Poor Hahn, Kailie said, staring at the dancing couples on the floor. I hear Squad A did pretty well, too. She worked so hard for this...

There'll be next year, Jiri said, straightening her uniform. Don't worry, she'll make it next time for sure. She did great on the written test, remember?

Kailie said. Well, here we are! SeeDs! Picking up her glass, she bumped Jiri's with it. Let's live it up, huh?

Jiri laughed. Definately! What're the steps to this dance?

Kailie grinned. Pair up in threes, and line up in a circle, far as I know. Or care. I dance like a crippled Marlboro, and you know it. You're not getting me out there.

Oh, I don't know, Jiri said, standing up. Moving over to the table next to her, she tapped Jay on the shoulder. Jay! You're a good student, huh? Teach Kailie how to dance!

Jay asked, looking up from his food. Parties were the only times when most students actually got to eat regular food, rather than whatever happened to be in the vending machines. He looked like he had been enjoying it. What did you say?

Oh, no! Kailie said, shaking her head. Jay's even worse than I am!

Double-triple-quadra-giga-dare you! Jiri challenged. Dance with Kailie!

Jay repeated.

Oh, now that'd be a sight to see, Tycho laughed around a mouthful of meat. Mr. Two-left-feet meets Ms. Shuffle-steps. Bet'cha twenty gil they'd ram into every person on the floor before three minutes!

Kailie said. We're not...that bad!

...umm, yes we are, Jay said, tilting his head meaningfully towards Tycho.

Two minutes! Jiri said.

You're on! Tycho grinned, extending his hand.

Jay exclaimed.

Well, Jay, hit the floor! I want that twenty gil for a new axe sheath I've had my eye on.

Jaysen shook his head adamantly. Over my dead body.

And mine, Kailie said, crossing her arms.

Tycho grinned, and stuck his index finger and thumb in his mouth. Letting out a peircing whistle, he motioned to a stand of people across the room. They began to make their way over.

Jiri said jokingly, and giggled. This is how Commander Leonhart met Rinoa Heartilly, she pointed out.

Where'd you get that? Tycho asked, surprised.

Lion Heart, Jiri said. His biography — you know, the one Selphie Tilmitt and President Loire wrote? Instructor Juna gave extra credit to people for reading it. I only got through the first six chapters, though.

What's up? asked one of the people Tycho had called.

Tycho motioned towards Jay and Kailie. Oh, these two are totally into each other, but are too scared to dance. What should we do?

Kailie spluttered. You...blond Geezard!

Jaysen put both hands to his throat and pretended to gag.

No point in forcing them, the person said with a sly smile. If not a dance, then what? A duel? People are always looking for new entertainment at a festival.

A duel sounds good, Jiri said, leaning back against the wall.

Kailie reached over and tapped Jay on the shoulder, motioning to the door. Tactical retreat, she whispered. Jay nodded, and both made for the door as inconspicuously as possible.

That was close, Jay said once they were out of sight.

Kailie smiled. No kidding. I'll have to get Jiri for this one.

I know where Tycho hides the key he stole to the biology lab, Jay offered.

Kailie shook her head. We've already done the frog thing to death. Plus bugs, Turtapods...even an Adamantoise.

A what?

She laughed. Just a little one!

That's sort of like suffering a small' Lunar Cry, Jay retorted, drawing another laugh from Kailie. You'll have to show me how you did that.

Oh, Hahn did that one. Kailie's smile faded at the mention of her friend's name.

Ah. Oh, tell her I'm sorry about her not making it, by the way.

The inside of the concourse was all but deserted. Kailie sighed, leaning on the rail outside the lunch area and looking at the screen above. CONGRATULATIONS NEW SEEDS, it read. When I talked to her, she basically just wanted to be left alone. I...I dunno what to say to her.

Jay looked away uncomfortably. Sorry to hear that.

Were you worried that you wouldn't make it? she asked.

Sure. Who wouldn't be?

Kailie sighed. Me. I never doubted I would make it. Not for a second.

Why should you? You're the best student in Garden. Everyone knows it.

Yeah. Including me. She looked at Jay, almost pleading. Why am I so ashamed just because I did better? I should be happy, right?

Jay was pacing now, seemingly unaware he was even doing it. It's normal, I guess.

Normal. Right.

They stood there in silence for a few moments. Jay started, absently scratching the back of his neck, I should turn in. We might get an assignment tomorrow.

Kailie agreed quietly. We might as well. Forcing a smile, she motioned back toward the celebration. We don't dare show our faces back there again tonight.

Jay smiled as well.


Several minutes later, Jiri looked up to see both of them gone. Sighing, she went back to her table and threw her feet up on another chair.

Tycho said, looking around. And I just came up with such a great idea!

Give it up, my man, the other person said. They got away.

Tycho sighed. Oh. Well, there'll always be next year...

Jiri smothered a laugh in her hand. And next time, we'll be waiting.