A/N: Hey guys…
I've got news: I've just created a live journal, which will be mostly used to post things about the progress of my fics, comments etc. Hence, the notorious 'review' problem is solved :-p Just check my profile and you'll find the URL down at the bottom. I've just updated the profile, so it might not be there yet, but it will be as of tomorrow tops.
On this chapter now… Chris says it's my best comedy-wise so far… Sal was unnaturally helpful I must admit… Let's just see if you'll think so as well…
Oh, before I forget… Credit for some of the punchlines goes to Chris ^_~ And the 'smoking Ghysahl Greens' comes from an amazing fic called 'Balamb Garden's Yuletide vacation'.
Last chapter summary: Seifer and Squall are made Commanders of B-Garden and the tension between them thickens even more…
~*A second chance*~
By: Sickness in Salvation
Chapter 21: A clone of my own
Three days later…
- "So Galbadia Garden is now on the move, just like we'll be as of tomorrow. They've turned their Garden into a mobile base as well. Sorceress Edea resides there as an ally." Xu explained to Squall "We could easily come across them any moment now. Or it could take ages if we keep moving in different directions."
Squall looked down at the map, rubbing his chin.
- "It might be easier to track them down since they've been sending troops all over the globe on their search for Ellone." said Squall.
- "So what do you suggest?"
- "Maybe we should start checking the cities they've invaded. We might get some information from their troops." replied Squall.
- "It's possible." said Xu "Where do you think we should start?"
The elevator doors slid open at that exact moment and Seifer stormed inside, heading for his office. Xu and Squall saw him through the glass wall in Xu's office. Xu checked her watch.
- "He sure is early… 7:58 a.m. That's a record…" she said, slightly surprised.
Squall walked out of Xu's office, walking over to Seifer.
- "Seifer, we need to discuss-"
- "Not now, Leonhart!" Seifer cut him off "Just gimme five minutes." he said, slamming the door of their office shut.
Squall glared at the closed door, muttering a flurry of curses under his breath.
- "Commander, I-" spoke Xu.
- "Tell Almasy to come up to the bridge as soon as he's done. I'll be up talking with Nida about our destination plans." said Squall, heading towards the small elevator.
- "OK…" mumbled Xu, walking over to the door to their office.
She was about to knock, when a conversation from inside the office caught her attention. Xu arched an eyebrow and looked around her. No-one was close by. Carefully, she stuck her ear against the door, trying to listen.
- "So how much will it cost? *Grunt* It would come a lot cheaper if I did it myself… *Pause* Yes, yes, I know it will feel a lot different…"
Xu creased her forehead.
- "*Sigh* Alright, fine… But I'm telling you, if I'm not pleased by it, I'm expecting a refund. *Pause* Good. Just make sure it's long and flexible."
Xu's eyes snapped open.
- "And the spikes should be very sharp."
Xu covered her mouth to muffle an upcoming scream.
- "OK, so we'll be stationed in FH for the day, but we're leaving tomorrow. *Pause* Great, I'll be expecting him tonight then."
The brunette stepped away from the door, trying to register what she'd just heard. She took a few steps forward, completely stunned.
The door behind her opened.
- "Xu?" Seifer called.
'Just pretend you didn't listen… Just keep away from that gay, masochistic psycho!!!' the girl thought.
- "Hello, Xu?"
'Think happy thoughts… Happy thoughts…' she thought, walking away slowly.
- "XU!!!"
Xu bit her bottom lip and shaking, turned around.
- "Yes?" she asked, her face pale like chalk.
- "What's the matter with you? I've been calling you for ages…" Seifer said, frowning "Where's Squall?"
- "U-u-up. Up in the bridge." Xu muttered.
- "O – K…" Seifer said, narrowing his eyes at her.
'I always thought she was one damn weird bitch, but what the Hell's up her ass today?' Seifer thought, shaking his head in disbelief.
The tall blond called the elevator, heading up for the bridge.
Once he disappeared from sight, Xu let out a sigh of relief 'The nerve on that guy! He even had the impudence to call about his sicko bondage date from the office!'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Quistis walked down the Dormitory corridor, carrying a small plastic bag. She checked a small card she was holding, upon which a number was written 'Room 378… 378… Ah, there it is!'
She walked over to the door of the dorm she'd been looking for and knocked. It took a couple of minutes before its resident appeared to the threshold.
- "Quisty!" Selphie said, delighted.
Quistis smiled at the younger girl. She'd been trying to sound as chirpy as she normally did for the past few days, but her exhaustion from the Missile Base mission and the grief over Trabia's loss had cost her a tremendous lot. Hey eyes were 'adorned' by black circles, her eyes had lost their spark, her hair didn't sport this vivacious, gravity-defying flip anymore and not even her bright green pajamas looked cheerful on her. Quistis had been feeling awfully sorry for the girl and thought she'd pay her a visit and bring her some food.
- "Hello Selphie. I brought you over some lunch. I thought we could just… hang out." Quistis said.
- "Sure, sure! Come in!" Selphie said politely, stepping aside.
Quistis walked inside the girl's dorm, looking around in curiosity. The room was quite clean and neat, funky lamps and ornaments were sprawled practically everywhere and a fluorescent orange blanket covered the surface of her bed. A cozy, welcome aura breezed all over the room.
- "Very nice place." Quistis commented, smiling.
She suddenly realized how much different her room looked. The only decorations inside hers, where book, books and more books. Oh, did I mention books? The plain white, cold walls couldn't even come close to comparing to the warm, pastel green ones Selphie's room bore. Green and orange just didn't mix in Quistis's mind, but Selphie somehow made it work.
- "Thanks." Selphie said modestly, blushing "Have a seat."
- "Thank you." said Quistis, sitting on the bed "I hope you like pasta…"
- "I love pasta!" said Selphie, sitting onto the bed as well, crossing her legs "What did you get?"
- "Spaghetti. I think the sauce is Arabiata." said Quistis, opening the bag.
- "Ooh, spicy as well. Great!" said Selphie, taking the plastic plate Quistis handed her.
She peeled off the carton foil and sniffed a whiff.
- "Mmm… Smells wonderful, too!" she said, opening the package that contained a plastic fork and knife "Didn't you get anything for yourself?" she asked, mouth full of spaghetti.
- "No, I already ate." replied Quistis "Here you go." she said, handing her a can of Coke.
- "This is all too much!" said Selphie "What do I owe you?"
- "Don't be silly…" said Quistis "You owe me nothing."
- "Fine, fine… I'm buying you a couple of hotdogs tomorrow to make it even." said Selphie grinning, licking her bottom lip that had been smeared with sauce.
- "So… What have you been up to?" Quistis asked.
- "Oh! I was going to tell you tomorrow, but I've come across some musical scores that-"
The door knocked just then, making Selphie frown in surprise.
- "That should be Rinoa." Quistis said, getting up "I saw her before coming here and she said she was going to visit in a bit."
- "Oh, goody!" Selphie said, grinning broadly.
Quistis opened the door, indeed revealing Rinoa behind it. The brunette stepped inside pulling a leash that traced to the doorway behind her.
- "I've got a surprise for you…" said Rinoa mischievously "Look who came to see you!"
She pulled the leash lightly and Angelo emerged to the door.
- "Oh! Angelo!" exclaimed Selphie, getting off the bed as the dog approached her.
She fell down on her knees and hugged Angelo, who began licking her face. Rinoa and Quistis giggled at the sight. Rinoa turned and looked at Quistis.
- "You'll never believe what I came across just now…" she said, grinning.
- "What?" asked Quistis, arching an eyebrow.
- "This." replied Rinoa, handing her a pink flier.
Quistis brought the piece of paper before her eyes and began reading it. Her eyes widened.
Are you between 16 and 19 years old?
Do you believe you resemble Quistis Trepe?
Then you're the person we're looking for in the:
FISRT ANNUAL
QUISTIS TREPE
LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST!!!
Organized by the faithful fan club of everyone's favorite Instructor,
this contest will hopefully be the first in a series of many such occasions
in order to honor the fabulous woman that is Quistis Trepe!
FIRST PRIZE:
A life-size poster of Quistis Trepe and a signed test paper from the woman herself!
Second and Third prizes:
One 8,5" action figure of Quistis Trepe!
~ * ~
So don't lose another second and sign up for the contest!
Application forms can be found at the 'Quistis Trepe fan club' pavilion,
stationed near the Directory in the Main Hall
All applicants should appear by 1800 hours
The contest will take place at 1900 hours this evening, after all applicants are gathered
Further information on the contest terms will be given at the pavilion
NOTE: Uniform/Battle Gear will be supplied to all applicants
- "WHAAAAAAT?!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
- "Hyne, I'm starving…" mumbled Seifer, burying his head within his crossed arms onto the desk.
- "Yeah, me too… But we're almost done…" said Squall, rubbing his sore temples.
- "What's there to talk about? We've narrowed it down to Balamb, why don't we just pay our first visit there?" asked Seifer.
- "I suppose you're right… It'll give us an opportunity to see if there's any damage inflicted on the city." said Squall.
- "And many students will want to check it out too, since the majority of them comes from Balamb City." added Seifer.
- "Alright then… We'll set course for Balamb as of tomorrow and inform the student body first thing in the morning." said Squall.
- "Good, good… Are we done then?" asked Seifer, rubbing his grumbling stomach.
- "Yeah, we're done." said Squall.
- "Great… I'm gonna go grab some lunch with Fuj and Raij. You wanna come?" Seifer asked, although something in Squall told him he wasn't really thrilled to ask.
- "Nah, I'll just stay a bit more. Maybe I'll see you there later on."
- "Suit yourself…" said Seifer, shrugging.
The tall blond made his way towards the elevator. He pressed the button and began looking around while waiting, when his eyes caught Xu peeking over to him from her office. As soon as he spotted her though, she disappeared from sight. Seifer shook his head in disbelief 'Freaky girl…'
Stepping inside the elevator shaft, he pushed the button for the first floor and leaned against the glass walls in boredom. He was desperate for something to do today, but he couldn't even go out for a walk with all the work that had suddenly flooded them 'Shitty job…' he thought, realizing that if it wasn't for the prestige and the paycheck, he'd have resigned from the very first day.
The elevator doors slid open and he stepped outside, walking down the steps. He noticed a pavilion stationed next to the Directory. He couldn't make out what it was, and was about to approach when he felt a hand yank him to the side. He turned around and found Fujin, Raijin and next to them…
- "ARGH!" Seifer yelled, jolting up.
- "PERFECT. RIGHT?" Fujin said.
What he had before his eyes, was more or less a replica of himself, in a slightly mini version… The guy standing next to Fujin and Raijin, was quite tall, blonde, had green eyes and was wearing a long grey trench coat. Seifer stared at him in awe. The only thing separating them, were the red crosses on Seifer's coat, which didn't appear on the other guy's and –of course- the scar on Seifer's forehead. Even the face was somewhat similar to his.
- "Who. Is. He?" Seifer spoke, still utterly surprised.
- "He's your successor, ya know." said Raijin "Now that you're a Commander you can't be in the Disciplinary Committee too, so we needed someone else, ya know."
- "What?! But we're a posse, remember?" Seifer protested.
- "We're still a posse, man. But you can't be on the committee anymore, ya know?" said Raijin.
- "NO OTHER WAY." said Fujin.
- "Yeah, I suppose you're right…" Seifer said, sounding glum.
- "I'm Cedric Walsh. Pleased to meet you, Commander Almasy!" the blond boy said, extending his arm towards Seifer.
- "Right…" Seifer replied, narrowing his eyes at him, not shaking his hand.
- "I presume the resemblance to you seems a bit weird…" said Cedric.
- "No shit…" said Seifer, arching an eyebrow.
- "Well, I thought it'd be best if the new Disciplinary Committee resembled the old one, so I took the liberty of buying a coat similar to yours." replied Cedric.
- "AND?" Fujin asked.
- "And… Bought a pair of green eye contacts…" said Cedric, grinning.
- "AND?" Fujin repeated.
- "And… I admire you very much, sir." Cedric said modestly.
By now, Seifer was one step away from applying for a restraining order.
- "I need a cigarette…" he mumbled, storming away and heading towards the Dormitories.
Fujin, Raijin and Cedric watched him as he walked away.
- "That went well, don't you think?" asked Cedric.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Zell hastily walked down the stairs of the Quad, heading towards the stage. Selphie had asked all of them to gather there for some reason she hadn't explained. Zell had gotten caught up in the library, in a conversation with one of the girls working there. He cursed at his bad luck for having to leave, but whoever was not familiar with Selphie's wrath, couldn't have understood his slight anxiety on having arrived late… He hurried over to the stage, where everyone except for Seifer and Squall were gathered.
- "You're LATE!" Selphie hissed at him, once approaching them.
- "Sorry, sorry! I… I sort of slept in a bit…" Zell apologized "What did I miss?"
- "Selphie has been jabbering about some sort of… concert." said Quistis, shrugging once Zell gave her a puzzled look.
- "Concert?" he asked.
- "Yes!" squealed Selphie in delight "I thought we'd throw a small one to congratulate Squall and Seifer on their recent promotion. We could all use a little bit of fun and Hyne knows how much Squall needs it!"
- "I don't get why we're throwing it for both of them. Can't we do it just for Squall?" asked Zell eagerly. Selphie slapped the back of his head, while the rest chuckled.
- "Don't be mean! Seifer has been very nice to me and he deserves it!" Selphie protested.
- "Oh, yeah? Name one occasion." said Zell, crossing his arms.
- "Remember just yesterday, when he agreed to partially fund the Garden Festival with money from his own account?" replied Selphie.
- "He was desperate to make you shut up about it!" Zell retorted, sending a fit of laughter throughout the small group.
- "Anyway, that's not the point…" Irvine interrupted "We're doing it for both of them. They both deserve it, and like Selphie said before, Squall really needs to get out more. So… Everyone…Here's our producer, Selphie."
- "Ahem! We'll be holdin' the concert as planned." said Selphie, with the air of a professional "As we already said, it won't be just for us, but to congratulate Seifer and Squall on their recent promotion."
- "Sounds fun." said Quistis.
- "So, who's gonna perform?" asked Zell.
- "We are." replied Irvine.
- "Yeah right." said Zell in disbelief.
- "You're kidding…" said Quistis in disbelief "Oh, no way. You can count me out. I have no musical aptitude."
- "Oh really? I gotta see this." Rinoa said, giggling.
- "Let's just give it a try. We have everything ready and all we need is 4 people." Selphie said, trying to persuade them.
- "This is gonna be fun!" squealed Rinoa.
- "Oh, sorry, Rinoa, but you're not gonna be a member." said Selphie.
- "You're leaving me out?" Rinoa asked, sounding hurt.
- "Nuh-uh. We have something more important for you to do." Selphie said, grinning mischievously "I thought I might have needed Quistis off as well, but I don't think Seifer is going to refuse to come, right?"
- "What?!" Quistis exclaimed, turning red.
- "Nothing…" said Selphie, giggling.
- "So what are we gonna do? I mean basically, we're all amateurs, right? Even if you hand us instruments, we won't be able to do anything." said Zell.
- "Don't worry; we have until tonight to practice for the performance. I'll help you out." Irvine said.
- "Rinoa, that's when you're up." Selphie told her.
- "You can count on me!" Rinoa said determinedly.
- "It's gonna be a blast!" squealed Selphie.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seifer was lying onto his bed, taking in long drags from his cigarette. This was just great… As if the Trepies weren't enough, now he had his own personal 'stalker', who by the way, chose to wear clothes similar to his. He shuddered at the thought of dozens of guy just like that one, strolling around Garden with their grey coats, dyed blond hair and green eye contacts…
He quickly pushed the thought away…
Suddenly, he heard a faint ringing sound and felt a minor vibration in his right pocket. He remembered that he'd bought a cell-phone the previous day. Slipping his free hand inside that pocket, he answered the call.
- "Hello?"
- "Commander Almasy?" said a female voice.
- "This is he." said Seifer, arching an eyebrow.
- "I'm calling about the order you've placed. The courier should be there any minute now. He's ordered to hand the package to you personally. I presume you'll be expecting him in your office?" said the woman.
- "Yes, yes. Thank you." said Seifer.
- "Very well. Have a good evening."
- "Likewise." said Seifer, terminating the call.
He got up, putting out his cigarette by the ashtray and picked up his trench coat.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Xu was sitting onto her chair, legs crossed upon her desk, going through some paperwork. She yawned and checked her watch. 6:30 p.m. She felt her stomach rumble, only to realize that she hadn't left the office from the moment she set foot there in the morning. Deciding she'd had enough for the day, she went on with the last paper in her hands, after which she'd get some lunch and rest.
She heard the elevator doors slide open and noticed a man walking inside, looking around. She arched an eyebrow.
- "Hello?" called the man.
Getting up from her chair, Xu walked outside. The man seemed to be about her age, with jet-black hair, azure eyes and a very well-built body. And quite handsome. He had his palms slipped casually in the pockets of his long coat, which was buttoned up.
- "May I help you?" asked Xu, once approaching him.
- "Oh yeah, hi… I've been told I'll find Commander Almasy here?" said the man.
Xu's eyes widened. Seifer's earlier words flashed into her mind.
Great, I'll be expecting him tonight then.
But of course… A handsome man, tall and well-built, just like Seifer… And conveniently 'covered' by a long coat…
- "Umm… Miss? Is the Commander here?" asked the man, bewildered by her expression.
Xu's forehead creased.
- "You should be ashamed of yourself!" she snapped.
- "E-e-excuse me?" asked the man, dumbfounded.
- "Hyne… How old are you?!" Xu asked.
- "Erm… Nineteen…" mumbled the man.
- "Dear Hyne… And you've been doing this for how long?!"
- "Umm… Four years…"
Xu gasped and covered her mouth.
- "Hyne, can't you see they've been using you?!" she said, exasperated.
- "Umm… 'They'?" asked the man, more puzzled than ever.
- "Don't tell me you enjoy doing this job…"
- "Well…" said the man, shrugging "It might not pay that well, but it's steady money. And I only work whenever I'm called by-"
- "Argh! How can you be so casual about this?!" Xu shrieked "It's so… humiliating!"
- "Now hold on a second there, Miss…" said the man, crossing his arms, apparently offended "I might not be some high and mighty Military Officer like yourself, but I'm proud of what I do! No-one should be ashamed of their job…"
- "Oh Hyne, I can't believe I'm hearing this!" said Xu, palms pressed against har temples.
- "Listen, Miss… Do you know where I can find Commander Almasy or not?" asked the man, exasperated "Because I have to give him-" he began, opening up his coat.
- "NO! NO! I don't want to see what you're giving him!" Xu yelled, turning away.
The man looked at her, eyes wide open.
- "Are you some kind of Looney, or what?!" he asked, but it sounded a whole lot more like a statement "I'm just here to hand him-"
- "ARGH!"
Xu screamed as the man slid his coat open, taking out a long, thin box from the inside, opening it up.
Xu's shriek immediately toned down the moment she saw what lay inside the box.
- "W-w-what's that?" she asked, voice barely audible.
- "Two Marlboro tentacles, four Sharp Spikes and four Energy Crystals." the man replied matter-of-factly.
- "Huh?" Xu asked, bewildered, looking at him.
- "The order Commander Almasy placed for the upgrade of a certain weapon." said the man, creasing his forehead.
Xu's eyebrows arched. All Seifer's previous words came to mind and suddenly, made a much less perverted sense…
- "Ohhh…"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seifer made his way down the wide corridors, leading down to the Main Hall. Suddenly, he saw the figure of a woman, exiting the Quad, heading down towards the Hall as well.
She had long blond hair caught up in a bun and wore a peach battle gear.
Seifer squinted. Had Quistis gained weight all of a sudden? He could have sworn that the last time he saw her she looked just as thin as always… Shrugging, he quickened his pace, trying to catch up with her. Once he reached her, he tapped on her shoulder.
- "Hey…" he said, grinning.
Quistis turned around and…
- "ARGH!"
That woman was not Quistis… Sure, she had blond hair, blue eyes, wore the all-too-familiar battle gear, but her face…
Seifer stared at the girl wide-eyed, only to receive a smile in reciprocation.
- "Good evening, Commander Almasy, sir." said the girl, saluting him.
Seifer let out a shaky, nervous chuckle and passed by the girl, resuming his walk down the hallway 'Great… Now I'm hallucinating about her as well…' Shaking his head in disbelief, he raised his glance upwards to the crowd gathered around the Directory.
His heart skipped a good few beats and his breath caught up in his throat.
A myriad of blond girls with hair caught up in buns, dressed in peach gears or SeeD uniforms were gathered there, around a pavilion.
Seifer froze in his tracks, staring at the view dumbfounded 'Holy crap… I need to get outta here!'
The blond Commander sprinted up the stairs, frantically pushing the elevator button, as dozens of eyes locked upon him quizzically. The elevator shaft finally reached the first floor and Seifer stormed inside it immediately. The doors closed behind him, as he slid down the glass wall, sighing in relief 'Fuck… I need to stop smoking Ghysahl Greens…'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seifer stepped out of the elevator, walking inside the third floor area. The courier seemed nowhere in sight. But he should be there any moment now… Deciding to go relax for a bit in his office, he stopped in his tracks right before opening the door. He frowned.
A faint sound could be heard, coming from… somewhere.
'Oh good Hyne… I'm not hearing voices now too, am I?'
No, no… He couldn't possibly be mistaken… A slightly more distinct sound was coming from… Xu's office.
Puzzled, Seifer strode over there and opened the door.
Immediately, he wished he hadn't…
- "SHIT!" he shrieked, turning away "MY EYES! MY PRECIOUS EYES!" he began yelling, covering his eyes.
He stepped away from the door, trying to catch his breath, while still muttering curses under his breath. Seconds later, Xu walked outside, fumbling with the shirt of her SeeD uniform.
Seifer rubbed his eyes open, gasping for air.
- "Commander, I-" mumbled Xu.
- "NO! DON'T! I don't wanna know what you were doing in there! I just wanna erase it from my memory, like it never happened!" Seifer said hysterically, not turning around to look at her.
- "I'm so sorry, I-"
- "LA, LA, LA! I'M NOT LISTENING! LA, LA, LA!"
Xu sighed and ran a palm down her face. After a couple of minutes, Seifer seemed to calm down… He took a deep breath and turned to look at her.
- "What the fuck did you think you were doing in there and who the hell was that guy?!" Seifer asked, voice half-mad, half-disgusted.
- "Commander, I'm really sorry…"
- "Oh you bet you'll be sorry…" Seifer said, crossing his arms "You're going down for that…" he added, smirking broadly.
- "Oh really?" said Xu, narrowing her eyes at him "Then I guess I should go tell Quistis about the weapon you're buying her as a gift…"
Seifer's eyes widened.
- "How the hell do you kn-?"
- "That was the courier in there, honey…" Xu said, grinning triumphantly.
Seifer's face darkened. He leered down at her.
- "Go ahead and do it… I'm giving it to her anyway…"
- "Yes, but I bet the Trepies would just looove to hear about it…" said Xu, smirking. Seifer gasped.
- "You wouldn't dare…"
- "Watch me." Xu retorted. Seifer gritted his teeth.
- "You don't spill and I don't spill either." he suggested.
- "Deal." said Xu, grinning.
Seifer's gaze fell onto the door of her office, where the head of the courier was peeking out shyly.
- "And you!" Seifer boomed, making the poor boy jump up startled "You can forget about your tip! Get the hell outta here…"
- "Heh… I already got my 'tip'…" the man mumbled, grinning.
Seifer glared at the guy in a deadly manner, giving him his cue to skedaddle towards the elevator, disappearing through the doors.
- "Where's my package?" Seifer asked Xu sternly.
The girl strode inside her office, returning shortly with a white, long package in her hands.
- "Here." she said coldly, handing it to him.
Seifer snatched it from her hands and, throwing her one last glare, walked over to the elevator.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rubbing his sore neck in comfort, Seifer stepped down the stairway of the first floor, holding his package in one hand. He couldn't wait to get back to his dorm and have a long, hot shower…
Striding down the Main Hall towards the Dormitories, the sight of a girl clad in blue came in sight. It was Rinoa, coming out of the Quad, holding Angelo from a leash. She'd obviously taken him out for a walk. Spotting him from afar, Rinoa stopped and waited up for him.
- "Hey, Seifer." she said, once he approached her.
- "Hey yourself…" said Seifer wearily "Taking the mutt out for a walk?" he said jokingly.
Angelo bore his teeth out at Seifer, growling ominously.
- "*Scoff* That dog never liked me, did it?" asked Seifer, grinning.
- "Well, you know what they say…" said Rinoa smirking "Animals can sense evil…"
- "Ha, frickin' ha." said Seifer sarcastically.
Meanwhile, Angelo had approached him and was sniffing the package he was holding.
- "Hey!" Seifer scowled "Get outta there!"
Wrong move… Angelo's teeth encased the package and he began pulling it.
- "Dammit, Angelo! I said SCRAM!" hissed Seifer, pulling the package as well.
If Seifer's initial reaction had triggered the dog's curiosity, that one triggered its nerves. Angelo's teeth sank deeper into the carton package and with one abrupt pull, it slid out of Seifer's firm grip.
- "Angelo, give the box back to Seif-" Rinoa began to say, but her dog sprinted away.
The leash slid like an eel from Rinoa's hand, making her stumble and fall down, as Angelo escaped.
- "YOU FUCKING MUTT! BRING THAT BACK!" Seifer yelled, dashing towards the dog that ran down the hallway.
The blond ran as fast as he could behind the dog, shoving anyone who came by his way. The animal was naturally much more agile however, and not even Seifer's well-trained body could easily catch up with it. Seifer ran and ran, squeezing among crowds, hopping above obstacles, engaging into a mad chase around the Garden hallways.
Angelo had run a full circle around the hallways, before running down the corridor, towards the Quad, where Rinoa had just gotten up on her feet. The raven-haired girl jumped down once Angelo came running her way, grabbing the leash from the other end tightly, bringing the dog to a halt. However, Seifer was only seconds behind it.
He barely had time to blink, as the leash tightened, holding Angelo back. His feet weren't as fast as his mind that screamed 'JUMP!' at him, resulting in their entanglement on the tight leash. The blond tripped, cursing and felt his body lean forward, right onto the railing. Rinoa ducked, shutting her eyes, as Seifer's body flew over her crouched form, and fell right into the shallow waters of the pools surrounding Garden.
SPLASH!
Rinoa bit her bottom lip anxiously, still clutching onto Angelo's leash tightly. The dog had calmed down by now, but was still gripping the package with its teeth firmly. A small crowd gathered around Rinoa, intrigued from the splashing sound. Seifer slowly emerged from the water, face more furious than ever, breath heavy through clenched teeth. Rinoa grinned awkwardly at him and pulled the package out of Angelo's grasp, handing it to Seifer. Seifer pulled it roughly out of her hands, not uttering a word.
- "Commander!" called a familiar voice behind the crowd.
Seifer jumped up slightly, as he saw Cedric Walsh approach him, accompanied by Fujin and Raijin. He wasn't quite used to the idea of a clone of his own running around Garden, doing his former job.
- "Are you alright, ya know?" asked Raijin.
- "I'm fine." Seifer growled, glaring at Rinoa, who blushed.
- "We were just clearing the Main Hall from all the Trepies, ya know?" Raijin informed him "When we heard the noise and came to see what happened, ya know?"
- "LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST." Fujin said.
Seifer creased his forehead. Trepies? Look-alike contest?
And then it dawned on him… The Trepies were having a Quistis look-alike contest that day; that's why he'd seen so many Quistis replicas running around. He wasn't hallucinating after all…
- "Commander, here!" Cedric offered "You can wear my coat!" he said, beginning to remove the grey coat from his shoulders.
- "I. HAVE. HAD IT WITH ALL THE CLONES TODAY!!!!" yelled Seifer, enraged.
Everyone took a step backwards.
- "Everyone get back to your business and if I hear about one more contest like that…" he threatened "And you!" he pointed at Cedric "Go change your Hyne damned clothes and take this to the FH junkshop!" he yelled, shoving the box into Cedric's arms, climbing over the railing.
- "Y-y-yes, sir…" Cedric stuttered, dashing away.
Seifer strode away, a small path clearing as he passed by. Rinoa pulled Angelo behind her, following him.
- "Well that was kind of rude…" she scowled at him, frowning.
- "Look." Seifer said, turning around to her "I've been sitting all morning and noon into a Hyne damned office, I've eaten nothing all day, I've been stumbling upon freaky Quistis look-alikes not to mention MY damned clone, I've come across a sight that's going to taint and torture my mind forever and NOW your little mutt made me run into the water and soak myself to the bone! CAN YOU FUCKING BLAME ME?!!!" he yelled, breathing heavily.
- "OK, OK…" said Rinoa, wincing from his shouts "Oh! I know what's gonna make you feel better!"
- "A dog sacrifice?" Seifer asked sarcastically, eyeing Angelo, who growled at him once more. Rinoa rolled her eyes.
- "A concert." she said wearily.
- "Oh great! Just throw in a quick one to cheer me up!" Seifer said, yet again with sarcasm literally dripping from his voice.
- "There's already a concert taking place tonight, dummy!" Rinoa snapped "Just be in FH at eight o' clock sharp."
And with those words, Rinoa winked at him and strolled away towards her dorm.
Seifer stared at her for a bit, then shook his head in disbelief and headed towards his own dorm as well…
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seifer looked at his reflection on the mirror of his bathroom. After spending more that half an hour trying to gel his hair into shape, he'd finally made it. He straightened his deep green shirt, pulling the sleeves up to his elbows. He adjusted his faded, loose-fitting deep blue jeans. He smiled smugly at the sight before him and exited the bathroom, flicking the light off on his way out. He grabbed his wallet from the nightstand, slipping it down his back jean pocket. He took one last look in the mirror. He was ready to go.
He stepped out of his room and, taking a deep breath, walked further down the Dormitory corridor. He was determined to make a stunning appearance tonight, when he'd hand the brand new whip to-
- "Seifer?"
The chirpiness of the voice pierced right through his eardrums, making him freeze on spot 'Aw, shit…' he cursed. Turning his head to his left, he saw Selphie, Zell and Rinoa all walking over to him. Selphie and Zell were dressed in casual attire, but Rinoa –Seifer noticed- was clad in her formal champagne yellow dress and wore high-heels. As all three of them approached, Seifer studied Rinoa, cocking an eyebrow.
- "Going somewhere?" he asked.
- "Shouldn't we be asking that?" retorted Rinoa, crossing her arms.
- "My words exactly… Lookin' good tonight!" Selphie noted 'Well yeah, that was the fucking idea…' thought Seifer.
- "I thought I'd just go out for a drink." he lied.
- "Ah! No you can't!" Selphie exclaimed.
- "And why the hell not?" Seifer asked, chuckling.
- "Because we've already planned something for you!" piped in Rinoa.
- "Huh?" Seifer said, puzzled.
- "There's a concert goin' on in FH. And you should go." said Zell, almost bored.
- "I told you all about it, remember?" asked Rinoa.
- "Yeah I know… But I still think I'll go for a drink…" Seifer insisted.
- "Aw, c'mon! Everyone will be there! Everyone…" Selphie said knowingly. Seifer shot her an impatient glare.
- "Fine, I'll go…" he said sighing.
- "Great! Rinoa, your turn!" Selphie said, turning over to Rinoa "He's all yours!"
Rinoa nodded in consent and walked over to a door close by. She straightened her dress and knocked lightly. Seifer cocked an eyebrow.
- "Hey, isn't that room-" he began.
- "Yes it is! Now let's go!" Selphie interrupted him, dragging both blonds towards the main Hall.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seifer stood against a wall, arms folded, checking his watch. In front of him, Irvine was talking about something with Selphie. Seifer banged his head lightly on the wall in boredom, letting out a long sigh.
- "Look, is there a fucking concert at all, or am I sitting here for nothing?" he asked eventually.
- "Relax, we're waiting for Squall and Rinoa. We can't begin without them." said Selphie.
- "Oh, great… We're gonna spend all night here waitin'…" said Seifer, slipping his hands down his front pockets.
- "She's gonna persuade him, I trust her." insisted Selphie.
Right on cue, Rinoa, along with a bored-looking Squall approached. Selphie squealed in delight upon seeing them. Irvine grinned and approached Squall starting to whisper something to him. After a few seconds, Squall pulled away, giving Irvine a half-shocked, half-angry glare. Irvine walked over to Selphie, near the stairway leading down to the stage. Squall walked over to the stairway as well, Rinoa following right behind him, but apparently, he'd chosen a bad time. Irvine turned around and glared at him, motioning him and Rinoa to leave.
- "Come on, man!" he hissed "I'm about to make my move!"
- "What's up?" Selphie piped in, completely oblivious of Irvine's plans.
Irvine winced and cursed under his teeth. He was just about to turn around and speak to Selphie, when the brunette grabbed a protesting Seifer's arm and dragged him down the stairway.
- "Gee, thanks a lot!" said Irvine sarcastically, trotting down the stairs as well.
Squall and Rinoa chuckled, then followed Irvine towards the stage.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
- "Dammit Selphie, quit yanking me around! You're literally ripping my arm off!" Seifer hissed at Selphie.
- "Close your eyes!" Selphie said cheerfully.
- "What for?!"
- "Close your eyes!" Selphie insisted.
Seifer groaned and decided to comply. He felt Selphie's hand guiding him blindly down the remaining stairs and then she stopped.
- "Don't open them yet!" she warned.
She beckoned Irvine to come forwards and take his place on the stage silently. When Squall and Rinoa were almost there as well, she spoke to Seifer again.
- "Count down to ten and open your eyes, OK?" she said, letting go of his hand.
- "*Sigh* OK…" the blond said wearily.
He folded his arms and counted down to ten as he was told to. When he was almost done, he heard footsteps behind him and turned around, only to find Squall and Rinoa. Squall shot Seifer a puzzled look, as if asking him what was going on, but Seifer simply shrugged. Rinoa motioned at both of them to look at the stage, where four dark silhouettes could be seen. Suddenly, the lights burst open and two pairs of eyebrows –brown and fair- arched. Selphie, Irvine, Quistis and Zell were all up on stage, each holding a musical instrument on their hands, except for Selphie, who was sitting behind the piano in the back.
- "Squall, Seifer, you studs!" Irvine said jokingly, through the microphone in front of him "This is for you two! Congratulations! Enjoy the show!" he finished, winking at them.
- "Ready?! A-one-two-three…" Selphie said, giving the small band the 'OK' to start playing.
A soft song filled the night air of FH as the four young SeeDs began playing. It took Seifer a few moments to realize exactly which song they were playing. As soon as he did, his eyes moved over to Rinoa. She was beaming and her eyes were glistening. Her mother's song… Rinoa caught him looking at her and smiled at him. Seifer smiled back and turned his attention over to the stage. A chuckle escaped his lips, upon noticing Quistis up there, nervously 'scratching' the electric guitar 'Oh, this is TOO good…' he thought, grinning. He heard footsteps behind him and turned around momentarily.
- "Umm… Seifer?" spoke Rinoa.
- "Yeah?"
- "We uhh… We are going for a walk, OK? Do you mind being alone for a while?" she asked.
- "Nah, go right ahead…" he said, turning his gaze back to the stage "I've got something much better in mind…" he added, smirking.
- "OK, bye…" she said, walking back towards Squall.
- "Yo Leonhart!" Seifer yelled, his eyes still plastered on the quartet. Squall turned around "Careful, man. After she mates with you, she rips your head off…" he added grinning.
Seifer couldn't really make out what it was Rinoa had called him, because the loud sound of the concert and his own chuckles covered her words. He glanced back at them for one second, only to see them walking away. He looked back at the stage, cocking his head to the side. He smirked and locked his eyes upon a certain figure up on the stage, noticing her discomfort 'That should be fun…' he thought.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seifer was enjoying the song, leaning against a wall behind him. It had been a little while ago, that they'd begun to screw it up royally, but it didn't really surprise him. After that wink he'd shot at Quistis, he was certain she'd completely lost concentration –not to mention rhythm-
- "You're not sorry! You just wanna get the hell out of here, that's all! Geez! Why does it have to be like this?! Why?!"
Seifer turned around abruptly, catching glimpse of Rinoa –to whom the voice belonged to-, running right past him, going up the stairs in a hurry. The band immediately stopped playing, as they watched Squall walk away as well, brooding.
- "Oh, bummer…" Selphie muttered "Well, I guess that's it guys… Let's pack it up…" she said dejectedly.
She got up from the piano stool she'd been sitting behind. Irvine grabbed the sax he'd been playing from one hand, and began descending from the stage.
- "Just leave the piano, Selph." he addressed Selphie behind him "We'll pick it up first thing in the morning before leaving…"
Zell slipped the bass strap across his chest, following Irvine. Quistis was the last one to come down from the stage, holding the guitar she'd been playing.
- "And I'd been looking soooo forward to this show…" mumbled Selphie, hopping down the platform.
- "Hey, it wasn't that bad…" said Seifer, grinning.
- "Really?!" Selphie said eagerly, looking up at him.
- "Well… You did screw the song up in the end, but I blame Trepe for it…" he replied, grinning "No, strike that… Blame it on my deadly charms…" he said, running a hand through his hair.
- "Yes… I'm surprised I didn't lose my eye-sight from the horrific view…" Quistis mumbled sarcastically, walking past him.
- "Anyway," Seifer said, glaring at Quistis "It was fun; I enjoyed it." he added.
- "Thanks." said Selphie, a smile crawling up her lips.
Everyone walked towards the stairway, when Seifer grabbed Quistis's arm, holding her back.
- "Hey Selphie, we'll be right there in a sec, OK?" Seifer said, still holding Quistis.
- "K…" Selphie mumbled, not looking back.
- "What? You didn't make enough fun of me right now?" asked Quistis sarcastically.
- "Meh… You weren't that bad…" said Seifer shrugging "I was just wondering if you wanted to go for a walk before getting back to Garden."
- "But… the curfew…" Quistis said, checking her watch.
- "Screw the curfew." Seifer said casually "If the Disciplinary Committee gets on your case, I'll use my 'Commander power' and erase your name from the list, OK?" he added, grinning.
- "Alright…" said Quistis, smiling, looking down to her feet.
- "Here, I'll get that." said Seifer, taking the guitar from Quistis's grip, slipping the strap across his chest, leaving it hang behind his back "D'you like ice-cream?" he asked her.
- "Who doesn't?" replied Quistis, grinning.
- "Come on then…" he said, pulling her from the wrist.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
- "It's just that… I've always loved children… Maybe because my childhood wasn't a very happy one…" said Quistis, tucking a stray blond lock behind her ear "So I wanted to become someone who would guide them, but also be affectionate, listen when they have a problem… I guess that's why I've been getting many complaints from the board…The only thing that keeps me from not losing my job is the fact that my students have always had great success in the SeeD exam. Cid didn't want to lose me as an Instructor, so he suggested that he assigned me to Junior classmen. And I loved the idea, so I accepted."
- "If you don't mind me asking…" said Seifer, licking his chocolate ice-cream "You said your childhood wasn't a good one… Why? Problems with your parents?"
- "I don't know why, but… I was just never able to love them…" said Quistis shrugging "They weren't bad people, but for some reason I could never… I know it must sound weird…"
- "No, not at all…" said Seifer.
- "Anyway, things weren't going so well at home… I was doing very well at school and my parents wanted me to go into Law School, or Medical School. Anything with 'prestige' as they put it. As I said, they weren't bad people, but they cared too much about their social profile. Sometimes I wondered if they cared about it more than they cared about me… Which was probably true… And that's why I decided to leave. I heard about Garden, and applied secretly. When I got in, they couldn't hold me back. And quite frankly, I think they were relieved to let me go…" Quistis replied gloomily.
- "Have you kept in touch with them?" asked Seifer.
- "No. I haven't spoken to them in years." replied Quistis "And the weirdest thing is… I don't even remember what they looked like… It's frightening…"
- "Maybe you just… didn't want to… So you chose to forget…" suggested Seifer.
- "Yeah… maybe…" said Quistis "I feel like we've been talking about me all night… What about you? What were your parents like?"
- "I don't have any…" Seifer said. He chuckled "I mean… I do have parents, but I never met them."
- "You're an orphan?" Quistis asked, looking at him.
- "I… I suppose… I can't remember ever having any parents… That's why I came so early in Garden I guess…" he said, shrugging "The only person I do remember, although quite vaguely, is a woman… This beautiful woman with long, silky, black hair and amber eyes…Perhaps my mother…" he added, voice somewhat dreamy and full of melancholy.
- "Then I guess you're the replica of your father…" said Quistis grinning "If that woman was your mother, then you look nothing like her. You're blond and have green eyes…"
- "Well, not nothing like her…" said Seifer, grinning smugly "I did say she was beautiful…"
Quistis laughed heartily. Seifer looked at her, smiling broadly.
The two walked along the main street of FH. The alleys were deserted even at this early hour and only a few street lamps provided light. Quistis's beige, loose-fitting blouse was being blown away by the light night breeze. She slipped one palm into the back pocket of her light blue jeans, holding her vanilla ice-cream cone with the other. Her ponytail-worn hair was being swished away by the wind as well, nose and cheeks flushed from the slightly chilly atmosphere.
- "I don't think I've ever eaten ice-cream so early before… It's hardly February…" she said.
- "Yeah, but it's quite warm here in FH, isn't it?" said Seifer.
- "That's true… I've never been so far away from Balamb before… Except for one time where I went to Deling City for a mission." she said "I'd like to get the chance to see Centra, Trabia, more of Galbadia… Maybe even Esthar if it weren't hidden…"
- "I've been to Trabia once." said Seifer, sucking the last remaining droplets of ice-cream from the bottom of his cone "Not that much fun…" he said, shoving it into his mouth "Cold." he added, a cone crumb falling off his mouth.
He turned to his side and noticed they'd reached the junkshop. The lights were still on.
- "Wait here for a sec…" Seifer said, grinning, running towards the shop.
Quistis looked at him puzzled. Why was he going into a junk shop at this hour? He wasn't even carrying Hyperion with him. Finishing up her ice-cream, she slowly approached the shop, when Seifer emerged, holding a box in his hands.
- "Here." he said, handing her the box, grinning.
- "What's this?" she asked.
- "Just open it…"
Quistis shrugged and, full of curiosity, opened the lid of the plain white box Seifer had brought her. Inside, lay a golden plated case. Creasing her eyebrows, Quistis left the box aside and squinted, trying to make out the carving on the case.
'Save The Queen' model No67
Owner: Quistis Trepe
Quistis's eyes widened and with trembling fingers, she opened the case. Her lips parted, when inside, she found the latest and best model of a whip, the 'Save the Queen' model. It was almost impossible to get a hold of one of these. The items required were extremely rare, so only about a hundred of them could be found in the market in a VERY high price. Trying to get the items by one's self was even more difficult, as they could only be obtained from very dangerous and high-leveled monsters.
Seifer smirked upon seeing Quistis' expression; she obviously loved his gift…
- "Seifer… I… I don't… I don't know what to say…" she mumbled.
- "It's nothing," he said, rubbing the back of his hair awkwardly "Just something to replace your old one, since you liked it so much…"
- "B-but… My old one was a Red Scorpion and believe me; it's nothing compared to this…" she said, still looking at the yellowish-green whip in awe.
- "Yeah, well… Glad you like it…" he said shyly.
- "Seifer, I can't accept this," Quistis said, looking up at him "It must have cost you a fortune…"
- "Yeah you can. I have no use for a whip anyway, so it'll just go to waste if you don't accept it." he said plainly "Just… consider it a *mumble* present."
- "A what?" she asked, not having heard well.
- "A *mumble* you present…" Seifer said quietly, looking down at the ground.
- "What?"
- "A 'Thank you' present!" Seifer snapped, his eyes shooting open.
- "Oh." Quistis said, feeling completely speechless "But… What are you thanking me for?"
- "For… For… Meh, forget it…I was the reason you lost your whip in the first place so, just take it." he said, trying to change the subject.
- "Why do you think you're the-" Quistis began.
- "Will you just take the damned thing?!" Seifer said impatiently.
- "Yes, of course…" said Quistis smiling, deciding not to bring him in an even more awkward position than he already was.
She ran her hand across the smooth surface of the case, then turned her gaze upon him.
She chuckled.
- "What?" asked Seifer.
- "Umm… You've got a little…" Quistis said, grinning.
- "A little what?" asked Seifer.
- "A little… chocolate smudge…" Quistis said, pointing at the tip of her bottom lip.
Seifer began licking his lip on the wrong side.
- "Wait, I'll get it…" Quistis said.
She gently ran the tip of her index finger, across Seifer's bottom lip, wiping away the small chocolate smudge smearing his skin. Grinning, she licked her finger clean.
- "There." she said, voice barely above a whisper.
It didn't take her long to realize how close they were standing. Their chests were practically touching. Seifer seemed to have noticed that as well.
He closed his eyes momentarily, as the smell of her perfume and hair intoxicated his mind. He re-opened them, only to find her looking up at him.
Hesitating, his lips twitched upwards the slightest bit and he leaned in closer to her.
- "Instructor Trepe! Instructor Trepe!"
Seifer and Quistis flinched and took a step away from each other, jerking their heads towards the direction of the voice.
A girl clad in a uniform identical to Quistis's, was approaching them and –as expected- had blond hair and blue eyes as well.
Quistis sighed.
- "Oh dear…" she mumbled.
- "Instructor Trepe! I won the contest! Isn't that wonderful?!" she exclaimed, once approaching them.
Quistis ran a palm down her face.
- "May I ask what you're doing out of Garden limits after curfew?!" Seifer asked, arms crossed, glaring at the girl.
- "Umm… It's not curfew yet, Commander." the girl replied "It's still 8:56 p.m. Curfew doesn't begin until nine…"
- "Melinda…" Quistis interrupted "How did you find me out here?"
- "Oh, we all saw miss Tilmitt on her way back from the concert and she told us where you were…" Melinda replied.
- "'We'?" Seifer asked, arching an eyebrow.
- "The fan club Committee!" exclaimed Melinda "They were all right behind me, but I ran to catch up with you!"
Seifer's gaze turned to his side, where a bunch of kids were running towards them.
He slapped a hand on his forehead 'This just isn't my day…'
A/N: Bad day for Seifer, eh? Meh, hopefully he made you crack a grin or two… ^_~
ON THE NEXT CHAPTER OF 'A SECOND CHANCE':
As B-Garden continues its journey, they come across a few Galbadian troops stationed in Balamb.
And chaos ensues…
Beware the massiveness of the next chapter! :-p