Meow - Chapter 12

Sorry its been a while since i've updated. I've been trying to send this to my betareader, but my email refuses to send attachments for some strange reason :sweatdrop: Since it's taking a while, i decided to put up the non-beta version first, and then later replace it with the finished version.

I'm afraid that I can't get a definite positioning for you Squall," Edea sighed tiredly as she slumped into the cushioned armchair, gratefully accepting the cool glass of water Selphie had poured for her. It had been a long 2 hours as the group waited in Squall's office as Edea scurried for the missing sorceress. The office was silent except for the soft mutterings of the sorceress standing in the middle of the room, eyes closed and arms stretched out in front of her as though she was trying to reach for something, which, mused Squall, was probably what she was doing. A glance around the room showed that everyone else appeared to be as nervous and uptight about the entire business as Squall. Even Selphie and Zell watched silently from the couch, sitting as still as possible as though any movement would destroy Edea's concentration and bring Squall's wrath down upon them. Irvine kept reaching up for his hat every 5 minutes, hastily replacing his hand on his lap when he realized what he was doing. Quistis sat in the armchair closest to him, the only sign of tension appearing in the way that she held her hands tightly on her lap. Seifer had taken up his usual position near the door, glancing towards it as though he leave any minute. Not that Squall could blame him. It must be uncomfortable for him to be in the same room as a sorceress while she was working her spells, but his pride would not allow him leave. Squall raked his eyes over Seifer and quickly looked down at his black gloves as though they were the most interesting things in the room. So focused on keeping silent, the sharp gasp the Edea gave as she fell towards the floor caused everyone to jump, and it was only Zell's fast reflexes that stopped the sorceress from hitting the ground.

"Don't worry about it Matron, you've given us something to work with."

"So she's around Tribra eh? Why there?" Irvine asked as he lent back in the chair, twirling his hat between his hands.

"It's remote, and its where the remains of Tribra Garden lie," Selphie spoke softly from her spot beside Edea, avoiding Seifer's gaze. "It's a reminder that she has already succeeded in destroying a Garden."

Edea reached across and placed her hand on Selphie's shoulder.

"The loss of Tribria Garden and your friends have been hard on you, and I am sorry that I was not strong enough to prevent it. Balamb Garden will not share the same fate. She will be stopped."

Selphie nodded and smiled softly.

"You're right. I will not let Balamb Garden end up like Tribria." Selphie bounced up and saluted to Squall. "Commander, I would like permission to take the Ragnarok out and survey the area around Tribria Garden for any signs of unknown activities and I would also like permission to inform those rebuilding that a sorceress is in the area."

"Permission granted on both accounts. Take a team of SeeD with you. If you come across anything suspicious, you are to return to Garden immediately. No foolish heroics. Understood?"

"Understood sir! I'll have the Ragnarok ready for launch in 1 hour."

"I'll come along for the ride as well," Irvine added, standing up and replacing his hat back on his head, cocky smirk back in place. Squall nodded.

"Report back in 3 hours. You are dismissed."

"Sir!" Irvine and Selphie saluted.

"I'll come along as well."

Selphie paused in mid step as everyone turned to face Seifer.

"Why?"

Seifer fidgeting for a moment under the stares of the group before slipping his casual mask back on.

"I can… sense her presence. I will be able to know if she is in the area before you do."

Squall nodded in agreement.

"Permission granted. Seifer will join Selphie and Irvine as an advisor for this mission. Make sure that he is treated with the respect that that position deserves."

Irvine nodded silently, a small twist on his lips the only sign of distaste of the new order.

"Yippee! More people!" Selphie bounced across the room and grabbed Seifer by his hand, dragging the perplexed blonde towards the door.

"You haven't been in the Ragnarok before have you? I'll give you a guided tour around my baby while she's getting prepared. See ya Squall!"

Squall smirked at the bewildered expression on Seifer's face as he was pulled out the door but the small brunette. "Squall…"

"Have fun Seifer."

Seifer sent out one last glare at Squall as the door shut behind them.

"And this here is my beloved cockpit. This is where I drive and do really cool things like twirls, swirls and spins. Its so much fun, though Squall says that it gives him a headache just thinking about it and Quistis won't…"

Seifer tuned out the unending babble from the short brunette as he followed her around the large spaceship.

"This is the ship you used to get into Lunatic Pandora, am I correct?"

Selphie stopped her tirade, glancing questionably at the blonde.

"…Yeah… it was."

Seifer nodded as he twirled around on one foot, hands clasped behind his back as he took in his surroundings.

"You were driving then?"

"Ah, yeah…"

Seifer twirled around so that he was facing the young woman.

"That was some good piloting back then."

Selphie blinked at the unexpected compliment, then broke into a wide grin.

"You really think so!" Leaping into the air, Selphie covered the short distance between the two, latching onto a befuddled Seifer, nearly knocking them onto the floor.

"Ah Selphie…"

"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you! Everyone else just says that my driving is crazy, what with all the loops and swirls."

Selphie gave that blushing blonde one last squeeze before releasing him and flopping down sideways onto the pilots' chair, spinning around to face Seifer.

"So, how has it been for you? It's been 2 days since you've been turned back into a human."

Seifer smiled wirily.

"I have my moments."

Selphie lent forward, glancing at the door quickly before focusing all of her attention onto Seifer.

"You and Squall seem pretty close."

Seifer froze as the brunette gazed up at him, waiting for a response to her question.

"Ah, yeah, I guess you could say that. I am crashing on his couch so he has to lighten up to me I guess."

'Ah shit, she couldn't know already…'

"Ahhh…." Selphie's face lit up at the answer.

"Good, good. Has he mentioned to you - as a human or cat – anyone in particular that he might fancy?"

Selphie smirked as Seifer blushed lightly.

"Well, um, there was Rinoa but I um, don't recall him saying anything along those line," Seifer finished smoothly, staring intently out the window. "Why do you ask?"

Selphie's face fell slightly.

"So he hasn't said anything about Quistis then."

'Quistis?'

"Quistis?" Seifer spluttered.

Selphie nodded.

"Yep, Quistis. We've noticed that Squall and Quistis have been getting rather close lately – I'm sure you've noticed it – and Squall hasn't been pushing her away like he use to, if you catch my drift."

Seifer stared dumbfoundly at the girl.

"You think Squall likes Quistis?"

"Bingo!" Selphie threw her hand up in the air to emphasis her point. "But knowing them, nothing will happen if left to themselves – Quistis would be too afraid to try again and Squall is well, Squall – they won't do anything about it unless pushed so that's where we coming in."

"We?" All Seifer could do was repeat the perky brunette as he tried to wrap his mind around the thought of Squall and Quistis.

'She thinks Squall likes Quistis? Well, they do seem pretty close now, but…'

"Yes, we. Me, Irvine, Zell and now you. Now close your mouth and wipe that confused look off your face." Selphie giggled as the blonde sank down to the ground, arms resting on bent knees as he stared up the grinning she-devil currently residing in the pilot seat.

"What do you mean me? Since when have I been included in this scheme of yours?"

Selphie smirked. "Since now. Squall seems to listen to you, and since you're living with him, it would be easy for you too, you know, drop a few hints every now and again."

"I guess he does listen to me but…"

"Then it's agreed on! You'll handle Squall with Zell and Irvine and myself will work on Quistis." Selphie clapped her hands together in satisfaction.

"What! But I never agreed to…"

"Now, not a word to anyone about this or…" Selphie glared sardonically at the stunned blonde, "I'll finish what Rinoa and I started ok?" Selphie lowered her gaze, purposely lingering before returning her gaze to Seifer's pale face. All Seifer could do was nod wordlessly, causing the young lady to bounce up from the seat, smile firmly back in place as she grabbed the sitting blonde and pulled him to his feet.

"Right-t-o then. Lets head on out as see if the loading's finished yet. Then we're off!" Selphie once again dragged the dazed blonde behind her.

'Why me?'

AN Rather short chapter i know considering the time i had to sit down and write all this :sweatdrop: but i felt that it was a good place to stop, and i wanted to develop the relationship between Selphie and Seifer before they go onto the trip. I'll make up for the lack of length in the next chapter, promise :)