~*~ When Did This Happen? ~*~
:: Seiftis. Squffie hints. (Quistis x Seifer, Squall x Selphie) ::
Chapter Twenty-Three: Ray of Hope
~Silverium~
Disclaimer: Squaresoft. Not Silver.
For the first time, in a long time, Quistis was smiling. It felt good to be back, doing work. Her help had been limited but it made her realize she'd still be part of the group even if she couldn't see. But she missed her sunrises terribly, and she missed her sunsets more. Grabbing her cane she felt for her door and palmed it open, slipping outside. Xu had gone through her closet and separated all the colours, providing the blonde with custom-made outfits so she'd never have to worry if she matched or clashed. It was important to Trepe to look good.
Dressed in her old uniform with her ribs bandaged underneath, Quistis ambled down the hallway and into the elevator. She hit the third floor and strolled up to where Nida would be working, steering Garden or just handling the controls.
"Hello Quistis, you're looking happy," His soft voice spoke out,
"Thank you Nida, I'm feeling better," Quistis allowed, "Thank you for patching Selphie through to me, she needed some help,"
"Not a problem, just goes to show how much they need you," Nida nodded, "You're a key part of Garden,"
Quistis smiled, very pleased with his statement, "Well, I'm one of the keys then, all the senior SeeDs are important. What would we do with out Squall as our leader, Irvine our sniper and you our navigator?"
"Heh, well, without me you wouldn't go anywhere, or, worse, Selphie would steer."
Quistis performed a mock-groan, "Ah, that's terrible. I take it you've been in the Ragnarok with her?"
"Oh yes, that was…uh…exciting." Nida laughed, a brassy sound that Quistis enjoyed.
"Quistis, how about we go for some tea, Xu and I were going to walk through the gardens later, why don't you come with us? We three haven't had a get-together in awhile."
"That would be wonderful," Quistis whispered, but she was a little disappointed. She would miss the flowers in bloom.
Sitting with Xu and Nida on stone benches in one of the decorative gardens in Balamb was relaxing. Quistis sat, her posture perfect, with a cup of tea in her cupped hands staring out into the black nothingness she had become accustomed to.
Had someone come into the room it would look like Quistis, in uniform with sunglasses, was admiring the roses in front of her, but Quistis didn't know there were flowers in front of her. She couldn't tell.
It was an empty existence, this, and the blonde was realizing how much she had taken sight for granted. It had been stupid of her to do so. Desperately she prayed that an antidote would be found, but would it be too late? What if her vision was terminated forever? She'd never see the sky again, nor the ocean-green of Seifer Almasy's eyes.
Seifer.
They had grown closer without realizing it. Automatically they had fit together like pieces of a puzzle, and then they had seen it for themselves how well they matched. She hoped he was okay. His coming to Garden had been such a shock, and she was surprised that very few people harboured any dislike for him. They had seen Rinoa controlled, and it had changed their mind, anyone could get sucked in, and Seifer had been silently forgiven. He actually worked in his classes now, Quistis had asked Xu and she had replied that his grades were in good shape. It had surprised Quistis, but then again, it hadn't, Seifer had a great determination. If he wanted to do something he would.
"So Quistis, what are your plans for today?" Xu broached,
"I'm going to the gym," Quistis responded, "I need to keep in shape,"
"Are you sure? Your ribs…"
"I'll be fine Xu, I'm only going to go arm weights and maybe jog in place. I'm on strict orders from Dr. Kadowaki to not over do myself." Quistis resisted the urge to sigh,
"Keep a phone nearby, Selphie might decide to call again," Nida suggested brightly,
Again Quistis smiled, "Yes, I will. This has been great you two, thanks for inviting me. I need to see the doctor again but then if you need me I'll be in the gym."
Inside the doctor's office Quistis sat on a bed and took off her sunglasses. Kadowaki leaned over and pulled off the bandages then clucked her tongue. Quistis was bored with the visits already, it was the same old same—
"I think you've gained a bit more pigment, Quistis, the white film looks thinner. It might be my imagination though," Kadowaki sounded surprised.
"Really?" Quistis felt her heart tremor, "You can see blue?"
"It's still very faint, but I think the stronger medicine has helped a little. I don't dare make it stronger though, but this is good, most likely you can be cured."
"Oh!" Quistis jumped off the table and uncharacteristically hugged Dr. Kadowaki, a radiant smile on her face, "Thank you! Thank you!" She shrieked, dancing in place and bouncing like Selphie usually did.
The doctor laughed, relieved to see such a happy Quistis Trepe standing near her, "Calm down girl, we still need the antidote,"
"Seifer will get it," Quistis said, hushed, "I know he will."
