A/N: Okay, here's Chapter 9… I've decided to avoid from talking too much from now on.

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Chapter 9

Quistis' Birthday

Quistis woke up happy, it was a special day for her, it was her birthday. This year she felt something would happen right. It was a Saturday so no classes and it means only one thing… she could have a party! So that lunch she decided to treat all her friends out and have dinner with a special someone that night. Quistis entered the restaurant where she promised to treat everyone. And to her surprise a familiar crowd warmly greeted her.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUISTY!!!!!!!!!!!" Exclaimed everyone as soon as she entered.

"Guys, you're the greatest…thanks!" She happily replied with a surprised but delighted expression on her face.

Right then, Squall and Rinoa approached her carrying a wrapped box, she opened it…

"Oh, this is beautiful…thank you." Quistis said as she gave Rinoa a hug while Squall a smile. It was a pair of white sandals embedded with some diamonds on the side.

"No problem…you even deserve better." Squall complimented giving her his rare smile.

"Oh Quisty, Squall's right…this is nothing compared to your friendship." Rinoa meekly said still entangled in their hug.

Then after their little 'bonding' Headmaster Cid and Edea approached Quistis handing her and even bigger box, as she opened it she was bewildered by what she saw.

"Headmaster…Matron…this is… gorgeous…thank you." She said in amazement as she gave them both a big and tight embrace. It was a long white, sparkling gown with a simple touch to it, which Quistis just adores.

"Hahaha…I'm glad you like it." The Headmaster said while tapping her shoulders.

"You only deserve the best…so I expect you to wear this, alright?" Her Matron meekly said while still clasped within her embrace.

"Yes, I promise!" Quistis gladly replied. It has been a long time ever since she was given such a gift. She felt very happy about the fact that many people still appreciates her even if she may be stubborn and hard to deal with at times.

"Uh here… hope you'll read this…" Irvine said handing her a small pocket book.

"……Love and Lust…….ummm….thanks Irvy….I'll try reading it in my free time." Quistis simply replied looking uncertain.

Irvine was then followed be Selphie who handed her a small white purse. The three items all match together, the sandals, the dress, and the shoulder bag all goes well. It was like they have planned on giving Quistis a gift that she might actually like and use.

"HERE QUISTY!!! Hope you'll like it!" The agile petite shouted with excitement as she handed Quistis her special present that she took time looking for at Deiling City.

"Thanks Selphie, it's really delightful." The blighted birthday girl answered.

Zell then came rushing in between their conversation bracing with him a wrapped present. He decided on wrapping the gift himself instead of asking help form any of the girls which made it look like a trash of paper piled up to cover the item. Tape was all over it, and the sight itself was rubbish, but still Quistis appreciated her friend's enthusiasm.

"Uh here Quis, sorry for my horrible presentation of the gift, but I really tried… but I guess I'm not fitted in doing these girly stuff. But I guess you'll like the content." Zell said trying to explain his failure on not doing a good job about giving Quistis a surprise.

"It's okay Zell, it's the thought that counts right?" Quistis replied trying to comfort him and trying to say that it's no big deal. Although she barely appreciated Zell's job on the wrapping, she liked the gift itself. It was a whip cleanser that she may use to make he Save the Queen look more shining and pleasing to see.

As soon as she was done speaking with Zell, Seifer slowly approached her and whispered softly in her ears saying…

"Happy Birthday… your gift will be saved for later…we have all night, right?"

"Sure, whatever you say Seifer." She softly whispered back with a slight blush.

That day, they spent their time chatting and eating at the bar. It wasn't that boring staying at the same place all day since it included a billiard hall and an arcade. The whole place was reserved only for them, so they had the power to use all gadgets inside whenever they wish. Headmaster Cid and Edea even had chance to play the Dance Dance Revolution game that made Cid ailing all afternoon. Although Edea won against Cid, she too became sick after all those jumping and fast movements.

Irvine and Zell also stayed at the arcade playing various games, some of which were Racing games, Basketball, Shooting games, Fighting games and the singing game that drive everyone out of their minds.

While they were busy having fun, Selphie and Rinoa were also enjoying the Dance 3D Mix that Rinoa is getting fed up because of the fact that she can't win against Selphie.

As for Seifer and Squall, they were playing billiards and were getting along nicely. And as for Quistis, she preferred talking with her Matron and Cid because of the fact that she never really dedicated herself into learning how to play computer games and billiard.

It lasted all day, and when night arrived Seifer and Quistis excused themselves to go and pick up Seifer's gift while the others remained and had their dinner their.

"…So ready to go?" Seifer courteously asked Quistis as he approached her who was carrying several bags of gifts. Seifer was enough of a gentleman and helped her carry the box of sandals, the repulsive gift that Zell gave her and the book that she can't even look at.

"I guess so…" She checked her things for one last time and bided everyone goodbye together with Seifer who was looking very thrilled.

"Alright guys…thanks a lot again for everything…BYE!" She said, as they were about to walk out the door.

"GOOD LUCK!!!" Everyone replied in unison making both of them blush at each other for a while before the left.

They slowly walked towards Zell's house where Irvine and Seifer left their dish to cool so that they won't have a hard time going back and fourth to Balamb Garden. When they arrived at Zell's house his mom was there who warmly greeted the couple. As soon as they were seated she made an excuse about leaving the both of them because there was something that she needed to do leaving Seifer and Quistis with the whole house. When she left, Seifer took out his surprise and placed it in the table.

"Hmmmmmm……smells good, wonder if it tastes good." She sarcastically said looking stunned at the dish.

"Ha! Even better when you taste it!" approved Seifer

"Oh really? Well mind if I taste it now?"

"Sure! Wait a sec I'll go get you a saucer."

With that, Seifer hurried and took a saucer and fork and placed it in front of her. She right away took a slice and ate a spoonful without hesitation.

"………………………………..!…………………………………" Quistis gulped it down in silence.

"So what do you think?" Seifer anxiously asked looking at her expression.

"…………………………………………." Quistis remained in silence

"So you like it?" Seifer asked again this time a bit concerned.

"………..uhuh………." She finally replied, but you can tell it in her face that is was not good.

"….Instructor? Are you alright?" Were the words that came out of his tongue when instead he thought about asking her again if how the dish tasted.

"…..S-Seifer……h-how d-did y-you cook this?" She softly asked with a trembling voice.

"It's horrid, isn't it?"

"Not really….why, how much vanilla did you added?"

"….2 liters….don't you like it?"

"…..no…..just a little too much vanilla…."

"You don't have to lie…I know it stinks!"

"No…oh what am I saying? This is horrible!" Quistis finally admitted.

"It does?"

"Yes, it's the worst flan that I've ever tasted. I'm sorry Seifer, but it's the truth."

"Damn that Irvine! I spent all night waiting for that dish to cook! Okay, I'm sorry for ruining your night by letting you eat something this terrible." Seifer said exaggerating his words.

"No, really…it's alright…maybe we could just try something else for dinner."

"Yeah well…I guess. What do you want? I'll treat you out…" Seifer replied looking a bit discouraged.

"Nah, no need to treat me out…besides I'm not that hungry. Listen, why don't we just go and take a stroll along the beach…and when were hungry, we could come back and have some dinner…what do you say?" Quistis proposed trying to calm Seifer down.

As he heard those words an idea came bursting into his mind.

"No, I have a better plan….let's go and I'll show you some real food." He excitedly spoke as a light can be seen shining through him.

"…Wait, you'll be cooking again?"

Seifer didn't reply but rather dragged Quistis into the dock where he rented a boat and two fishing rods. Seifer directed the boat into one of the best fishing spots at Balamb. They were able to catch dozens of fishes in no time.

When deep darkness covered the sea, they had caught enough fish for them to eat for their dinner. So Seifer maneuvered the boat back to the shore at Balamb. But instead of going back to the dock to return the boat, they settled at the beach where they had their dinner. Seifer made a campfire and prepared the fishes that they've caught. This time, instead of following some recipes he just thoroughly cleaned the fish until the entire foul smell of the fish was gone. He then sprinkled some salt onto it and some spices making it smell tantalizing.

While he was busy making up for their dinner, Quistis was astonished at how Seifer made all those things look so easy. He didn't seem to have a hard time pulling out all of the guts and extract all the odor from a Balamb fish which most people have a hard time doing.

Right then, Seifer grilled the fish for a few minuets, then when it was done, handed the fish to Quistis who was eagerly looking at the grill.

"Here, it's your biggest catch." The blonde cook said as he handed the scrumptious fish to Quistis. Quistis gave the fish a small bite, and then there was a short pause between the two.

"……………delicious…….." Was the only thing she commented as soon as she swallowed her first bite.

"You like it?"

"Yes, this is in fact the best grilled Balamb fish that I've ever tasted." She confirmed looking satisfied at what she just dosed down.

"I'm glad you like it. It's one of my specialties, grilled Balamb fish." Seifer casually replied not sounding to vaunt.

"So you really cook?" Quistis asked out of impression and curiosity.

"Yup! I always cook."

"…..Really!?……I didn't know you know." She said in surprise.

"Well it doesn't mean I could cook it makes me less of a man."

"Huh? Of course not…it's just that I never could've have guessed a man like you could cook up such a great dish like this." Quistis explained

"Well now you know." He simply answered not seeming to be bothered.

"Yeah, it's great I know…but how did you know how to cook like this?"

"On my own…when me, Fujin and Rajin left the Garden, we stayed here. That's why I know the best fishing spots. Anyway, I had to learn somehow, I admit it was hard at first, but then in time I was able to improve. Though I had to eat the same thing everyday I had to compromise with it….rarely do I get my pay you know…" He spoke up in a serious tone.

"I didn't know how much you went through…" She sadly replied looking worried at him.

"Yeah well at least I'm glad it's over."

"Me too…"

Then there was another deep silence between the two.

"Uhh… Instructor, can I ask you something?" He softly spoke breaking off the silence.

"How many times do I have to tell you that Instructor is not essential to call me once were outside the classroom. Now Seifer, do me a favor and call me Quistis whenever were outside. I don't want to be so formal when I'm outside…so please call me Quistis."

Seifer let out a sigh then complied to her words. "Alright, Quis, can I call you that?"

"Sure, no problem…now what was your question to me earlier?"

"………….Is it a must for a man to know how to cook?" He softly mumbled his words, but Quistis understood although she was a bit shock by his question she decided to answer.

"Yes Seifer, I think it is vital for every person to know how to cook. I mean it's for survival… I hope my future boyfriend could cook like you." She kidded

"…Boyfriend? Do you like men that cook?" Seifer surprisingly asked

"Yes Seifer, in fact I do."

"Why, what aspects do you search for in a man?" He curiously asked

"Well Seifer, he doesn't have to be a price charming, but he also doesn't have to be ugly. He has to know the basic principles of life like surviving and any other virtues that is essential for living. Another is possessing good values like respect, humility, and kindness.

He also has to be a gentleman with intellect. And most of all, he has to be sincere with his feelings for me and to everyone else, because once a man is sincere there will be trust." She casually explained at Seifer who was dazzled by the way she spoke.

"………wow……….. that would be one heck of a man….."

"No Seifer, he could be anyone. I mean if he possesses that special something I could… well probably easily trip off and fall."

"Anyone?"

"Yeah…. Anyone…."

"Even…………………………………me?"

"…………..Yes Seifer……………even you."

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A/N: Sweet isn't it? Hehehe…. Just don't expect any intimate relationships until….. well until soon enough ^_^ Oh! I still haven't included what Irvine's deepest fluffiest secret yet… then I guess you'll have to guess for it again! Yup! Another contest! Whoever wins gets to have one of my home made banner! I'll tell you next Chapter if no one wins…. Here's a little clue… it's something that some kids wear every night or at times when they sleep… hehehe.

Oh! And if you ever take on the bet… choose what banner you wish… A Seiftis, Seifer, or Quistis banner. Darn! I'm talking too much again! Well don't forget to REVIEW!!!