Disclaimer-If I owned Final Fantasy VIII...I would have at least seen the
ending movie by now!
Author's notes- yeah this chapter's been overdue for a while. Sorry about that. I got a little wrapped up with my other two stories.
Ameli- Oops...you said to hurry up and write this chapter didn't you.
Verdanii- Nida is very cute.
Barrett Machain- Nida is going to be angsty in this fic. Be forewarned.
element6- Thanks. I really honestly had this chapter pretty much done. I promise I did! I just got wrapped up in a lot of other stuff, my other stories, you get the picture. You're my main drive for getting this chapter out this soon. I hope you realize that.
Aratcorien- Things will be explained. The Esthar situation the paintings, his wrists...
MadHattess- They are cute.
Conferences
The third floor office had become encompassed with an awkward silence. Squall leaned back in his seat and appeared to be dwelling on the proposition at hand. Beside him, Xu leaned on her armrest and also seemed deep in thought. On the other side of the room, Cid looked out the window while he waited for them to continue their meeting. Selphie, alone in the center of the room, crossed her arms as she watched them with mild annoyance. "I don't get it," She spoke after a few silent moments. They all looked up at her save for Squall who still seemed to be off in his own little world. "Squall!" She said sharply. He looked up at her after a brief moment.
"Selphie. I understand how your proposal could be beneficial to Balamb Garden but there are so many other people more qualified than him," Xu spoke. Selphie crossed her arms in frustration. "Look, you and I know that Nida is a great guy. He's a very compassionate person. But he doesn't have what it takes to handle a job like this."
"But how do you know. You haven't even spoken with him, you haven't reviewed any of his mission reports or anything," Selphie argued.
"No, you're not listening to me," Xu said calmly. "I'm saying that as we speak there are hundreds of engineers more than qualified to take this position today. It doesn't make sense to hand the job to a teenage boy who does good just piloting this facility." Selphie stared at her in disbelief. "Okay I didn't mean that like it came out. I just meant that he hasn't got the qualifications nor the experience to handle the senior engineer position."
"Squall didn't have any experience when he was given command. He didn't even want the position at first. He didn't think he could handle it, he thought he was too young," Selphie countered her. Now obviously in the back seat of the conversation, Squall shot Cid an unsure expression. Cid grinned in response as he listened to the now growing argument that was beginning to center around Squall.
"This has nothing to do with Squall," Xu stated.
"You're right," Selphie said. "This has to do with some achievement insecurity that you have." Xu stood up. Selphie crossed her arms as she took a step closer. Cid and Squall locked eyes for an instant and then turned their attention to the two women in the room. "You've always been riding pretty high in the saddle haven't you? Sure you were no Quistis Trepe, you were no prodigy, but you knew you were accomplished. You worked your ass off to become a SeeD at sixteen. It took quite a bit to get to the position you're in now." Xu crossed her arms as she waited for Selphie to finish. "But to think that some seventeen year old boy that's been a SeeD for a whole year may get the opportunity to take a position that would put him over your head really bothers you doesn't it?"
Xu narrowed her eyes. "Selphie Kinneas! Are you trying to insinuate that I'm jealous of Nida?" She shook her head in disbelief. "I can assure you that I am not. But I can also assure you that he is one of my best friends and I'd never do anything that might short change him. What we are talking about is more than doing a friend a favor. We are talking about a major position in garden with major responsibilities. I would love for him to someday make whatever position he so dreams to have, but right now is not the time. He's still too unsure of himself. Right now he serves garden best as its pilot. Until he matures I don't think its wise for us to put him in a position he isn't ready for."
"Until he matures?" Selphie shook her head. "Just in case you haven't noticed, this Garden's Public Relations Officer and Head Interrogator are both just now getting ready to turn twenty and the Commanding officer of all people is also nineteen! In all honesty, you yourself have yet to turn twenty if I'm not mistaken so who are you to talk about maturing? It'd be different if you were Cid's age." Selphie paused at her statement and turned to him. "I didn't mean anything bad by that."
"That's alright," Cid smiled.
Xu stood completely dumbfounded. "Stop twisting and complicating everything I say!" Xu shouted. "I swear you hang out with Almasy entirely too much!" She shook her head. "I was just trying to think of what would be in best interest for Garden."
"That's enough," Squall interfered. Everyone in the room turned to look at him. "Both of you have valid points. Unfortunately Selphie, I've already spoken with my father and he's sending engineers to help us in the absence of the Fisherman's Horizon workers. There's a real possibility that the Senior Engineer position is already filled."
"But won't it seem kinda suspicious if Esthar is supplying so much aide to Balamb Garden? It might make us seem partial and then cause all kinds of relations problems with other regions," Selphie pointed out.
"Believe me I've thought of that," Squall replied. "But right now I don't know what to do."
"How about we have Mr. Roe come in tomorrow morning and give us a presentation. It doesn't matter what its about so long as it has to do with garden and why he should get the position," Cid suggested. Xu looked up at him in protest, Squall looked at him thankful for the assistance. Selphie hopped around in excitement as much as she could considering she was nearly five months along.
"What about Quistis?" Xu raised an eyebrow as she turned to Selphie. The men in the room looked at her with confused expressions. "Oh come on," She rolled her eyes playfully. "Anyone who pays attention to anything in this garden would know that Nida Roe is a bigger fan of Quistis Trepe than even the treppies are." She grinned. "We're talking the poor boy goes red in the face and can't form sentences."
"What are you suggesting?" Squall asked.
"I'm suggesting that we do him a great favor and see to it that Quistis isn't here when he is." Squall looked to Cid and started to protest but stopped when Cid held up his hand.
"Very well. I'll give her the morning off or something," Cid smiled. Selphie grinned broadly. "I only have one question."
"Yeah Dad?" Selphie asked.
"Why didn't Nida come here himself?"
"Its a self-confidence thing. But believe me he wants this," Selphie gave her father the best puppy dog eyes she could muster.
"Oh please," Xu said under her breath.
"What?" Squall whispered to her. "Its obviously working for her."
"Ya think," Xu pushed him playfully. "He's her old man, of course those eyes work on him."
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The sunlight lit every inch of the cramped little dorm room up. The limited space was no problem. He just pushed his furniture out of the way to make room for his easel and paints and he was set. Ever since Selphie had left a few days ago, he'd felt the obligation to finish at least this work. It was coming along slowly but most good things did take time. Taking great care in tracing the outlines of her sleeves on his canvas he finished his highlighting and took a step back. He studied the painting for an instant as he tried to decide what it was lacking. Sure she looked beautiful but something still seemed off. A knock on his door shook him from his thoughts. Carefully stepping over his supplies he walked over to the door and jumped when it opened right as he got there.
"Sorry about that," Selphie smiled. "But I have great news." Nida watched her as she stepped inside and shut the door. "Oh wow its looking so beautiful," She cried out when she noticed the painting he had sitting out.
"Uh yeah, its still wet," He warned her.
"Don't worry I won't touch," She assured him.
"You said you had good news?" He asked and then immediately regretted saying it.
"Yes!" She turned around quickly. "I just came from a meeting and Cid has instructed me to tell you that you are to report to the third floor conference room at nine thirty tomorrow morning to give a presentation."
Nida's face paled. "To what?"
"They want to interview you for the Senior Engineer position."
"You're serious," He said more to himself than to her. 'This break's coming a lot sooner than I'd originally thought it would. After nearly eighteen years its about time something happens,' He thought to himself. "What do I report on?"
Selphie shrugged. "Got me there. All I can say is that you should keep it Garden related. I have to go pick up Toby, but good luck tomorrow!" She said as she opened his door and left.
Now alone, what she said finally started sinking in. 'If I have to present to the senior staff, I have to present to Quistis as well,' He allowed himself to slowly sit down on the bed as he rubbed his palms across his face. "I can't do this."
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The next morning...
Quistis stretched out as she stared at the bland colored ceiling above her. What was she supposed to do? Aside from her classes and meetings she'd never really done much else. Reaching over her head for the alarm clock she knew to be somewhere on her night stand, she rolled over on her bed and gaped at the clock in shock.
"Only nine fifty-six!" She complained. "What am I supposed to do with a day off? Could you tell me that Cid?" She grinned to herself. 'Been off of work for a few hours and already I'm going crazy,' She thought as she rolled out of bed. Clad in a mere spaghetti strap short shorts outfit suited well for Balamb beach, she pulled on a pair of sandals and picked up her cell phone. Punching Xu's number without even looking she stepped out of her room and started towards the parking garage. She kept walking while she listened to the ringing and waited patiently for her friend to answer her phone. Behind her in the hall, any and all the treppies within a visual proximity of her were either stopped dead in their tracks or at least distracted. Unbeknownst to Quistis, one of her devoted followers so entranced by seeing her in such a revealing outfit, continued walking while intently watching her and ended up missing his doorway and walking into the wall.
Quistis snapped the phone shut with annoyance and then stopped walking when she realized what Xu not answering a phone meant. "She's in some sort of meeting," She said aloud as she dialed Squall's number. When he didn't answer either she made a run for the elevator, jumping over the down treppie who was still trying to figure out how he'd managed to walk into a wall. She ran up the steps and caught the elevator's door before it closed. Inside she was irritated to see Seifer. Sure they got along now but he still tended to enjoy provoking her. As if on que, he took note at her annoyed expression and winked at her.
"Give me a break," She mumbled as she hit the third floor button rather hard. Seifer looked at her and put his hand out to block the door.
"Before this elevator goes anywhere we have to get two things straight. One, that was a wink of instigation trying to spark an always entertaining argument not a hint that I think you're cute or anything," He paused. "Cause I don't. I mean, sure you're cute but I have a girlfriend and all so it just wouldn't work out." Quistis glared at him with a look of a mad woman. Seifer looked around surprised.
"Of all the low accusations you've ever made to even suggest that I would be in the least bit attracted to you would be a complete and ridiculous joke because I'll have you know..."
"Hey hey hey!" Seifer raised up his hand to silence her. "This brings me to my second item of business." Quistis crossed her arms as she fought to control herself. "Whatever's up with you, its not pms related is it?" Quistis' jaw dropped. "Because if it is let me know right now so I can just get off this elevator." Quistis narrowed her eyes and looked around in disbelief.
"You're such a smart ass!" She shouted as she pushed him back away from the door and waited for the elevator to start moving. "Don't say another word," She warned him as she watched him fight back a grin. "Seifer I mean it."
"Yes instructor ma'am," He teased her.
"Today is not the day," She warned.
He tossed his hands up. "What's the matter with you? You're no fun today," He waited for a moment and grinned when he saw her turn away from him so he couldn't see her face. "Did someone steal your uniforms forcing you to wear pink to work? Want me to kick their ass? I will."
Quistis laughed lightly at the absurd suggestion he'd come up with. "You're an idiot. And you're not funny," She said as the door slid open and she stepped off.
"I'm not funny and yet I made you laugh?" He called after her. "Whatever Instructor. I know you love me." She stopped as a silence filled the lobby around her. What few SeeDs were on the floor paused what they were doing at the statement. She turned to him and stared in horror at his statement.
"Not hardly I assure you," She said. "Just curiousity, how much sugar have you had today?"
Seifer shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't keep track of that stuff."
"Maybe you should," She said as she shook her head and pushed conference room's door open. She gaped in shock as she realized that Xu, Squall and Cid were having a meeting without her presence. "What is going on here?" She asked more hurt than angry. As she stepped in the room she looked around and then jumped a little in surprise at Nida whom she hadn't realized was standing near the door next to the podium. She stared at all of them while Nida went completely blank and couldn't tear himself away from the uncharacteristically dressed woman before him.
Author's notes- yeah this chapter's been overdue for a while. Sorry about that. I got a little wrapped up with my other two stories.
Ameli- Oops...you said to hurry up and write this chapter didn't you.
Verdanii- Nida is very cute.
Barrett Machain- Nida is going to be angsty in this fic. Be forewarned.
element6- Thanks. I really honestly had this chapter pretty much done. I promise I did! I just got wrapped up in a lot of other stuff, my other stories, you get the picture. You're my main drive for getting this chapter out this soon. I hope you realize that.
Aratcorien- Things will be explained. The Esthar situation the paintings, his wrists...
MadHattess- They are cute.
Conferences
The third floor office had become encompassed with an awkward silence. Squall leaned back in his seat and appeared to be dwelling on the proposition at hand. Beside him, Xu leaned on her armrest and also seemed deep in thought. On the other side of the room, Cid looked out the window while he waited for them to continue their meeting. Selphie, alone in the center of the room, crossed her arms as she watched them with mild annoyance. "I don't get it," She spoke after a few silent moments. They all looked up at her save for Squall who still seemed to be off in his own little world. "Squall!" She said sharply. He looked up at her after a brief moment.
"Selphie. I understand how your proposal could be beneficial to Balamb Garden but there are so many other people more qualified than him," Xu spoke. Selphie crossed her arms in frustration. "Look, you and I know that Nida is a great guy. He's a very compassionate person. But he doesn't have what it takes to handle a job like this."
"But how do you know. You haven't even spoken with him, you haven't reviewed any of his mission reports or anything," Selphie argued.
"No, you're not listening to me," Xu said calmly. "I'm saying that as we speak there are hundreds of engineers more than qualified to take this position today. It doesn't make sense to hand the job to a teenage boy who does good just piloting this facility." Selphie stared at her in disbelief. "Okay I didn't mean that like it came out. I just meant that he hasn't got the qualifications nor the experience to handle the senior engineer position."
"Squall didn't have any experience when he was given command. He didn't even want the position at first. He didn't think he could handle it, he thought he was too young," Selphie countered her. Now obviously in the back seat of the conversation, Squall shot Cid an unsure expression. Cid grinned in response as he listened to the now growing argument that was beginning to center around Squall.
"This has nothing to do with Squall," Xu stated.
"You're right," Selphie said. "This has to do with some achievement insecurity that you have." Xu stood up. Selphie crossed her arms as she took a step closer. Cid and Squall locked eyes for an instant and then turned their attention to the two women in the room. "You've always been riding pretty high in the saddle haven't you? Sure you were no Quistis Trepe, you were no prodigy, but you knew you were accomplished. You worked your ass off to become a SeeD at sixteen. It took quite a bit to get to the position you're in now." Xu crossed her arms as she waited for Selphie to finish. "But to think that some seventeen year old boy that's been a SeeD for a whole year may get the opportunity to take a position that would put him over your head really bothers you doesn't it?"
Xu narrowed her eyes. "Selphie Kinneas! Are you trying to insinuate that I'm jealous of Nida?" She shook her head in disbelief. "I can assure you that I am not. But I can also assure you that he is one of my best friends and I'd never do anything that might short change him. What we are talking about is more than doing a friend a favor. We are talking about a major position in garden with major responsibilities. I would love for him to someday make whatever position he so dreams to have, but right now is not the time. He's still too unsure of himself. Right now he serves garden best as its pilot. Until he matures I don't think its wise for us to put him in a position he isn't ready for."
"Until he matures?" Selphie shook her head. "Just in case you haven't noticed, this Garden's Public Relations Officer and Head Interrogator are both just now getting ready to turn twenty and the Commanding officer of all people is also nineteen! In all honesty, you yourself have yet to turn twenty if I'm not mistaken so who are you to talk about maturing? It'd be different if you were Cid's age." Selphie paused at her statement and turned to him. "I didn't mean anything bad by that."
"That's alright," Cid smiled.
Xu stood completely dumbfounded. "Stop twisting and complicating everything I say!" Xu shouted. "I swear you hang out with Almasy entirely too much!" She shook her head. "I was just trying to think of what would be in best interest for Garden."
"That's enough," Squall interfered. Everyone in the room turned to look at him. "Both of you have valid points. Unfortunately Selphie, I've already spoken with my father and he's sending engineers to help us in the absence of the Fisherman's Horizon workers. There's a real possibility that the Senior Engineer position is already filled."
"But won't it seem kinda suspicious if Esthar is supplying so much aide to Balamb Garden? It might make us seem partial and then cause all kinds of relations problems with other regions," Selphie pointed out.
"Believe me I've thought of that," Squall replied. "But right now I don't know what to do."
"How about we have Mr. Roe come in tomorrow morning and give us a presentation. It doesn't matter what its about so long as it has to do with garden and why he should get the position," Cid suggested. Xu looked up at him in protest, Squall looked at him thankful for the assistance. Selphie hopped around in excitement as much as she could considering she was nearly five months along.
"What about Quistis?" Xu raised an eyebrow as she turned to Selphie. The men in the room looked at her with confused expressions. "Oh come on," She rolled her eyes playfully. "Anyone who pays attention to anything in this garden would know that Nida Roe is a bigger fan of Quistis Trepe than even the treppies are." She grinned. "We're talking the poor boy goes red in the face and can't form sentences."
"What are you suggesting?" Squall asked.
"I'm suggesting that we do him a great favor and see to it that Quistis isn't here when he is." Squall looked to Cid and started to protest but stopped when Cid held up his hand.
"Very well. I'll give her the morning off or something," Cid smiled. Selphie grinned broadly. "I only have one question."
"Yeah Dad?" Selphie asked.
"Why didn't Nida come here himself?"
"Its a self-confidence thing. But believe me he wants this," Selphie gave her father the best puppy dog eyes she could muster.
"Oh please," Xu said under her breath.
"What?" Squall whispered to her. "Its obviously working for her."
"Ya think," Xu pushed him playfully. "He's her old man, of course those eyes work on him."
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The sunlight lit every inch of the cramped little dorm room up. The limited space was no problem. He just pushed his furniture out of the way to make room for his easel and paints and he was set. Ever since Selphie had left a few days ago, he'd felt the obligation to finish at least this work. It was coming along slowly but most good things did take time. Taking great care in tracing the outlines of her sleeves on his canvas he finished his highlighting and took a step back. He studied the painting for an instant as he tried to decide what it was lacking. Sure she looked beautiful but something still seemed off. A knock on his door shook him from his thoughts. Carefully stepping over his supplies he walked over to the door and jumped when it opened right as he got there.
"Sorry about that," Selphie smiled. "But I have great news." Nida watched her as she stepped inside and shut the door. "Oh wow its looking so beautiful," She cried out when she noticed the painting he had sitting out.
"Uh yeah, its still wet," He warned her.
"Don't worry I won't touch," She assured him.
"You said you had good news?" He asked and then immediately regretted saying it.
"Yes!" She turned around quickly. "I just came from a meeting and Cid has instructed me to tell you that you are to report to the third floor conference room at nine thirty tomorrow morning to give a presentation."
Nida's face paled. "To what?"
"They want to interview you for the Senior Engineer position."
"You're serious," He said more to himself than to her. 'This break's coming a lot sooner than I'd originally thought it would. After nearly eighteen years its about time something happens,' He thought to himself. "What do I report on?"
Selphie shrugged. "Got me there. All I can say is that you should keep it Garden related. I have to go pick up Toby, but good luck tomorrow!" She said as she opened his door and left.
Now alone, what she said finally started sinking in. 'If I have to present to the senior staff, I have to present to Quistis as well,' He allowed himself to slowly sit down on the bed as he rubbed his palms across his face. "I can't do this."
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The next morning...
Quistis stretched out as she stared at the bland colored ceiling above her. What was she supposed to do? Aside from her classes and meetings she'd never really done much else. Reaching over her head for the alarm clock she knew to be somewhere on her night stand, she rolled over on her bed and gaped at the clock in shock.
"Only nine fifty-six!" She complained. "What am I supposed to do with a day off? Could you tell me that Cid?" She grinned to herself. 'Been off of work for a few hours and already I'm going crazy,' She thought as she rolled out of bed. Clad in a mere spaghetti strap short shorts outfit suited well for Balamb beach, she pulled on a pair of sandals and picked up her cell phone. Punching Xu's number without even looking she stepped out of her room and started towards the parking garage. She kept walking while she listened to the ringing and waited patiently for her friend to answer her phone. Behind her in the hall, any and all the treppies within a visual proximity of her were either stopped dead in their tracks or at least distracted. Unbeknownst to Quistis, one of her devoted followers so entranced by seeing her in such a revealing outfit, continued walking while intently watching her and ended up missing his doorway and walking into the wall.
Quistis snapped the phone shut with annoyance and then stopped walking when she realized what Xu not answering a phone meant. "She's in some sort of meeting," She said aloud as she dialed Squall's number. When he didn't answer either she made a run for the elevator, jumping over the down treppie who was still trying to figure out how he'd managed to walk into a wall. She ran up the steps and caught the elevator's door before it closed. Inside she was irritated to see Seifer. Sure they got along now but he still tended to enjoy provoking her. As if on que, he took note at her annoyed expression and winked at her.
"Give me a break," She mumbled as she hit the third floor button rather hard. Seifer looked at her and put his hand out to block the door.
"Before this elevator goes anywhere we have to get two things straight. One, that was a wink of instigation trying to spark an always entertaining argument not a hint that I think you're cute or anything," He paused. "Cause I don't. I mean, sure you're cute but I have a girlfriend and all so it just wouldn't work out." Quistis glared at him with a look of a mad woman. Seifer looked around surprised.
"Of all the low accusations you've ever made to even suggest that I would be in the least bit attracted to you would be a complete and ridiculous joke because I'll have you know..."
"Hey hey hey!" Seifer raised up his hand to silence her. "This brings me to my second item of business." Quistis crossed her arms as she fought to control herself. "Whatever's up with you, its not pms related is it?" Quistis' jaw dropped. "Because if it is let me know right now so I can just get off this elevator." Quistis narrowed her eyes and looked around in disbelief.
"You're such a smart ass!" She shouted as she pushed him back away from the door and waited for the elevator to start moving. "Don't say another word," She warned him as she watched him fight back a grin. "Seifer I mean it."
"Yes instructor ma'am," He teased her.
"Today is not the day," She warned.
He tossed his hands up. "What's the matter with you? You're no fun today," He waited for a moment and grinned when he saw her turn away from him so he couldn't see her face. "Did someone steal your uniforms forcing you to wear pink to work? Want me to kick their ass? I will."
Quistis laughed lightly at the absurd suggestion he'd come up with. "You're an idiot. And you're not funny," She said as the door slid open and she stepped off.
"I'm not funny and yet I made you laugh?" He called after her. "Whatever Instructor. I know you love me." She stopped as a silence filled the lobby around her. What few SeeDs were on the floor paused what they were doing at the statement. She turned to him and stared in horror at his statement.
"Not hardly I assure you," She said. "Just curiousity, how much sugar have you had today?"
Seifer shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't keep track of that stuff."
"Maybe you should," She said as she shook her head and pushed conference room's door open. She gaped in shock as she realized that Xu, Squall and Cid were having a meeting without her presence. "What is going on here?" She asked more hurt than angry. As she stepped in the room she looked around and then jumped a little in surprise at Nida whom she hadn't realized was standing near the door next to the podium. She stared at all of them while Nida went completely blank and couldn't tear himself away from the uncharacteristically dressed woman before him.