A/N: Hey guys… I just want to apologize to all of you, as this chapter was supposed to be posted on the 11th. And on another note, some of you might have noticed that the Foreword of the story is missing… Just put two and two together and you'll realize what the reason for my delay was…
Anywho… I wanted to point out something about this chapter. I remember reading a parody fic somewhere which commented on how almost every FF8 author kept forgetting that Rinoa used to have a special little someone following her around… Yes, I'm talking about her dog, Angelo. When I read that fic, it hit me that I was part of all those writers. On the prequel to this story, I have never once mentioned him. Yikes… Either way, I learned from my mistake and remembered to include him in this story.
BTW, I mention the element of Blitzball in this chapter. I've only taken a small peek of FF10, I've never played it, so I have no idea how Blitzball is played. I just used it as a FF8 equivalent to football, mkay?
Last chapter summary: We were left right at the point where Seifer was left unconscious on his way back to Balamb after a mission…
~*The Beginning, is the End, is the Beginning*~
A sequel to 'Love Conquers All'
By: Sickness in Salvation
Chapter 2: My last night here with you
Seifer woke up feeling his head spin like crazy. He slowly parted his eyelids open, revealing a blurry surrounding behind fair eyelashes. He rubbed and squinted his eyes, until his vision eventually focused. He helped himself up and sat on the ground, rubbing his forehead. He looked around him and saw he was still in the alley he'd been pulled into, his suitcase always lying next to him. Instinctively, he opened it and went quickly through the contents, strangely finding everything right in place. He checked his pockets and found both his wallet and his cell-phone there 'My Hyperion!' he thought and frantically, his hand went to the left side of his pants where he always kept his lethal weapon. It was still there… In fact, everything was exactly where it had been right after the moment of the assault 'So it couldn't have been thieves…' thought Seifer. He fell deep in thought for a few moments, scratching the back of his head. A thought crossed his mind and he hastily pulled his sleeves and pants up. No marks. Not a single one…
'I don't get this,' he thought, rubbing the back of his hair 'Someone attacked me, rendered me unconscious, but stole nothing, nor did anything to me… *Long pause* What the hell…?' he thought. His gaze wandered around blankly and for the first time, he noticed that it was no longer daylight outside. The sun had long set and the sky was now being slowly covered by the dark veil of the night –or evening, Seifer hoped-. He immediately checked his watch. 5:26.
- "Shit!" he said out loud, jolting up, grabbing his suitcase "I'm gonna miss my train! Again!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back in Garden…
The time was 8:30 in the continent of Balamb, where the Garden –named after its original location- was stationed. Inside Squall and Rinoa's dorm, Rinoa and Selphie were getting ready for the New Year's party. Clothes, stockings, shoes, make-up kits and hair-care products were spread all around the bedroom and bathroom. Rinoa was in her bathrobe, her raven locks falling still damp on her shoulders, and was polishing her nails. Selphie was in her underwear, blow-drying her hair in front of a mirror. Angelo –Rinoa's dog- was lying on the carpet, right in front of Rinoa, watching her with his black watery eyes. Suddenly, the door flung open and Irvine's head popped out from the hallway. Screams were heard form both girls, as the young cowboy chuckled at the sight. Angelo rushed over to the door, growling and bearing his teeth at Irvine menacingly.
- "How are mah girls doin'?" he asked. Angelo barked loudly "Whoa there boy!" he added, grinning.
Selphie marched furious towards the door holding a big round brush on her right hand, swinging it threateningly at her boyfriend.
- "Irvy, get the hell outta here!" she yelled.
- "Hey, I was only enjoying the sight of mah pooh-bear in her underwear…" he said grinning.
- "Your 'pooh-bear' doesn't happen to be the only person inside the room you know!" yelled Rinoa, tightening up the belt of her robe "Angelo! Sit!" she ordered and the brown-furred dog complied.
- "Out, out!" hissed Selphie, pushing Irvine outside.
- "What's going on here?" asked Shizuka, who had just arrived outside in the corridor dressed in her PJs, holding a plastic bag with her stuff inside.
- "Irvine decided to go snooping around in the room while we're getting ready…" said Selphie, eyeing the cowboy poisonously.
- "Aw c'mon! It was just a joke!" protested Irvine laughing "Squall said you'll all be gathered here to get ready and I decided to pay you a little visit…"
- "*Sigh* I don't believe you…" said Zuka, walking inside the room, shaking her head in disbelief.
- "We're over at our dorm, when should we come pick you up?" Irvine asked Selphie.
- "You're ready?" asked Selphie, checking his outfit.
- "Yep… What do you think?" asked Irvine making a turn around his self.
He was wearing a white shirt left hanging loose and a pair of black pants. He had his hair worn in his usual ponytail, letting his small white diamond earring show on his ear. Irvine always knew how to dress; a simple outfit, showing that he didn't try too hard, always did the trick for the charming cowboy. Selphie gave him a cute smile.
- "Lookin' good…" she said giggling.
- "Same back at ya…" he said winking at her. Selphie scoffed and rolled her eyes.
- "Come pick us up by ten, that's when the party begins." said Selphie giving him a peck, then closed the door.
- "I told you to lock the door!" roared Rinoa as soon as the green-eyed brunette entered the room.
- "Relax, he didn't see anything…" said Selphie grinning.
- "Tsk, whatever…" said Rinoa, going back to polishing her nails.
- "My, my… Squall's really starting to rub off on you, huh?" asked Shizuka, grinning. Selphie giggled and Rinoa stuck her tongue at her playfully "Where's Quistis?" asked Zuka again, now brushing her wet raven locks of hair.
- "I called her just a few minutes ago and all I got was a grunt and a muffled 'I'm not in the mood to come'…" replied Selphie.
- "What, she's not coming?" asked Zuka.
- "Of course she is. She just needed some more 'drastic' persuasion…" said Selphie giggling.
- "Do I… want to know?" asked Zuka. Rinoa shook her head in response "OK," she said chuckling "When will she drop by?"
- "She said she'll be here right after she gets out of the shower." answered Selphie.
The girls went on getting ready chatting incessantly in the process. After about fifteen minutes, the phone rang. Rinoa struggled to move through the mess in which the room was to get to the phone and picked it up.
- "Hello?" she said "Oh hey… Uh-huh… Oh, I dunno… Why don't you wear the black one?"
- "Is that Quistis?" asked Selphie. Rinoa nodded "Gimme that…" she said, grabbing the receiver from Rinoa's hands "What is it? I thought we already talked about that! … You're wearing the white one! … I said the white one, end of story!" said Selphie firmly, hanging up.
- "What was that all about?" asked Zuka puzzled.
- "Quistis didn't know what to wear. I told her to put on the white dress Seifer got her for Christmas, but she didn't want to because she's pissed at him." replied Selphie.
- "What white dress?" asked Rinoa.
- "You'll see… It's super!" said Selphie grinning.
After a couple of minutes, a gentle knock was heard on the door. Zuka went to open up and came face to face with a grumpy-looking Quistis.
- "Hi…" she said weakly, walking inside.
- "Why the long face?" asked Rinoa.
- "I don't feel like going to the party…" she said, falling heavy on the bed.
- "Why not?" asked Zuka.
- "You guys are all going to be with your boyfriends. Seifer won't come, so what's the point?" said Quistis gloomily. Angelo approached her and began licking her hand affectionately, although Quistis didn't seem to notice.
- "Quistis, just 'cause you had a fight doesn't mean he won't come…" said Rinoa wearily.
- "He told me so…" said Quistis.
- "He was just trying to get a rise out of you," said Selphie "He wouldn't back out of the fight, exactly like you did."
- "I dunno…" mumbled Quistis.
- "Quit your whining and start getting ready! He'll be there!" said Zuka impatiently.
Quistis groaned as the three girls pulled her up from bed and began looking around the things she'd brought 'Oh well…' she thought, deciding to stop playing hard to get.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Inside Irvine and Selphie's dorm, all the guys except for Seifer were gathered. They had already gotten dressed up for the party. Zell was wearing a deep blue shirt and a pair of black pants. His hair was ever spikier than usual, and his long front bangs shined with gel. Squall was the one dressed most formally. Him being the Commander, he was obliged to 'set the example'. He was wearing pair of black pants, a white shirt tucked inside the pants, a black tie and the jacket of the suit on top, which he had now taken off. His hair was worn in its usual style.
The three were watching a game of Blitzball on TV. Esthar 'Tigers' versus Centra 'Lions'. So far, Zell's team, the 'Tigers', were winning 2-0. Irvine was bitching because his team, the rivals, were obviously losing. Squall wasn't much into Blitzball, so he just lay on the bed bored, resting his cheek on his balled fist. Irvine and Zell were sitting on a couple of chairs right in front of the TV on the table, drinking beers. Suddenly, the Esthar 'Tigers' scored another goal and Zell jumped up from his chair in delight.
- "HYNE DAMMIT!" yelled Irvine "The fucking judge must be bribed outta his mind! That was a pure foul just before the goal!"
- "Three to zero… Three to zero…" said Zell rhythmically, now dancing right in front of Irvine.
- "Damn, you guys… It's just a game…" said Squall rolling his eyes. Irvine and Zell both turned around immediately.
- "'Just a game'?" asked Irvine raising an eyebrow.
- "Dude, Blitzball is like…" said Zell lost for words "…like… religion…" he added exasperated.
- "O - K…" said Squall eyeing them weirdly. Irvine and Zell turned their attention back to the game which had resumed "By the way… Who's playing a Blitzball game on New Year's?" asked Squall.
- "Man, sometimes I think you don't live on this planet!" said Zell sarcastically.
- "Whatever… Forget I asked…" said Squall rolling his eyes.
- "This game was not aired yesterday because of the bad weather in Centra. They're showing it now." replied Irvine.
- "And I was supposed to know that because…?" asked Squall. Zell looked at him exasperated, trying to find the words "Forget it," said Squall motioning him to stop his desperate attempt "Don't you already know the score then?" he asked Irvine.
- "It's the last game of the season, so they didn't let it leak out. If they had, not many would have watched it on TV." replied Irvine.
- "Will you shut up already?! I'm trying to watch!" said Zell, keeping his eyes stuck on the screen.
Squall groaned and buried his head in his arms. He would have probably fallen asleep from boredom if it weren't for Irvine and Zell's constant shouts of either protest or delight. Suddenly, he heard the familiar sound of the news cast coming from the TV. He raised his head back up and looked at the screen puzzled. The game had been cut off and an urgent news cast was now about to be aired.
- "Aw c'mon!" groaned Zell, throwing his hands in the air.
- "Be quiet, this might be important…" said Squall sitting up on the bed.
The screen switched to the news studio of the Centranian channel they were watching. A young woman dressed in a suit was seated behind the desk, getting ready to speak.
- "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We're sorry to interrupt our program, but we have some urgent news to broadcast. The current President of Galbadia, Sirius Connelly, has just been reported missing. He was supposed to be attending a New Year's gala right now, but he never showed up. The Galbadian authorities are on their way to the President's residence as we speak. When we have more news on the subject we will interrupt our program again to keep you informed. Good night." said the news caster.
- "What the hell does she mean 'interrupt our program again'?! We've got a game to watch!" said Zell, as the screen switched back to the Blitzball match.
- "Dammit Zell, that was serious!" said Squall looking concerned.
- "Either way… We gotta get goin'…" said Irvine checking his watch "It's already 10:06."
- "But I wanna watch the game!" whined Zell as Irvine switched off the TV.
- "Me too, but what would you rather do? Miss the game or have Shizuka all over your case later on?" said Irvine. Zell stopped to think for a second "Let me put it simply. You either watch the game or don't get any for at least a week…"
- "Let's go…" said Zell getting up, putting his leather jacket on.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The four girls were sitting on the double bed in Squall and Rinoa's dorm, chatting. They were all ready for the party. Rinoa was wearing a black leather mini skirt, a deep blue top which tied up on the neck and had a completely bare back, with only one strap in the middle and a pair of black high-heeled boots. Shizuka was wearing a black strapless midi dress and a pair of black slippers. She had her hair worn up in a cute bun, with a few locks falling down on her cheeks. Selphie was the only one wearing pants. She wore a pair of black leather ones, a red strapless top which left her whole belly uncovered, revealing the belly ring she had recently gotten and a pair of black boots. She had done her hair all messy and her make-up was pretty wild. Quistis was wearing a silk white midi dress with no sleeves, which ended up into a turtleneck. Around the fabric of the neck an elegant grayish-white fur was tailored. She wore white slippers, had her hair let down and slightly wavy and had used silvery-white eye shadow on her eyelids.
The three girls -all except for Quistis- were talking vigorously; she was still feeling kind of down. She didn't like fighting with Seifer, especially when they were apart. What if he didn't come at all? What if they ended up spending New Year's apart? And how the hell would she survive a party with all the rest of her friends paired up?
- "Will you stop worrying?" said Selphie impatiently, as if she could read her thoughts "He'll come. I'll bet you anything…"
- "*Sigh* I just wish I hadn't snapped at him so bad…" said Quistis.
- "Well you shouldn't have, but either way, we all know how this ends…" began Zuka, looking at the rest of the girls meaningfully.
- "Yeah… You fight, you pretend to be mad at each other for a few hours, then make up… Repeat…" said Rinoa sarcastically.
- "It's become a daily routine…" added Selphie.
- "We do not do that all the time!" said Quistis, feeling kind of offended.
- "Need I refresh your memory?" asked Rinoa, raising an eyebrow.
**FLASHBACK**
Rinoa was lying on top of Squall in their bed, kissing him deeply. Squall moved his lips to her neck and began removing her underwear. Rinoa closed her eyes and moaned softly. Suddenly, some sort of noise was heard from the dorm right next to them. Both of them stopped and tried to listen carefully.
- "… always complaining! No matter… do… nothing… good enough for you!" came a male voice, muffled from the insulation provided by the walls.
- "…think…mad about that?! … can't believe you!" retorted a female voice.
Squall and Rinoa groaned and sighed in unison. Seifer and Quistis…
- "Hyne, not again…" said Squall, slapping his forehead with one palm.
- "Just ignore them…" mumbled Rinoa and leaned back in, kissing him.
- "…more do you want?!" yelled Seifer.
- "…see you… often!" replied Quistis.
- "…not my fault! You… too busy… with job as well! … hear me complaining?!"
- "…guess … don't care enough to!"
- "QUISTIS! Quistis…here RIGHT NOW!"
!BANG!
Squall and Rinoa winced at the loud thud and stopped doing anything else once again. That had obviously been the sound of a door slamming. They heard footsteps getting louder and louder and the creaking sound of a door opening.
- "QUISTIS GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!" roared Seifer from the hallway.
- "What the hell are they doing?!" said Squall angrily "They'll wake up the whole damn corridor!"
Right then, came a firm knock on their door.
- "You have GOT to be kidding me!" groaned Squall in indignation. Rinoa rolled off of him and reached for her robe lying on a chair next by "Rinoa, don't answer it!" hissed Squall.
- "I have to! They're our friends, Squall!" Rinoa whispered.
- "Hyne dammit…" Squall cursed under his breath.
Rinoa tightened up her robe and walked over to the door, opening it. She found Quistis waiting outside, dressed in a pair of lavender pajama bottoms and a white camisole, her red hair worn up in a ponytail.
- "Hey, sorry about the hour, but could I stay here tonight?" asked Quistis.
Rinoa ran a hand through her messed up hair and grinned at Quistis awkwardly.
- "Quisty, this really isn't a good time…" she replied.
The sound of more footsteps was heard. Quistis turned her head to the right, seeing an enraged Seifer approaching, dressed in a pair of black sweatpants. She shot him a poisonous glare and barged inside the room. Rinoa sighed and turned to look at Seifer.
- "Hi Seifer…" she said wearily.
- "Hi Rinoa," he said, walking inside the room as well. He walked over to Quistis grabbed her arm and tried to pull her outside "Bye Rinoa…" he said, attempting to leave the room.
Squall was sitting up the bed, arms resting behind his back, a furious expression spread on his face. Quistis yanked her arm from Seifer's grasp, as Rinoa walked inside too, closing the door behind her.
- "I'm not sleeping in the same room as you tonight!" said Quistis stubbornly, crossing her arms, avoiding looking at Seifer. Seifer was about to answer, when Squall butted in.
- "What's the idea with you two?!" he said indignantly "Gonna keep everyone up?" he asked.
- "I don't suppose we woke you up?" retorted Seifer sarcastically.
- "That's right! I was not sleeping!" he said angrily.
- "I can see that…" replied Seifer raising an eyebrow, while looking at both Squall and Rinoa "Come on Quistis, let's go." he said firmly, motioning her to come out with him.
- "I'm not going anywhere with you." Quistis spat back, still not facing him.
- "They said they want to be left alone and they're right!" Seifer said.
- "Am I bothering you Rin?" Quistis asked, turning to look at her friend. Rinoa grinned and tried to answer politely, but Seifer beat her to it.
- "Yes you are! Now come on!" he hissed, grabbing her wrist again.
- "I'm not leaving!" Quistis insisted, earning glares from both Squall and Rinoa "I meant not with him!" she added.
- "Stop acting so Hyne damn selfish and let's go!" said Seifer, dragging her to the door.
- "Look who's talking about selfishness! 'Mr. Ego' himself!" said Quistis sarcastically, struggling to stay back.
Seifer stopped in his tracks and let go of her hand. He crossed his arms in front of his bare chest and glared at her.
- "Do you mean that?" he asked, although it sounded a whole lot more like a threat.
- "Every – single – word." said Quistis, smirking.
Seifer knew she didn't, but if she wanted to play it hard, so would he.
- "So says 'Miss Walking-Iceberg'," Seifer spat back, knowing he'd hit her right where it hurt the most. Quistis' eyes narrowed and her lips parted "And I mean it," added Seifer sneering "Every – single – word." he said, imitating her.
Rinoa bit her lip and Squall pursed his lips at that remark 'Now there'll be Hell to pay…' both thought. Quistis' eyes narrowed even more and she made a move to slap him. However, Seifer had been counting on that, so he grabbed her wrist in mid-air, ducked and threw her up on his right shoulder. He grabbed her legs with one arm, to prevent her from starting kicking him, and with a broad grin on his face, made his way to the door.
- "The door if you please Rinoa." he said smugly.
Rinoa shook her head in disbelief and opened it, ignoring Quistis' protests and pleads for help.
- "'Night…" said Seifer, strolling out to the hallway.
Rinoa closed the door behind him and sighed in relief. Within seconds, the creak and the thud of a door closing were heard. Squall opened his mouth to speak, but Rinoa pressed her index finger to her lips, motioning him to remain silent.
- "… don't believe you!" Quistis' voice was heard again.
- "… shut up and listen?!" Seifer yelled back.
- "… to what?"
- "… don't you understand… everything… do… do it for you?!"
Silence. Rinoa grinned and approached Squall on the bed again. Moments later, the sound of a high-pitched squeal came from the room next-door…
**END OF FLASHBACK**
Rinoa looked at Quistis meaningfully after finishing her narration. Selphie and Shizuka giggled, while Quistis rolled her eyes and remained silent. The door knocked just then and Zuka walked over to open it. She found the three guys waiting for them outside, Irvine standing in front.
- "Are all of you dolls ready?" he asked grinning.
- "All set!" said Zuka cheerfully walking inside to pick up her coat.
Irvine stepped inside as well, walking over to the bed. He extended both his arms to Selphie and Quistis and spoke.
- "Will you ladies give me the pleasure of being the only man escorting two beauties to the party tonight?" he asked, smiling charmingly.
- "With such a smile…" began Quistis grinning.
- "…how could we refuse?" added Selphie.
- "But the beauty in white will have to forgive me for not being the one to monopolize her night," said Irvine "I'm only filling in until her real escort comes…" he added, winking at her. Quistis scoffed.
- "Yes… When he arrives, he'll be the one in need of an escort after I'm done with him…" she said sarcastically.
Irvine chuckled and offered his arms to the two girls.
- "Come on, we're gonna be late…" said Rinoa putting her coat on "Angelo, be a good boy now…" she added, stroking her dog's head.
Angelo barked and walked over by the bed, lying down on the carpet. The aforementioned trio and two more couples walked down the dormitory corridors, heading towards the ballroom on the 2nd floor.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Garden ballroom was already filled with people when the seven friends arrived. The dance floor was roaming with students dancing and all the tables except for a few were full. Right over the large doorway a banner reading 'New Year's party 2004' was hung. The place was sparkling with Christmas-like decorations, while the huge Christmas tree was still standing glorious at the far corner of the ballroom. A large electronic screen was hung up on the wall, set in a countdown to midnight. The gang all walked towards their reserved table.
- "Wow… What a turn-out!" admired Rinoa "Well done Selph!"
- "Yeah Selphie, great job…" agreed Squall.
- "It's even better than the Christmas party and that already rocked!" added Zell.
- "You guys are making me blush…" said Selphie covering her burning red cheeks.
- "But seriously… We've done one hell of a job…" said Irvine looking around.
Quistis was the only one not talking. She was staring blankly at nowhere in particular. Rinoa noticed her and groaned.
- "Snap out of it already! I can't see you be down like that!" she said exasperated.
- "Huh?" asked Quistis jolting back to reality.
- "Ungh! Zell, please take her to dance, or else she'll rot on her chair!" said Zuka.
- "With pleasure…" said Zell getting up, dragging a protesting Quistis over to the dance floor.
- "If Seifer doesn't hurry up and come, I'm gonna kill him with my bare hands!" said Rinoa.
- "Tell me about it… So… Who's gonna go get us drinks?" asked Selphie sweetly, batting her eyelashes at Irvine.
- "What, me?" whined Irvine. Selphie nodded, extending her bottom lip "Dammit! I hate it when you go all cute on me!"
- "Yeah, but it works…" said Selphie hugging him "Screwdriver. Lemon, not orange." she added, giving him a peck on the nose.
- "What about you guys?" asked Irvine sighing.
- "I'll have a Margarita." said Zuka.
- "Same." said Rinoa.
- "Squall?" asked Irvine.
- "I'll come help you carry them…" the Commander replied, getting up.
The two guys left their table and walked over to the bar, making a stop on the dance floor first, where Zell and Quistis were.
- "We're going over for drinks. Want anything?" Squall asked the dancing duet.
- "I'll have a beer." said Zell.
- "A Martini for me." said Quistis.
- "Shake it…" said Irvine chuckling, winking at Quistis as they left for the bar.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seifer was running down the Garden's front yard, towards the Gates. He checked his watch 'Damn it! 11:48,' he thought 'I'll barely make it to the countdown!' He ran to the Gates, where the old man who stood guard for as long as he could remember, stopped him.
- "Whoa, whoa there Seifer…" he said; he knew the blond SeeD from his very first years in Garden. Besides, who didn't?
- "I'm in a hurry Mr. Stanford!" said Seifer out of breath "I'll miss the countdown!"
- "Go, go…" said the old man laughing, letting Seifer pass.
The blond sprinted down the empty corridors of Garden. He was holding his suitcase on one hand and his Hyperion case in the other. He knew his train would be arriving just in time, so he took the opportunity to change for the party in his cabin. He now wore a pair of black pants, a deep green shirt hanging loose, a black tie and a black leather jacket on top. He had his hair gelled up in messy spikes, giving a funky tune to his otherwise formal attire. Seifer checked his watch once more as he approached the Dormitory hallway. 11:52. He ran faster until he reached his dorm. He hastily took out his keycard and slid it through the receptor of the machine on the door. He hurried inside, threw his luggage on the floor, then ran to the bathroom. He checked himself on the mirror, running a hand through his hair and sprinted back out of the room.
In lightning speed, he reached the Main Hall and walked -or rather jumped- up the stairs. He called the elevator and quickly walked inside, pressing the button for the 2nd floor. He checked his watch yet again. 11:58 'Come on… Come on…' he thought nervously, as the elevator went up too damn slow for him. He finally reached the 2nd floor and ran down the corridor to the ballroom.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Quistis was checking her watch for the one thousandth time that night. 11:57. She sighed deeply 'He's not coming…' she thought, resting her face on both palms. Although her anxiety had gotten annoying all night, right now her friends could understand her. They all shot each other awkward looks, as they saw the depressed expression on her face.
- "I swear to Hyne, I'm gonna strangle Almasy…" Zell whispered to Irvine.
- "Trust me, you're not the only on with such intentions…" replied Irvine.
- "Alright everyone!" called the DJ through the microphone "Get ready for the final countdown!"
The numbers on the electronic screen now read '00:00:21'. All the students got up from their tables. Quistis reluctantly got up, feeling as if she couldn't care less. Selphie sighed, feeling incredibly sorry for her friend. She held Irvine's hand and her look wandered a bit around the room in boredom. Her green sparkly eyes grew wide as soon as they spotted the entrance, though.
- "QUISTY! Over there! Look!" shouted Selphie cheerfully, nudging her friend on the ribs, pointing towards the entrance "Seifer's here!"
Quistis immediately turned around and saw Seifer who had just ran inside the ballroom, panting, trying to catch his breath. He looked around trying to spot Quistis. He finally saw Selphie, jumping up and down, moving all her limbs frantically for him to notice, laying a rogue punch on Irvine's eye in the process. Seifer's face lightened up as he hastily walked through the crowds, towards the table. Quistis left her friends, running towards him as well. The countdown had already begun.
'TEN!' roared the whole ballroom.
Seifer pushed aside anyone he found on his way, not bothering to apologize.
'…NINE…!'
Quistis squeezed her way through the hordes of people gathered on the dance floor.
'…EIGHT…!'
He was getting close to her, he could she her smiling at him from about thirty feet away.
'…SEVEN…!'
She saw him clearly now. She was steadily approaching him.
'…SIX…!'
Damn it, couldn't these people see he was in a hurry?
'…FIVE…!'
She was getting close… He was only a few feet away… Damn all that crowd…
'…FOUR…!'
Almost there… He was reaching her…
'…THREE…!'
She was near… Very near…
'…TWO…!'
He grabbed her outstretched arm and pulled her close to him, pushing away the very few people who were parting them now. She found herself inches away from him.
'…ONE!'
He pulled her close from the waist, while she wrapped her arms around his neck. The lights switched off for a second and their faces came close. They both felt the room go mute in silence and could only hear the hot, heavy breath of each other, as their burning lips united. The lights went back on when they closed their eyes.
'HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!'
They both pulled back after a few seconds, looking at the fireworks blowing up gloriously right outside. Glittery confetti and colorful balloons reading 'Happy New Year!' or 'Year 2004!' came falling from the ceiling, showering every soul in the room. Seifer and Quistis turned back to look at each other.
- "Happy new year Sei…" whispered Quistis, smiling.
- "Happy new year Quis…" whispered Seifer, pulling her chin up with his index finger.
Quistis gladly accepted another kiss from her boyfriend, kissing him back with the same longing and lust. When they broke apart, Seifer rested his forehead against hers and hugged her tightly.
- "Thought I wouldn't come, did ya?" he asked grinning.
- "For a moment…" she replied. Well, at least half the truth was better than an outright lie…
- "Could I ever leave my kitten alone on such a day?" he asked looking at her.
- "When your kitten acts like a neurotic bitch, yes…" said Quistis grinning.
- "Not neurotic," said Seifer putting his arm around her shoulder "Just a bit… moody…" he said smiling, as they walked back to their table.
- "Fair enough…" she said grinning, holding his waist, resting her head on his shoulder.
- "You look like an angel tonight," he whispered to her ear "I knew that dress would look perfect on you…"
- "Thanks…" said Quistis blushing.
Seifer smiled at her cute awkwardness and leaned down to give her a peck. They couple reached the table where their friends were seated, joining them.
- "Happy New Year, everyone…" said Seifer to the three couples sitting on the table.
- "Damn it man, what took you so long?!" said Zell.
- "You got Quisty all down and depressed all day…" said Selphie.
- "Did I now?" asked Seifer grinning, looking at Quistis, who blushed profusely.
The couple, sat down on the table next to the others. Quistis sat on Seifer's lap, hugging him tightly. She began removing confetti pieces that had gotten in between his spikes of hair, as he tenderly kissed her hands. Zell and Shizuka who were sitting right across them were watching them.
- "Aww… Look at them… Aren't they cute?" said Zuka grinning.
- "I'm sorry, but I can't bring myself to see Almasy as 'cute'… Ever…" replied Zell. Shizuka laughed.
- "I meant as a couple." she added, grinning.
- "They're OK, I guess," said Zell shrugging "But I think we look cuter together…" he said, looking at her.
Zuka smiled at him and gave him a kiss. Right next to them, Squall was talking to Laguna on his cell-phone, while caressing Rinoa's hair, who had her head on his shoulder.
- "Happy New Year to you too Laguna…" he said, sounding a bit bored.
- "Kisses from Rinoa!" said Rinoa, reaching up to talk –or rather shout- to the receiver.
- "He kisses you back…" said Squall, giving her a glare "How's Ellone? Can I talk to her? Yeah, I'll wait… *Pause* Hey Sis… Happy New Year… Yeah, we're all fine… How are you? Uh-huh… *Laughter* She's right here next to me…"
- "Is that Ellone?" asked Rinoa. Squall nodded "Oh, gimme, gimme!" she said, snatching the cell-phone from his hands "Happy New Year Ellone! How's Ethan? *Giggle* Give him lots of kisses! Sure… Yeah, it's all good… Do you want Squall back? OK, buh-bye!" she said handing the phone back to her boyfriend.
- "Hey," said Squall "Who's Ethan? How come I didn't know about him? Yeah, yeah… OK… Send my regards to Laguna and everyone, k? Bye…" he said, hanging up.
- "'Send my regards'? Really, Squall…" said Rinoa, rolling her eyes.
- "What about that 'Kisses from Rinoa!'?" said Squall, mimicking her voice, crossing his arms.
- "Hey, I just happen to like my future father-in-law…" she replied grinning.
- "Your WHAT?!" asked Squall, his eyes shooting wide open.
- "Just kiddin' sugar…" said Rinoa laughing, kissing him on the cheek.
Irvine and Selphie laughed heartily at the scene between Squall and Rinoa. Selphie was feeding Irvine some pizza they'd brought over from the buffet. They were sitting right across Squall and Rinoa, next to Quistis and Seifer.
- "So Seifer," said Irvine through a full mouth "How'd the mission go?"
Seifer nuzzled his head out of Quistis' neck and looked at the cowboy.
- "Boring as hell," he replied "All I had to do was play bodyguard for some jackass…"
- "Who?" asked Selphie.
- "Oh, hey… I didn't tell you!" said Seifer chuckling, looking at Quistis.
- "What?" she asked grinning.
- "Remember when I told you the mission was about a certain ministry?" he asked. Quistis nodded "Well, guess which one it was!"
- "I dunno…Which one?" said Quistis shrugging.
- "The Ministry of Defense!" said Seifer, now laughing along with Quistis.
- "You're kidding!" said Quistis between chuckles.
- "What? What's so funny?" asked Selphie.
- "Oh Hyne," said Quistis fanning herself "Remember a few months ago when me, Seifer, Xu, Zell and some others went on a mission to Galbadia?" she asked.
- "Yeah…" said Selphie.
- "Remember the guy we worked for? Lucius Wallace?" asked Seifer.
- "Him again?!" asked Selphie grinning. Quistis and Seifer both nodded.
- "Didn't that guy use to fancy you Quis?" asked Irvine.
- "I think he still does…" said Seifer smirking "You shoulda seen the look on his face when he saw me…"
- "Talking about Galbadia… Did you guys hear about the President missing?" asked Irvine. All of them looked at him puzzled.
- "No… When did that happen?" asked Quistis.
- "We heard it on the news right before we came to get you for the party." replied Irvine.
- "That's all they said?" asked Quistis.
- "Yeah, they were sending troops over to his residence to check things out. That's all we heard." replied Irvine.
- "Wow…" said Selphie "This could be serious, huh? Didn't you hear anything… 'weird' while in Deling, Seifer?" she asked him.
- "No nothing." said Seifer shrugging "Although…" he added, rubbing his chin.
- "What?" asked Quistis softly.
- "I didn't want to tell you to upset you," began Seifer "But when I was on my way to the station, someone pulled me into an alley and rendered me unconscious with chloroform…"
- "WHAT?!" asked Quistis worriedly "Did you see who it was?"
- "No… But when I woke up nothing was missing. And I wasn't bruised or anything either…" he replied "Either way, I don't see how this could be connected to the President's disappearance…"
- "Yeah, but it's not something you should take lightly…" said Irvine.
- "I know, but there's nothing I can really do… Besides, nothing was stolen or misplaced…" said Seifer.
- "You should report it to Cid and Squall." suggested Quistis.
- "I will. As soon as I give them my full report." replied Seifer "Anyway… Enough of this… Let's go dance…" he said getting up.
The tall blond, pulled his girlfriend to the dance floor, closely followed by Selphie and Irvine. He held her close to him and wrapped his arms around her, gently rocking her to the beat of the soft Blues song…
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The time was past four in the morning when they decided to wrap the party up. The ballroom began emptying slowly, as tired students and Garden staff all made their way back to their quarters. The four couples all stayed behind though, waiting for Selphie to receive congratulations from everyone. They were now all talking to Cid and Edea, who were the last people remaining in the room, besides the cleaning personnel.
- "It was a wonderful party Selphie," said Edea stretching from tiredness in Cid's arms "Well done…"
- "Thank you Matron…" said Selphie blushing.
- "And now we can all get back to our work after that enjoyable break." added Cid.
- "*Sigh* Here goes the workaholic again…" said Edea, making everyone chuckle.
- "Well, I guess we should all wish you a good night… Or rather good morning…" said Squall.
- "Indeed…" said Cid yawning, starting to walk towards the exit.
- "By the way," Edea whispered to Seifer's ear, who was right next to her "I loved your impressive entrance tonight at the party…"
Seifer grinned, rubbing the back of his hair awkwardly. Edea gave Quistis a wink, making her blush a bit. Seifer had always been Edea's favorite. And she was more that happy to see him with Quistis, since they seemed to have fitted so well together…
The quartet of couples bid Cid and Edea goodnight and began walking back to their dorms, exhausted. They all talked about the excellent party that had just reached its end. The girls gossiped a bit about the rumors and general whatnot that they'd heard while there, as the guys talked about the game of Blitzball they'd missed. Irvine got an opportunity to pick on Zell, since the match had finally ended 7-4, in favor of the Centra 'Lions', Irvine's team. It seemed like after the three consecutive goals Centra had received, they decided to get serious and play better. The four couples reached their dorms after a few minutes, one by one bidding the others goodnight and retiring to their rooms. Squall and Rinoa where the ones closer to Quistis and Seifer's, so they were the last to walk them to their dorm.
- "Hwaah!" yawned Rinoa, stretching "G'night guys… See you in the morning… noon… or whatever…" she added, putting her arm around Squall's waist, walking inside their room with him.
- "Selphie pulled out a really good one tonight, huh?" asked Seifer, digging into his pocket for his key-card.
- "Always…" replied Quistis "She's great at that stuff."
- "So," said Seifer sliding his card into the receptor "Are you tired?" he asked raising an eyebrow.
- "Not in your life…" said Quistis grinning mischievously, pushing him into the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later on at night, Quistis was lying in Seifer's arms, under the covers of their double bed. She had her head resting on his chest, laying one palm on it, while he had his arms around her back. They were both sleeping peacefully, oblivious that this was the last carefree moment they'd be spending together for a very long time…
A/N: Alrighty, this chapter came out big! *Phew* OK, as of the next chapter, we're starting to get to the heart of the plot. No more foolin' around…
ON THE NEXT CHAPTER OF 'THE BEGINNING, IS THE END, IS THE BEGINNING':
The only thing I can say about the next chapter, is that it will be weird. And it will seem out of place. And it will confuse you. But trust me, I have my reasons…