"What Would I Be Without You"
-Kawaii Hana-
DISCLAIMER:
I don't own anything from FF8. Too bad... I would have made a direct sequel from it, though...
Oh yeah... I don't FF6, either. It's also known as FF3 in North America I just used some of their last names. If I did own it though, there would be at least a PS2 version of it!!! I mean it's a really good story ()
NOTE TO READERS:
... Italic... -represents thoughts
(Italic) – don't mind them
Bold – "emphasized" words
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 3: Preparing For a Wedding Picture...
"Squall, how would you expect the two of us to pretend that we are married?" Quistis asked.
"Yeah!" Seifer agreed. "You, of all people, should know that we don't exactly get along here...!"
"Simple. Just play the "PLAYHOUSE". Squall stated blankly.
As the word "PLAYHOUSE" was uttered, memories flashed back to both blondes - a revelation long forgotten yet still fresh from within...
Back in the days in the orphanage, the whole group would play a game they called the "PLAYHOUSE". It was their most favorite game.
Why?
It didn't involve running around like tag or hide & seek. It did not involve any use of brain cells unlike their usual games of "I Spy with My Little Eye" or the "Triple Triad" card game.
But it did involve all their toys they want to have. It did involve the girls' dress-up costumes and the boys' toy cars. But most of all, it involves everybody! Unlike the girls' tea parties or the boys' ball games, they play this game together. That is why this is the game that the group used to look forward to every day...
Even though they have their own game called "WAR", both Irvine and Selphie play the "PLAYHOUSE" with equal enthusiasm. They play as "Mr. and Mrs. Garamonde", a couple who has been living in the Edea Town (their make-believe town) for years. They play as a pragmatic pair. While Irvine goes to work, Selphie does the chores. Then, there came a time, when, they made up a part wherein they want to adopt a baby. Instead of a doll, they chose... Baby Zell! (Ahem... No offence!)
Since Squall was the most attached to Ellone that time, it was not really surprising that they should be together as "Mommy & Baby" in the name of Mrs. Chere and Baby Leo. Ellone pretends that she runs the PUB in town – a tribute to her guardian Raine Loire. Having Squall as a baby makes things a bit too obvious.
And lastly, Seifer and Quistis, who were best friends, would play as "Mr. and Mrs. Branford". This time, they were a couple who would often pretend they just moved in town and were just getting to know the people. The story of the game focuses on them most of the time.
Their "Matron", Edea, loved to watch or at least, hear them play. She was secretly pleased that, somehow, even though, they knew nothing of their families, they still know how one works.
But, the irony is... the ones who look most forward to playing that game was Seifer and Quistis. They are the first ones to suggest it, the first to finish their costumes and, most certainly, the ones who play their part, well.
Now, these two have grown up and only fragments of fuzzy memories remain. Seifer looked affected by the commander's statement but Quistis had no idea what was he was talking about...
"Squall... w-whatever it is, it is way back at the orphanage; of course, we both forgotten it, ok?" Seifer said quickly, retaining his composure of the matter.
The commander responded with a hopeless sigh. Apparently, with the help of Matron, Ellone and Irvine, the rest of the group got to remember most of their orphanage days of wherein Rinoa got to listen with interest.
"Look, you two... If you did it before, you guys can do it again... in a more... err... realistic 'kind' of way..." Squall said.
"But-"Both wanted to object again when...
"No buts! I told you guys! This is yours to handle. This is a mission. Forget your personal differences for once and focus on the mission..." Squall said, who was getting annoyed, actually...
"Yeah right! For all I know, you're enjoying every minute of this, Commander. You did this on purpose!" Seifer argued.
"Did not..." Squall replied.
"Did to!" Seifer shot back.
Ugh... here we go again... Quistis rolled her eyes.
"Did not. "
"Did to!!!"
"Boys! Please! Stop it!" Quistis used her instructor-like voice with matching "scary" eyes. At that point, Seifer chose to stay quiet.
The blonde woman let out an exasperated sigh. "Squall... Fine! I accept this mission. After all, I'm just the one following orders." She pointed out.
The two focused their attention to Seifer. "OK...OK... I get it. Majority wins! I accept it, too!" Seifer said, in defeat.
The brunette commander nodded and pressed a red button in his intercom. "Rinoa and company, they're ready."
They're ready? Ready for what...?
The trio heard footsteps stepping closer. Suddenly, there, came barging into the room was the said group with make-up kits, a tuxedo, and a wedding dress. In the group were Rinoa, Irvine, Selphie, and Zell – all with pretty happy faces...
"Wha... wait! Whoa! Wait a minute! Stop! Hold it!"
And the newcomers stopped in their tracks...
The blonde lady, frantically stood up, waving her hands like crazy and looked at Squall questioningly. Seifer was as frantic as her but it appears he was too shocked to even utter a word.
"Squall... we said we accept the mission –not getting married!"
"I agree to that!" Seifer said, raising his right hand like he was in a debate.
"But, Quisty, how can you convince people that you two are married without a wedding picture?" Selphie said, quite childishly and excitedly? She was holding the wedding gown with the hanger on her right hand and Zell carrying rest of the skirt.
"A wedding picture? You mean you're going to take a picture of us wearing those...?" Seifer pointed to the group's held items.
"Uhh... Basically... Yes." Squall answered.
"What?" Both were astonished. All of their friends (or at least orphanage friends in Seifer's case) are against them.
"Oh, c'mon, you two... It's just a picture." Rinoa pointed out. With her was a big box full of make-up kits and cosmetics of all kinds.
"B-but..."
"Don't worry! We won't show it to anybody in Garden. And you guys can do anything you want with it after the mission." Zell said reassuringly, though, he kind of said of it like it was scripted...
"C'mon, you two! We're doing our best to help you here..." Irvine said.
For the first time in their lives, both blondes accepted defeat and nodded without much to say. As soon as they agreed in to what they are about to do, Rinoa had Quistis to sit where she sat while Zell pulled Seifer outside the room. It was makeover time!
After putting back the documents back to its envelope, Squall nodded to the girls and left, as well, leaving the three girls of the Ragnarok team alone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"I cannot believe this! My very first mission after the Ultimecia deal and I get to play "Mrs. Almasy"." Quistis said when the commander has left.
"It's Mrs. Branford, Quisty" Selphie reminded her.
"Whatever..." Quistis said, in a Squall-like tone. The other girls giggled at the familiarity and soon Quistis joined in. You never know how much you influence people, isn't it?
"So, Quisty... what kind of hairstyle do you want?" Rinoa asked as she took of the hairclip and started brushing it.
"You pick, Rin. I don't know much about these hairdos and stuff. Whatever matches the gown . . .? " Quistis replied, reluctantly.
"Speaking of..." Selphie said while taking off the plastic that covered the top half of the dress.
The dress, one could say, was an explicit work of fashion. It had an off shoulder kind of top with white rose embroideries perfectly stitched on it... The lower part was a silky balloon type covered by rose stitches around it as well. The skirt was covered with a white shining material that made the wedding gown more elegant and eye-catching to any on-looker...
"Whoa..." The blonde instructor had her eyes widened. "I'm gonna wear that?"
"Yup! Well, what do you think of it, Quisty? Is it good?" Selphie asked.
"Hello? Give it to the ones who really want to marry, Seifie! This dress is way beyond awesome. Wait a minute! You..." Quistis cut off her sentence.
"Yes! I designed this one myself..." The ever jovial SeeD beamed proudly.
"What for...?"
"Well, long story..." Rinoa spoke. "You see... Selphie had this wild idea that Squall would propose to me soon and volunteered to design a wedding gown for me..."
"Squall? Proposing that fast? Please hide a video camera for me to watch it, 'kay?" Quistis said mischievously...
"Quistis, stop it!" Rinoa said. Her cheeks were red. "Anyway, it turns out that Selphie also did a design for herself and for you...
"That's crazy! I mean... yeah... it's taken for granted that you and Squall will end up together. Me? Ha! Please... Don't even think about me... And as for as Selphie..."
"It's Irvy!" Selphie suddenly chirped in...But her face suddenly became red. "Ooooh! Forget that I said that..."
"It's Irvine Kinneas. And it's not that's surprising!" Rinoa smiled evilly.
"Oh! Please don't tell! Just please don't!" The brunette begged like she was pleading for her life.
"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with us." Quistis reassured her...
Although, I won't call it a secret. Everybody in Garden can see what's goin' on...
"When we heard about the mission, and that Seifer's joining you, we thought it's about time we should start using those gowns... Which means...? Selphie did not only design, she had it sown for like..." Rinoa explained
"Girls, why did you make one for me? I mean I'm not going out with anybody!"
"Well, that's the thing, Quisty. We don't know yet. But, at least, the dress was ready before the mission." Selphie said.
The blonde rolled her eyes and snorted. "And guess who's going to see me in that dress up close and personal? It's Seifer Almasy of all people... I mean how Squall expects us to get this mission successful is beyond me!"
"Aww, Quisty. Seifer is not that bad." Rinoa said; as she continued fix the blonde's long hair. "He really is a good guy once you get to know him."
"Rinoa, if you must know that Almasy and I have this long history of stupid and trivial arguments. And I bet he already has my name's been written on 'the list' over a thousand times! And what's this 'list' for, anyway...?" Quistis began to complain.
"Quisty, the 'list' is something related to this 'Disciplinary Committee' thing. And to tell you the truth, there were some things about him that I don't like..." The raven-haired answered.
"Things you don't like... What about the things you like...? As if there is one Hyne-forsaken thing that you like about him" Quistis was beginning to act like an abnormal person.
But there was silence before Rinoa could answer. It was kind of hard to let go of those events that happened two months ago. Of course, Seifer Almasy was the first kiss, first love, and first heartbreaker all in one person. (Geez...ouch...)
"Well, back then he was sweet and romantic. But I guess it was just infatuation, Quisty. I mean I was 16 back then, so..."
From that point on, the girls focused on other topics. Quistis's hair was already done and so it was time for the make-up.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Meanwhile, at the third floor comfort room for males...
"Damn you, Leonhart! Damn! Damn!"
Seifer's ranting was heard all across the 3rd floor as he was changing into the formal clothes while the other guys were waiting for him patiently.
Both Zell and Irvine were both making fun of Seifer as he keeps on ranting and ranting. They were even mimicking it and laughing at the same time.
Squall, of course, was leaned against a wall beside the door with his arms folded across his chest. He was looking down the floor like he was wearing giant earplugs as he seems to be unresponsive to all of Seifer's rant.
"Damn it!" Seifer continued. "One chance to become SeeD and there is Instructor going to grade me. Ugh! That's no. 1. And then what, we are going to pretend we are married! That's no. 2! Hyne, for crying out loud, I've done possibly everything in order to improve and THIS IS WHAT I GET!?"
"Hey, chill man!" Zell said and his teasing smile will never get off his face.
"Shut up, Chicken-wuss!"
"Shut up, Chicken-wuss!" The tattooed blonde mimicked him and laughed so loudly that Irvine laughed, too.
Normally, Zell would piss off whenever he heard that. But, this time, he even mimicked it. Weird...
"Hey, Leonhart! Why did you put me and Instructor in this damn exam? She is the whole reason why I failed the last three exams!"
"The only person that you can blame is yourself." Squall stated.
"Now what!? You're already trying to tell me what to think!? Ha! I don't think so, Commander!!!"
Squall rolled his eyes. Seifer is really is starting to get into his nerves. One more word and he's going to do the Renzokuken.
"Oh, c'mon, Seifer, relax!" Irvine teased and laughed like a lunatic again. Zell joined him, as well.
"Shut up, you two!" Seifer banged the door which made the two boys laugh even harder.
"STOP!" Squall finally stood up. There was silence... "It is only 6:40 am and many people are still asleep. Seifer, I have told you countless times already and I have to tell you yet again. Quistis is the only SeeD available in Garden. In fact, she was supposed to have the mission all to herself. Until, Cid requested that you will be joining her. Irvine, check the camera equipment. And Zell just shut your mouth off!!!"
Silence consumed the entire floor as the silent SeeD leaned back to his former position. The three men had their mouths wide open.
After a few minutes of relaxing silence (for Squall, that is), a voice was heard on the other side of the door. "OK, I'm done..." Seifer said, as he reluctantly opened the door
He was wearing a black tuxedo with the matching pants and shoes. There was a white rose on his left pocket. His black necktie was, one could say, not properly done...
"Tan-tan-ta-ran! Tan-tan-ta-ran!" Zell hummed the wedding tune and he and Irvine laughed again.
Seifer felt embarrassed and the two laughing guys were so annoying that Squall was forced to hit Zell on the head...
- Smack! –
"Ow! Why'd ya hit me that for...?" The whining Zell said while rubbing the affected area of his head... Squall sent a death glare to both men and they opted to finally stay quiet.
The silent SeeD sent an even deadlier glare to the cowboy which made him stiffen up. "Irvine Kinneas..." A chilling tone came from his already spooky aura. "The camera, if you may..."
"Y-yes sir..." Irvine managed to sputter a few words and ran off like the wind.
"I-I'll check the girls... Maybe they're done or something..." Zell said and ran away as well.
Leaving both Seifer and Squall alone might be not a good idea. It was dead silent when those two left. After all, how would we expect these two to talk about the old times?
"Err...thanks for getting rid of those two..." Seifer uttered suddenly out of the blue.
"It was nothing. I was annoyed as you are..." Squall stated.
There another minute of silence. It was as if the world was already affected with the Silent Voice of the GF Siren. But she forgot to affect the two men standing in B-Garden's third floor. If only Squall didn't send the two noisy men away...
Weird... Didn't they want to get rid of them just a few minutes ago? And now, they want them back...? Well, well...
"So..." Squall began. "I heard from the Headmaster. This will be your last chance to become SeeD. Well, good luck..."
"Thanks" Seifer replied, confused whether to be offended or grateful. "I need all the luck I can get... Coz it's Instructor Trepe again... "
"Yeah... well, there are a lot of chances where you get to work with her in real missions... Maybe... this is a part of the test..." Squall reasoned out.
"Hmph! Just great..." The blonde whispered to himself. . .
"Hey guys!" Zell finally came back. "Everything's ready! Irvine had the camera fixed and prepared in no time. I had to help the girls carefully carry the humongous bundle of cloth and flowers to the room. We're only waiting for you..."
Seifer took a deep breath. Okay...This is it...Damn it! Why do I sound like I'm really getting hitched!? Seifer Almasy, wake up!
And so, the three young men walked their way to the room. Behind those desperate looks and some happy ones from others, there is no more turning back...
For some reason, maybe, this is the only way that both Seifer and Quistis would stop arguing... Maybe something more... Or it's just one way that the "Orphanage Gang" came up with to rekindle the blondes' long forgotten friendship...
But so much for a wedding picture... I mean...They do look great together, right? (Ahehehe...)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Author's Back!
Hiya readers! (If there are readers...) Yes! Yes! I am still alive. Sorry! It was a heck of a long time! But you see our terror teacher from Economics came back from vacation. I really have to study. And so, I only do about two to three paragraphs a day, or sometimes, four to five words... Ehehehe (Sweatdrops)
Anyway, if you read this and liked it, please recommend it to your friends or anyone you know... I'm DESPERATE for reviews. I want to know if this story will still keep going...
If you like this one or see how this story is going, THANK YOU! But if not, it's definitely alright! Just tell what are my flaws and mistakes so that I can improve, 'kay?
Well, that's all! Thanks for reading and...
SAYONARA!