III – Making Up

"We were wondering when you'd get here, Fuji." Said Rinoa.

Quistis put a comforting hand on the fair woman's shoulder, "I hope that they didn't thrash your house too much, Fuji."

"SAD" Answered Fujin, looking sorrowfully at her friends.

Xu cradled her baby softly and offered, "Don't worry, Fuji, I'm sure that Seifer regrets the whole thing, and is still trying to figure out what happened exactly. It's always that way with Raijin anyway, he can be so dense sometimes, but most of the time he's so gentle and loving."

And with that she excused herself and went home, for the poor Raijin had apologized profusely before she had left and begged her to come back soon. And, thought Xu, it was probably the other men's fault anyway, for her guy just wasn't the type to hurt her intentionally. There was a cheerful spring to her step as she made her way home, and little Xujin sensing her happiness cooed merrily.

Rinoa wondered aloud, "What had she ever seen in Raijin? It's not like he's a handsome, dark, mysterious, sensual guy like my Squally. And I guess I've punished the guy enough, so I'll take my leave of you girls now."

Christina looked thoughtful, "Zellito can be like a little kid sometimes, but I wouldn't change him for anything."

"NOT MAD?" asked Fujin.

"No," replied Christina, "I can never stay mad at him for long, and I better go get him at his Ma's now. Hasta la vista, chicas."

And Fujin was left with Quistis and Selphie, who chirped, "I can't stay mad at Irvy-Poo for long either, and I have another marshmallow pizza ready for dinner tonight." And she left, skipping all the way.

"Thank Hyne she didn't invite us." Stated Quistis, "And I guess I'll go home too now."

"Why Nida?" asked Fujin.

The blonde woman thought for a moment before replying, "It's not something I can put into words, Fuji. I am aware that everybody at Garden was surprised when we became a couple, and truth be told we are an unusual pairing. All I know is that he is much more than what people see, and he is good to me – he makes me happy."

Left alone, Fujin sipped her drink, thinking at the oddity of her friends' relationships. Why did she put up with Seifer and his eccentricities herself? She wondered. But of course she knew the answer. It was because he was good to her, and –like Nida and Quistis- he made her happy.

It was also because he had won her heart and never abandoned her. Before he came into her life she had felt alone and unloved. From the start, even back when they were just a posse, he had filled a great emptiness in her heart. She couldn't put it all into words either, but some things are meant to be felt and not explained.

When she returned home she found her man asleep on the couch. The whole house was in a state of cleanliness and order that she had never expected. It was obvious that Seifer had worked hard to obtain such results, and all her confusion and sadness lifted in a heartbeat. She gently stroked his face and kissed his brow, which made him open his eyes and smile at her.

"Baby, I'm so happy that you're back, I'm sorry for the whole mess." He apologized.

"NOT IMPORTANT" She replied with a smile, admiring the new spotlessness of her surroundings.

"It was important to you, and I want you to know something," he continued, "I didn't want to hurt you in any way, but I know I'll still make an ass out myself in the future. Just remember that I love you and that I'll always make it up to you."

A forlorn look came to her features, as she remembered. She remembered with fondness that time, that wonderful time, when Seifer had unexpectedly declared his feelings for her. He had been gentle with her; so unlike that macho, arrogant facade he gave to the rest of the world. She still remembered his warmth against her skin, a feeling that she wasn't used to, but that she had longed for so long.

She still remembered with fondness the day when he had asked her to become his wife, and then their wedding, the new friends they had made, the music, the happiness, and the pure joy she had felt as he had kissed her tenderly in front of all those gathered.

She was brought out of her reverie when he stood, and she gratefully took refuge in his arms, hugging him back firmly.

"TIRED?" She inquired, hoping that he was not.

He grinned in that charming way of his, making her heart melt, "A little from all that cleaning, but I still have some stamina reserves if you're interested."

For an answer she kissed him passionately, holding him tight. He scooped her in his arms, and carried her into their bedroom. Forgotten were the past hours and slumber finally claimed them as they laid in each other's arms, feeling the peace and contentedness that only true love can bring.

Sometime during the night Fujin groggily realized that Seifer had gotten up, but she promptly fell asleep when he came back and kissed her face lovingly. Morning came, and she carefully slid from bed as not to wake him. Her bladder had woken her again so she made her way to the bathroom, still filled with thoughts of tenderness and contentment. (That's not going to last, trust me!)

For the second time in this story (but for I don't know how many times in my life), I ask the question that has baffled men since the invention of modern sanitation equipment. Why, Oh why do women insist on taking a (butt) leap of faith? Don't they realize how hopeless it is to try to train the male representative of the Human species to put down the darn thing? (I'm sure it's hardwired somewhere in the genetic code)

Fujin sat on the throne, and...

"SEIFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER!"

THE END