Author's note: I do not own Final Fantasy VIII or its characters. This is for the 30 Kisses challenge using list iota. This is set after the game and is slightly AU. Theme 19: The Cat's Out of the Bag.

Something New

Quistis watched the dance floor from her seat and let out a relieved sight. It was finally over. She was honestly happy for Squall and Rinoa, and the ceremony was beautiful, but she was really ready for it all to be over. Quistis would be thrilled when the reception was over and the lovebirds were off on their honeymoon and she would finally be done with her responsibilities.

Carefully toeing off the blue peek-toe stilettos that went the pale bridesmaid dresses Rinoa had chose, Quistis flexed her toes. Her feet hurt, and she had been on them most of the day. She was not the maid of honor, but Selphie had ended up relating most of her duties to Quistis. The former instructor had been run ragged over the past six months. And it hadn't helped that some of the other bridesmaids were old friends of Rinoa, and they didn't like Quistis. She was simply too serious for them.

"Here. You look like you need this."

A glass of champagne was placed before her, and Seifer flashed her a grin. He stood out in his light suit against all the men in their formal SeeD uniforms. He had been invited because it was polite. She had been thrilled.

"Thank you."

He slid into the seat beside her as she sipped at her drink. They had grown closer since the end of the Sorceress War. The two of them had been working with Matron to fix up and reopen the old orphanage. Somewhere along the line, they had also started seeing each other. It had baffled most of Quistis' friends, but she found herself more than content with dating Seifer.

"So what are the chances of me getting a dance anytime soon?"

"Give me a few more minutes. My feet are killing me."

And she wanted a chance to compose herself. They had just cut the cake and done the whole bouquet and garter toss. Quistis hadn't caught the bouquet. To tell the truth, it hadn't been a priority for her, but the "old maid" comments directed towards her by some hurt. She was only a year older than Rinoa and Selphie after all, and the last time she checked being single wasn't a crime, not that she was. She just didn't advertise her relationship that much. Still, the sharp comments hurt, and Quistis was doing her best not to let it show.

Seifer tugged on her hand. "Come on, you can dance barefoot. Let's have some fun. You deserve it after all the hard work you've put into this shindig."

Quistis sighed a little but let him pull her out onto the dance floor, her shoes left abandoned under the table. Once she was in his arms swaying to the music, she felt much better. She ignored the whispers they were drawing; their relationship was not well known and gossip was inevitable around Garden. Instead, she just focused on the music and Seifer's arms around her. They swayed to the soft strains of some romantic ballad or another. The song came to an end, but Seifer didn't release her.

Instead, he sank down to one knee. "Quistis Trepe, will you marry me?"

"Oh yes, Seifer!"

He sprung up, capturing her in his arms again for a kiss. She heard the sporadic applause and the gasps and whispers. Quistis gently pulled away to nuzzle his nose.

"Seifer?"

"Hmm?"

"We're eloping."