One Good Deed

By Caelia

Chapter Six: falling stars

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Reiko tossed her purse down on the island in their joint kitchen and walked into her room letting the door shut behind her. Skyeli remained on her floor, fascinated by the color of her own blood. Seifer, unsure of himself and her, stood frozen in the doorframe. He shook his head, forgetting the nightmares momentarily, and entered the room. As he was lowering himself next to her, Skyeli looked up, smiled and waved. He grabbed the limp arm dangling before him and examined the cut. Pressing the skin back together with his thumbs while ignoring the blood dripping down onto his coat, he chanted Cure.

Even on the brink of collapse, Skyeli could feel the magic working its way through her body. Flowing in by means of her left wrist, then traveling through her heart and ending on her right palm.

It took only moments to heal the self-inflicted wounds, but Seifer knew that gashes such as these, created by severe emotion, would never fade. After all, such a scar marked his face. Removing his coat and opening the bathroom door, Seifer took hold of Skyeli's upper-arms and dragged her up into a position that enabled him to carry her to the tub. He stood over her for a second. One of her legs had gotten caught on the edge and was hanging out. Her matted hair moved about as her head lolled from side to side as she tried to gain enough control to understand her surroundings. He knew then that it didn't matter if he had cast Cure on her; the magic didn't restore the blood that covered the floor.

Leaving her in the tub, he pulled a rag from the linen closet and quickly wiped up her mess. Once finished, Seifer walked over to the telephone and dialed a familiar number.

"Hello? Quistis? I have large favor to ask you…"

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Her head hurt, bad. She felt like she had just had another long night with Caine. If this is death, I'm not sure I can handle it… But then she knew that the headache wasn't caused by a long night with her ex-boyfriend and Reiko. The suffering was most definitely a result of the bright lighting. She could feel the neon glow through closed eyes and knew that her headache would only grow if she dared to open those eyes. The best she could do to orient herself with her surroundings was to feel her way around.

She didn't realize she couldn't move until her focus moved away from the lights overhead and onto her body. There were tight straps, pressing down on her breasts, stomach, thighs, knees and ankles. She could feel other bindings around her forearms, but wasn't certain that their purpose was to restrain. In a final effort to feel her way out of the situation, she wiggled her fingers. The soft flesh scraped against the plastic blankets. She was somewhere sterile. Reminded her of a hospital…

The voices drifted in…

"I've done this much, you can't seriously expect…" soft, female, but commanding. This one was the Goddess.

"I know, I know, but I really need you to make this happen…" darker and tired, but obviously in control. This one was Hyne.

"Seifer…"

Seifer…? Well, shit.

"… You cannot really believe that I would allow this girl to take the exam. She has a psychological record, a disciplinary record, and now we're adding on an attempted suicide. This is not SeeD material and you know it." Quistis insisted. "Why are you even fighting for her? She's not a friend of yours."

"I know that, but I think she is more like me than any of you are willing to realize. Being a SeeD might give her more focus. Besides, when did all this psychological problems arise? After the Second Sorceress War?" he asked in hopes of finding a loophole using the information Irvine had earlier hinted at.

"I don't know. I would have to look it up…" she said, faltering.

"Okay then, she hasn't done the GF prerequisite yet, right? Give her to me for the two weeks before the exam. Take her out of the classes and let me train with her, one-on-one. If I can help her to become a successful member of SeeD, Squall might allow me to apply for the instructor position," Seifer softened his tone and gave her an entreating look. "You know how hard I've been working for that…" Sigh for dramatic effect.

The blonde instructor couldn't bear they way he was looking at her and turned her eyes to the ground. "Well, I suppose…"

"Great!" Seifer broke off his injured puppy act and immediately got down to business. "Alright, so let's see if we can wake her, because we need to get her out of here before anyone knows any better. You can tell me who you assigned as her partners and her control for the exam later."

Quistis just sighed and followed Seifer into one of the back rooms of the Infirmary, mumbling the entire way. "Would've thought I'd grown out of this… Should've stood up to him… I'm stronger than that… Damnit." Approaching the railing of the bed, Quistis glanced down on the girl bellow her. Even when she should have been fully at ease, tension still drew her porcelain face tight. She wasn't beautiful, but there was something about her that definitely had pull. Quistis's gaze lingered down to the girl's hands. "Looks like the patient is waking up," she said as she pointed down to the moving fingers.

Seifer stopped unfastening the strap across Skyeli's chest and nodded. "Why don't you start down at her feet? It'll move faster," he ordered, returning to the lock he had been toying with. "We're going to need to clean this up so the good Doctor doesn't know we were here."

Quistis unhooked the lock around Skyeli's ankles and moved to her knees. "Once we get her out of bed, you support or hold her or something and I'll put these bonds back where I found them." With that said, the two blondes worked in silence until the final binding had been removed and the last IV tube cleared. Quistis shook her head. "The only thing I won't be able to explain is the blood packet we used."

"Just don't through it out here, and we should be okay." Seifer reached into the bed and placed his hands on the sleeping girl's shoulders. "Skyeli… wake up," he said awkwardly. Quistis looked quickly from one to the other, then reached into the bed and closed a gloved hand around the girl's nose. Skyeli gave a little cough and her eyes sprang open.

Seifer regarded Quistis with shock. "How did you know that would work?"

She just shrugged in response. "Sometimes it works on Zell." She turned to Skyeli. "Do you need help sitting up?" Skyeli barely opened her mouth when Seifer answered for her.

"No time for that. Get ready to move all this shit out of here." With no further warning, Seifer planted his arms firmly around her waist and knees and plucked her out of the bed. The minute Skyeli's butt left the hard, standard bed; Quistis began folding the bindings in intricate manners. Skyeli found that she liked this new resting place, uncomfortable and awkward as it was, much more than the previous one. She could feel one of his hands on her leg and the other was suspiciously close to her breast. But still…

"Seifer, I'm not an invalid. I can walk put me down!" she hissed. He glared.

"Hyne, you are ungrateful. Alright, fine, Quistis is still locking those things up, so we'll try this your way." Keeping the one hand under her arm for support, he dropped the hand holding up her legs and permitted them to fall to the ground. When her bare feet touched the tile floor, Seifer released his hold on her back.

Quistis was shutting the locker when she heard a piercing scream from somewhere across the Infirmary. Glancing down to make sure the lock was in place, she sprinted off to where she had left Seifer. "What happened?! Is everything…" The question died on her lips as she looked a Seifer standing smugly above the crumpled body of Skyeli. Quistis narrowed her eyes. "Seifer! Give me one good reason why I should leave her in your care?"

"I was merely reminding her that sometimes it is necessary to rely on others in order to complete the mission." Seifer flashed a toothy grin to Quistis, and then bent over to pick Skyeli up. "Told you so. You lost too much blood; even with what we gave back to you you're not strong enough. Here, get on my back." He turned back to Quistis, "Ready?" Quistis nodded and lead the way to the exit.

The odd trio made its way quietly through the halls. Ever since Gardenmaster Norg had been destroyed most of the Garden faculty had left, so no one guarded the entrances to the different areas at night. Not that it had really mattered if they were there or not since all the areas, except the Training Center and the Dorms, were locked at night anyway. Because of her job, Quistis had the code to the Infirmary, which made her the perfect person for Seifer to call. They remained together as far as the elevator leading up to the second level dorms for high ranking SeeDs.

Quistis looked over at Seifer. Reminds me of what Squall looked like when he carried Rinoa to Esthar. In denial every step of the way. "Remember that tomorrow afternoon, Squall wants to have a lunch meeting. Around noon I think. In the Cafeteria, I'm sure you'll be welcome…" She smiled then let to doors of the elevator close behind her. Seifer turned and walked the rest of the way to Skyeli's room.

He stopped three doors short of her room. "Fuck."

"What? What's wrong?" Skyeli's head popped up from where it had been resting on his shoulder. "Seifer, did you forget? My room is right there."

"Yeah, I remember…" his tone was yielding.

"Um, so go in then." Skyeli urged

"Bet your roommate is in there…"

"I don't know," she sighed. "I'm tired Seifer. What's the point of standing out here? "

"She saw us tonight. Reiko saw you tonight, lying in a pool of your own blood. How are we going to cover up your suicide attempt if she knows? Maybe we can get her to cooperate or maybe since she was only there for a second she won't remember…" Seifer rambled off in desperation.

In an effort to redirect Seifer's focus, Skyeli said the first thing that came to mind. "Listen, Almasy, it's really simple. You just open up these wounds, put me on the floor and let me bleed to death in the middle of the hallway. That way you don't have to worry about what Reiko says. "

Seifer stopped talking.

"Glad to see I have your attention. Seifer, she doesn't care what I do. In fact, she's probably not even in the room anymore. She's not going to tell anyone because it was just, and I quote, 'Another pathetic attempt at regaining popularity.' Reiko thinks that I do shit so people will notice me. The last things she's going to do is draw attention to me, so can I please go to sleep? I have a feeling that I'm going to be very upset in the morning."

"Fine, but I'm staying with you. I'll explain all the changes in the morning. And don't even try to protest, I'm looking at you as a very important investment in my future."

"How flattering…" Skyeli murmured as she dropped her head back onto his shoulder. Seifer said no more and resumed walking to her door, stopping in front of it. She was again forced to lift her head and enter the required code. By this point the stress of the evening had begun to wear on Seifer as well. Walking into the common area, he made a quick note of Reiko's open door and empty bed then turned into Skyeli's room. He dropped her on the bed and then threw himself down next to her. Skyeli fell asleep mid-fall, while Seifer passed out upon hitting the pillow.

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She felt warm waking up. It was an odd sensation. Her bed was always so cold and she wasn't even under the covers this morning. That was of course when she realized she was wrapped around the largest heating pad in the world. She rolled off to her side and propped her head up on her left hand. Skyeli smiled. She was lying between her wall and Seifer. Seifer, who was completely unconscious, lay there with his left arm tossed over his eyes while his right arm disappeared under Skyeli's waist. He had been holding her. Skyeli smiled.

He felt his warmth slipping away. It was a horrible sensation. He was always so cold, inside and outside, and now this newfound protection was leaving him so soon. Seifer grunted and removed his arm from his eyes only to see that he was lying in an empty bed. The blonde warrior jumped out of bed, fully awake now.

"Skyeli?"

The bathroom door pushed open to reveal his temporary roommate brushing her teeth. Her hair and clothes were tangled and rumpled. She pulled the toothbrush out of her mouth, leaned over the sink and spit. "You rang?"

Seifer forced a smirk despite his relief. "Just making sure you didn't repeat last night's escapade."

"Ah, yes. Speaking of which, you have a lot to account for. Number one: why didn't you mind your own business and let me die? Number two: since you didn't do that, what is the Disciplinary Committee going to do to me? And… I can't think of anything else right now, but it doesn't matter anyway. I'm late for class; so, you'll have to answer that later." Skyeli moved to shut the door again so she could change into her uniform without being watched. Seifer's hand blocked the door from closing.

"Don't bother.  We have plenty of time so I'll explain it to you now, kid. I did save you last night, so get used to living 'cause you're going to be doing it for a long time. Also I need you as much as you need me. Without me, you would have been expelled from the Garden last night and admitted to a psychiatric institute. Without you, I have no way of proving that I'm reading to take the Instructor's Exam. To answer you second question; the Discipline Committee isn't taking action against you, because as far as it's concerned nothing out of the ordinary happened last night. And, by the way, you're not late for class since you are no longer part of Instructor Tilmitt's class. That about sums it up." Seifer sped through the explanation.

Skyeli was unconvinced. "Back up, Seifer. What do you mean you need me to take the Instructor's Exam? Since when were you interested in that?"

"Ha, didn't you know? That's my dream these days. Become a SeeD, get Instructor's License. That's it and saving your ass has become my ticket. As of now, you've been removed from the regular program and are now participating in a one-on-one training program. I'm not sure if you'll still be taking the exam at the end of next week, but it's better than what Quistis was offering…"

"Speaking of which, where did you get the right to do all this? You can't just steal me from my classes to conduct some weird experiment on me to see if you can be an instructor!" she exploded, her breath becoming labored. She was tired of being poked and prodded by the entire Garden. She was tired of people never understanding her. When Skyeli spoke again it was near whisper, "Why don't you see? It would have been so much better if you hadn't interfered."

Seifer remained completely unmoved by all her tantrums. "Get used to it, kid, 'cause I did."

"But why?"

He hesitated. He still didn't have an answer to that, no matter how many people asked him. Looking towards the door, he stood and said, "I should go. I need to shower and talk to Squall about the changes. To answer your question, Quistis went to see him at 8:30am before her class and I'm supposed to go in an hour from now at 11am." Seifer walked to the front door and looked back at Skyeli's room. She was leaning against the doorframe, the toothbrush hanging from her mouth. Her eyes were barren and green. They changed again…? Seifer shook his head to clear it. "Get dressed and go to the Training Center for a while. When you get bored, go to the Library and study some of the texts on effective fighting against Elementals. Rumor has it that's what the field exam is based around, and I want you to take this one," he ordered then left.

Just as his back turned she reached out for him, in spite of herself. Glad he hadn't seen her pathetic motioning, she returned to the bathroom. The reflection mocked her. It was a girl. Her face was oval, pale and clear. Her hair was brown with honey gold streaks dripping through it and even despite its messy state; Skyeli knew it added to the girl's beauty. But her eyes destroyed the picture. They were always so blank. They relayed no emotion, no thoughts, nothing. Maybe it's because they aren't real… Skyeli stuck her tongue out at the girl behind the mirror and began brushing her hair.

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The blonde hovered outside the office door. He had raised his hand to knock several times now, but each time he placed it back at his side. Squall. They'd always had a mutual admiration for each other's abilities, but had never really formed a friendship. Squall had Irvine and Zell if he needed someone to talk to and Seifer had Fujin and Raijin. It was as simple as that. Seifer hadn't been lying when he had told Skyeli that he wanted to be a SeeD Instructor. But there was another step to his plan. He didn't want to just be accepted by the orphanage gang anymore. He wanted to be part of it. Squall was his ticket into it. He raised his hand a final time and knocked.

"Come in."

Seifer walked into the open room. Squall was hunched over his desk, reviewing some random paper work. SeeD requests, Seifer assumed. So, if a friendly Seifer is what they want, a friendly Seifer is what they get… Squall hadn't even looked up yet to see who had entered his office.

"I was wondering if you had time to think over the request Quistis brought you earlier today." Damnit, I sound meek!

Squall tilted his head up and gazed seriously at Seifer. Of course he had thought about it. All morning, in fact. He was even looking over some of Quistis's old files on him at that moment. "So much potential…" It was written everywhere. So why not give him this chance? Lately he had been living up to said potential.

Seifer grunted. "Balamb to puberty boy, come in puberty boy! Can I get an answer here?"

Some things never change… But Squall only smirked in response to the old nickname. "You're sure that you're going to be up to this? Because if this doesn't work out, you go back to the beginning…"

He rolled his eyes then met Squall's penetrating gaze. "I know. I can do this, trust me."

The younger SeeD nodded, "I'll trust you, if you tell me what really happened this morning that had Quistis in here at half past eight." Squall crossed his arms over his chest and waited for Seifer's answer.

"Just what Quistis said. The girl is emotionally unstable and we believe that she would benefit from one-on-one training."

"Ah, except Quistis mentioned that the girl was a loner, so I think that she would benefit more from a classroom setting. Also, what is this emotionally unstable crap?" Talk your way out of this one Almasy.

"You were a loner and look what a classroom setting did for you. Besides, have you looked at her folders, the girl is certifiable."

"I'm not buying, Seifer. Cut the crap and tell me what's going on or there is no way I'm signing off on this new plan." He moved around the desk and sat back down, pretending to be hard at work again.

"Fine, Squall, have it your way," Seifer attacked with the old bitterness in his voice. "This girl tried to kill herself last night. Don't ask me why, I don't know. All I do know is that she tried to do it and I think that maybe I can help her. Yes, I do realize that the consequences of my actions could result in her successful suicide and I'm willing to take that risk. Also, if you decide to hand her over to me now, I'd appreciate you not mentioning the suicide attempt to anyone."

"Alright, she's yours. But, you're right, Seifer, take good care of her or you'll have more than just a failed attempt at Instructing on your hands." Squall nodded for him to leave, then at the last minute changed his mind and called him back. "There was one other thing. Rinoa wanted you to be the first to know, but she was also afraid to tell you." He paused

She's pregnant, Seifer thought.

"We got engaged on Saturday night," Squall said softly. Seifer was stunned. That he had not expected, but maybe he had…

"Congratulations!" Then he stopped and grinned at Squall. "And good luck, 'cause if I remember correctly, she's a handful."

Squall nodded again. "That's why everyone is gathering at lunch today. You're welcome there too…"

"And I just might show up…" With that Seifer took his leave of the room, in a supremely better mood than he had entered with.

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Yay, chapter six is done. I think it's a little weak; I've been concentrating on other shit. REVIEW. Um, sorry about the cliffhanger last time, but I posted this as quickly as I could. Anyway, thanks for reading. Chapter Seven: fitting in. Trials and tribulations of clichés and friendships.

Vick330: Vick, man I almost gave up on you this time!  Yeah, Skyeli certainly has interesting interactions with her so-called "friends".  Future chapters will get more into her relationship with Reiko, but mostly Caine.

SaiyanPrincessSwatKatLuver: I just wanted to say thanks again for your wonderful review.  I would still really like it if you would beta read my story, so please get back to me.

DISCLAIMER:  I don't own them and I'm not strong enough to fight off everyone on FF.net for them. Skyeli Paige, Caine Morningstar and Reiko Keyling belong to me, so please don't steal them. They're all a little nuts anyway. . .