend' of course." I stretched out the word 'girlfriend' on purpose.
Quistis did something surprising. She smiled mischievously. "Alright then Mr. Knight-in-Shining-Armour, let's dance!" She took my hand and began swaying from side to side.
Suddenly, there was a flash, and Pierre came up to us.
"No one ever says 'no' to Pierre." He said as he handed us two pictures of us. Both were the same picture, and we were dancing really close in the photograph.
Quistis handed him 30 gils and pocketed one of the pictures. "Guess not." She laughed.
* * *
We had been at the restaurant for a long time, when we finally noticed a lot of people were already gone. I was surprised with how well Quistis could dance, and also the fact that she played along with my little 'game'.
"Dear Cinderella, I believe it's past the stroke of midnight. Isn't your lovely dress supposed to turn into tattered rags?" I joked, hoping she'd take the hint that it was time to leave.
"I take it that our 'lovely' ride is going to turn into a pumpkin soon." She laughed and began heading towards the door, still holding onto my hand.
The car ride back to Balamb Garden was short, and wasn't as awkward as going to Balamb. The weird thing about the ride, was that when we got back to the Garden, I actually wished that the ride was longer. We got out of the car and walked through the Parking Lot and into the Garden. We both didn't say a word to each other, but I still walked her to her dorm.
We were walking side by side, and I couldn't stop thinking about how wonderful our night had turned out to be. Instead of making her all pissed off and upset, she actually seemed to have fun. And... so did I.
Her hand hit against mine, and my immediate reaction was to grab her hand. And I did. However, she didn't pull back, she clasped her hand with mine. It seemed really awkward, but it still seemed like the right thing to do.
We were soon at her door, and she let go of my hand. "Thanks Seifer. I hate to admit it, but I actually had fun." The words seemed to stumble out of her mouth.
"Here." I shoved her cardkey at her. "You dropped it before."
"Thanks."
[Okay Seifer... here's your chance. All week you wanted to ask her, and now you have the perfect chance. At least she'll listen to you. Come one Seifer, just get it over with!] My mind screamed at me.
"Quistis." I said, as she opened her door. "About last Friday..."
"Forget about it..." She didn't seem to want to talk about it, but I had to. It was just eating me away if I didn't straighten it out.
"Look Quistis, you may not think that I am, but I'm a really responsible man. I take responsibility for my actions... and last Friday... I'm sorry about it, but I'll accept the consequences..." I just couldn't seem to get out what I was supposed to, I was just going on in circles.
"What are you trying to say?"
"Quistis... I'll marry you."
* * *
(Quistis)
I froze. I didn't know what to say. 'I'll marry you.' Seifer had said that. It wasn't a question... it was more of a statement. My heart began beating faster. It was beating louder too. Did he actually mean it? Or was this another one of his sick little jokes? It sounded like he was being sincere, but I wasn't absolutely sure. Everything was a mess. I couldn't think properly. I was panicking. I was afraid. I was happy. I was angry. [Why, hyne, why me?] I thought. [Why must I suffer like this? Why do I have to go through all this?! How do I answer him? Is he for real?!] I was just too confused. I didn't know how to react.
So, I laughed. A nice, big, hearty laugh. "Seifer, you say it as if you have to suffer."
"Uh... no..." He seemed surprised. It didn't sound like he knew how to react either. I must admit, he must have been really courageous to ask that... that is... if he were for real.
"But even if it were, why would I marry you for something so insignificant as that?" Without letting him say anything else, I spun around and walked into my room, quickly closing the door behind.
I heard his retreating footsteps. I felt terrible. It felt like my heart had been stabbed with a thousand knives... and what was worse, I was the one who stabbed myself. My fist curled into a ball. [Why... why did I do that?! Why...?] I wanted to cry, but I wouldn't let myself. I buried my head in my hands and let out a soft sob. Did I just throw away that opportunity? Did I give him up...? Would he choose another destiny...? Where I wasn't in it?
I threw my purse onto my desk angrily and noticed a small box slide out. I hadn't seen that box before, so I took it in my hands and snapped it open. Inside, there was a beautiful rose necklace. In the middle of the rose, in barely visible letters were three little words. 'I love you'.
I dropped the box on my desk. Seifer must have slipped that in my purse sometime when I wasn't paying attention. My throat became dry. My legs were feeling weak. My arms were getting numb. And tears began welling up in my eyes. My heart felt like it had stopped beating.
Tears flowed out of my eyes freely, soon forming a small puddle on the desk. My legs gave way. I crumbled to the ground, and when I fell down, it felt like my heart had shattered into a million pieces.
I couldn't believe it. He was actually being sincere. He had even considered me. And above all... I had just given him up. My salty tears were beginning to sting my cheeks. I reached up for the necklace and laced around my fingers around it. I still couldn't believe it. Although it was undeniable. Tears continued to flow down my cheeks, each one reminding me how I had let him go.
I gave him up.
* * *
(Matron)
"Seifer?" I called out as I knocked gently on his door.
The door slid open and Seifer stood there to greet me.
"Matron." He smiled weakly at me.
"May I come in?" I asked. He moved aside, so I slipped in.
His room was extremely neat. Just the way he had always liked it. I scanned the room, looking for any bags of any sort. Thankfully I didn't see any. That could be a good sign, or a bad sign. But I wanted to think optimistic.
"Seifer, tomorrow, when you see Miss Elaine and Headmaster Charles, you don't have to go with them." I wanted to convince him to stay. I didn't want him to leave. "I know you may have gone off with the wrong foot with some of the students here... but Seifer, you always have me here. And you know how much I love and care for you... Selphie does too. Please Seifer, you have to think about this really carefully."
"Matron, I know you'll be there for me..." I cut him off.
"Seifer dear, child... I don't want you to make a decision that you'll regret. Seifer... I don't want you to leave me again." I whispered the words to him. I didn't want to lose him without a fight. And I didn't plan to lose that fight either.
"Matron... I've already made my decision..."
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okay, so I FINALLY have Chapter 6 done!! Woo hoo! Go me! Anyway, I think I told someone this before in the shouts, but I'll repeat it here again... I really, really, really did not like the ending of last chapter... I wish I could have used something else, but I was really, really, really out of ideas, so I had to use that ending. As for this chapter... I really, truly, hope I made at least one or two people teary but Quistis rejected him... (although I doubt it, 'cuz to me, it sounded pretty crappy...) I actually was thinking of being mean and letting the chappy end when Seifer asked her the question... well, more like, statement... but ya, I decided to be a little nicer! ^-^
Well, maybe it was just me, but this chapter seemed incredibly short... and not to mention, it didn't seem... umm... how should I put this... 'good'? I mean, I think my other chapters were written a lot better, and didn't seem all too rushed. Tell me if you think that too, or if I'm just imagining things. Comments, criticism, or just little conversations are ALWAYS welcome! So don't be afraid if your review is long, short, or non- existent --- *sniff* *sniff* hehe Everything's welcome! Even... *sigh* flames if you have any.
Next Update - Unknown. Next Chapter - Chapter 7: Together (I think that was what I named it)