Chapter 10 – Mission Time TLC

The trip to the orphanage was rather uneventful for the small group. Squall stayed in bunks complaining of a headache. Zell, Selphie, Irvine and Quistis stayed in the cockpit talking amongst themselves. Their last crewmember, Seifer, took the opportunity to familiarize himself with the magnificent ship.

Upon making a slightly bumpy landing a few yards from the home of their youth, the gangplank was lowered and the gang took the first glimpse of the place since their brief visit during the war.

"I didn't think it was possible for it to get any worst, but I guess I was wrong…"

"Aw Selphie, it's not that bad. Gimme a nail and some hammers and I'll have this place up to code in no time."

"I thought you were a Cowboy not a carpenter."

"What would you know about being either? The last time I saw you were spazzing out on a parade float and Lunatic Pandora."

"Children if you're finished, let's evaluate the foundation while there's still daylight."

"I agree with Quistis. Zell, Irvine and Selphie, check the surrounding area. The rest of us will check out the interior. When you're done report to the Ragnarok." The six of them split into two groups. Each person grabbed a clipboard and a hardhat.

Squall led his group through the front door and systematically checked out each room. They marked down everything that needed to be replaced, or fixed. As well as anything that would require outside professional help.

As Quistis checked out the second floor, she found it hard to concentrate on the task at hand. Since she wasn't required to junction GFs as much as her friends after regaining her teaching license, she began to slowly recall some of her lost memories. Upon entering the small bathroom, a memory chose that moment to resurface of her and Selphie playing in the tub, with Matron looking on, making sure they didn't hurt themselves. A soft smile graced her lips at the fond moment.

Turning to leave, she heard small creak in the hallway. Following the sound, she entered a bedroom that had two beds in it. She was surprised to find Seifer standing in the middle of the room staring off to into space. As she neared him, the floor squeaked loudly in protest. Seifer snapped out his coma like daze and turned to regard her. A small smirk graced his features.

"Instructor, what are you doing sneaking in my room?"

"Your room?"

"Yeah, me and Squall shared this room. I bet you were here to find the hidden pirate treasure. Well you'll never find it."

"Pirates… what are you talking about?"

He shrugged lightly. "You'll remember sooner or later. Right now I need to check that roof." Walking to a window in the corner, he opened it and jumped out.

Instinctively she ran forward. She looked frantically around. Moments later she heard the familiar boisterous laughter and looked up. Seifer was floating about three feet above her head.

"I told you I was checking out the roof."

"Yes, well I would prefer if you wouldn't engage in such reckless behavior."

"Whatever you say dear Instructor."

Later that evening, the group reconvened in the Ragnarok. They all sat in one of the lower levels converted to accommodate the crew's diverse needs. It had tables, chairs and others features.

"Okay, what do you each have to report?"

Zell stood, flashed an impish grin before speaking. "The surrounding area is free of a large monster infestation due to lack of food. The building shows normal wear and tear due to wind and sea. We need to patch up a few holes, and slap on a new coat of paint that's weather resistant. Also, I was thinking that we could build a deck from the back door, that lead down to the beach. It would be safer, since the stairs are falling apart."

"A deck is a good idea. Be sure to order the extra supplies to build it. The first floor needs the floor replaced and carpeted." He then turned his gaze to Quistis and Seifer.

"The second floor needs to have some boards replaced in one bedroom. The bathroom needs to be redone. I suggest we get a plumber out here. The pipes are completely rusted. The water filtration system needs to be replaced."

"Guess I'm last. The roof needs to be reshingled as well as some holes repaired. Since we're all adding our two cents, I suggest we add sky lights."

"That sounds reasonable. Zell and Irvine, you're in charge of patching up and painting the outside. Seifer and I will begin fixing the 1st floor. Quistis contact Esthar and find a reliable plumber and contractor who can install solar paneling. Also, Zell write down what you'll need for the deck and give it to her. Next I want you and Selphie to head to town and pick up some things for the garden."

They all readily agreed.

The next morning, everything went off without a hitch. Irvine and Zell were busily working. Much to Selphie's delight, both men decided not to wear shirts. The Cowboy was more than willing to flex for the hyper girl. However to the Galbaldian's dismay, Zell out gunned him.

Inside the ship, Quistis was able to contact the plumber and contractor, which specialized in solar powered heating and cooling. They would be available for work within two days. Stepping outside, she walked to the front of the house hopping to ask Squall when he would like the workers to start.

Hearing voices in the back, she cautiously stepped further into the house. She found both men on their hands and knees using nail guns on the kitchen floor. An image of Andrew from While You Were Out, popped into her head. Well I guess we are sort of like the show, only I don't think we'll be done in two days. She waited patiently for the duo to notice her. Finally when Squall stood up to retrieve something his eyes met Quistis'.

"Yes?"

"When would you like the men to come out?"

He paused for a moment to think about it before replying. "As soon as possible. Seifer and I can work on the second floor bedroom without interfering."

"Okay, they can be out in two days."

"Fine." With that he turned back to his work.

As she strolled to the back out the house, she found Irvine chasing Zell around attempting to hit him with his hat. Oh my, I wonder what happened between those two. Hearing giggling, she turned to she Selphie standing off to the side obviously enjoying the show.

"Irvy's jealous because Zell's bigger."

Quistis eyes narrowed and an applaud look came over her face.

Selphie noticed the expression and burst into another gale of laugher. "Oh get your mind of the gutter. I'm talking about muscles. What have you been up to as of late?"

"Nothing. Come, we have to go pick up some supplies from Esthar."

"Okay, let me say goodbye to the boys." Running forward, she jumped on Irvine's back and wrapped her arms around his neck. The young man staggered a bit but remained upright.

The Instructor couldn't make out what Selphie said to him but at the raucous cheer that emanated from the Cowboy, she was sure his bruised ego was well on it's way to healing.

As the Ragnarok took off for Esthar, Squall watched it leave from the kitchen window before turning to Seifer. "Okay, I need you to suggest that we go to Dollet for a little clubbing later this evening."

"Sure, I was going to do that anyway. Congratulations, looks like Puberty Boy is growing up."

"…"

"I take it back, you're still the same. Only you could say so much with silence."

"Whatever."

"You know if you keep saying that, it'll lose effectiveness."

Shrugging slightly, Squall quickly used sign language to spell out 'whatever' before returning back to his work.

It was later in the afternoon and girls were flying back to Centra with the supplies. The ship was on autopilot but Quistis chose to remain in the cockpit. Selphie didn't have any qualms with the ship and had retired to the lower decks.

Looking out the window, the world seemed but a mere blur of blues, reds, and purples. Sighing softly to herself, the Instructor lounged back a bit in her seat. It's been quite a day. Being dragged all over Esthar by Selphie is not my idea of fun. I know she's up to something; she never passes up the chance to pilot this thing. Though the young men at Home Depot were quite friendly in packing everything up. Not to mention the President was most endearing allowing us to have all the building materials for free…What's that noise? Pausing for a moment she swore she could her the young women cackling madly through the vents. Hyne help us. Well I guess I shouldn't complain. Squall seemingly returned to his normal self. It seems like I don't have to worry about him trying to seduce me any longer. I suppose that's a good thing. In fact I hope this lasts for a while. A small sigh escaped past her lips. The little voice, that was supposedly dead, decided to make itself known once more. You know you like it.

She shook her head from side to side trying to will the subconscious thought away. "I think I'll check on Selphie."