"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... (Ehehehehe...)
NOTE TO READERS:
- Italic – - represents thoughts
(Italic) – don't mind them
Bold – "emphasized" words
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Chapter 6: That Long Trip to Winhill...
One of the strangest things can happen to you... Things that you never expected... Things that never, in your wildest dreams, cross your mind... Bizarre... Uncanny... Weird... Any thing that is unthinkable...
For Seifer Almasy, this thought was never far off... Imagine... Two months ago, the Knight had been fighting them... the SeeDs... Unconsciously following every order of the Future Sorcereress until she had no use for him any longer...
Two months later, Seifer is currently pitching a ride with those SeeDs... The jolly Selphie Tilmitt, the quiet Irvine Kinneas, the energetic Zell Dincht, and... The self-spoken Quistis Trepe...
Isn't it uncanny they were all in a moving van on their way to Balamb station...? It was hard for Seifer to believe it himself as well as Quistis, too... But the rest...? They carried on as if nothing had happened... As if they erased those Sorceress War memories and replaced them with their fond Childhood Orphanage ones...Or what was left of it...
The van wasn't actually a van... It was a truck... It was carrying like a giant box-like container with all of the appliances and furniture in it needed for Seifer and Quistis's use in their mission.
Driving behind the wheel was Zell. He was the one who volunteered to do it. Nowadays, he and the Library girl were going strong. He had long introduced her to his mother and family friends. It gives the impression that they were all happy because Zell and the library girl are, finally... happy together. Everything is going great in Zell's life...So great that he wouldn't mind an insult or two from Seifer. (Hmph! That explains a lot...)
Beside the driver was the most-awaited-to-admit-it pair, Selphie and Irvine... As usual, they are always tickling, laughing, telling jokes and all that. But well, they still both say... they are just 'best friends'... (Yeah Right...)
And the ones left behind on the back passenger's seat were Seifer and Quistis. They did have quite a talk yesterday at the cafeteria but it was just for work. And here they are again... ignoring each other's eyes...
"Hey!" Zell caught their attention. "This ride'll take some time... Wanna hear some music?" He said, pointing to the sound system of the vehicle.
"No thanks, Zell. Here..."Irvine took out a guitar from its case that he had been holding on to. "This is better." He said as he strummed the strings and made the tones right.
"Hey, Seifer... Do you know a song or two? Let's jam!" Irvine said, as he was ready to play. But, the asked person just kept on staring on the window...
"What about you, Quisty?" Selphie asked.
"Um... you guys decide... I don't know much about music, remember?" She replied.
"Err... ok, then..." Irvine played a smooth tune upon which Selphie was squealing in delight! It can easily be concluded that Irvine was playing her favorite song...
Even while Irvine sang as Selphie and Zell joined him, the two blondes opted to stay quiet... And I do mean... really quiet.
After a few moments though, Irvine finished a fair number of songs. He returned the instrument back to his case. He figured that maybe a conversation will give the aura a little livelier...That usually works...
"So... 'pretend marriage' aside, I heard you guys are spying on... uh... Well, I don't' remember exactly what it was..." The cowboy began... on purpose...
"The anonymous sender said it is some sort of a syndicate organization that pushes drugs, launders money, and exploits orphaned children. Using our undercover, we should be able to penetrate their base in Winhill. It appears that the sender might be one of the kids... And he/she's asking for help... So far, this person revealed only one base..." Seifer was the one who answered.
"But, it can also be the syndicates themselves who sent the message to trick us. That is why an undercover is a more acceptable procedure..." The blonde woman continued.
"Wow... Well... How are you gonna spy on them while trying to convince everyone you are 'happily married'...?" Zell asked out of curiosity.
"Err... we haven't talked about it yet but... We'll think of something..." The blonde male quickly said, ignoring the topic ...again...
"Mmm... Well, do you have to pretend you guys have a job or something?" Selphie inquired next.
"We don't need to worry about that either. We're moving to an old abandoned PUB. They say there were ghosts in there... That's why the previous owner left. Well, whether there is a ghost or not, that seems to be the only available place."
"Geez, good luck!" Zell said.
What about you guys? Do you have a mission after taking us to Deling City?" Quistis asked suddenly.
"Kinda... Just the usual helping-Rinoa-and-her-faction-out again... It seems the Deling's new president is far worse than the last... Guess what? He's also Vinzer Deling's brother... Grimoire Deling..." Zell replied as he drove.
"Hmph! Think you can handle all that, huh, Chicken Wuss...?"Seifer muttered.
"Of course I can. The Garden's been like dedicated to help Timber regain their freedom... And stop calling me Chicken Wuss!"
"Yeah... Ok... Chicken wuss..." Seifer whispered but was loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Oh, for the love of Hyne, Seifer... stop that freakin' loud mouth of yours!" Quistis suddenly exploded in everyone's surprise.
"OK... Whatever you say... Instructor..." Seifer said, adding a word that Quistis would forever condemn to hell... especially if it came from Seifer...
"One more of that word Almasy, I'm going to stuff this throw pillow in your mouth!!!"
"Oh... puh-lease, Instructor... Why in Hyne's name wou-"
Suddenly, the truck halted to a stop... Two people came out and entered the passenger's area. Both of them were trying to stop a raging woman trying to stuff a purple throw pillow into an already blue-skinned man as she was choking his neck with the other hand...
"It's because when I said I'll put this thing in your mouth, I WILL STUFF THIS PILLOW IN YOUR MOUTH!!!" Unlike Seifer whose is bluish purple by now, the other blonde had her face as red as a tomato...
"Dam – Instruc – ge – your – ha... off...me" That was all our poor Seifer could say... And based from the situation, the other people couldn't understand it...
"WHAT'S THAT!? I heard that word!!!"
"Quisty, please stop and look he's as blue as our uniform!" Selphie warned panickingly.
"WHY!? Did he ever stop!" The grip on his neck went a little stronger. "Grrr, I don't care if he's blue... or black... or purple ...or whatever! I just want to make him pay!!!"
BEEEEEEEEEP!!!
The loudest honk of the vehicle was the only thing that made everyone to stop from what they're doing including Quistis, giving time for Seifer to cough out the feathers of the pillow and return to his normal skin color...
"Guys... We have stopped in the middle of the road... If an officer happened to pass by and ask why the hell did I stop... Do you think he'll believe me if I told him that there's somebody trying to kill somebody and there was also another somebody trying to stop that somebody!!! And heck, I don't even understand what the hell am I saying either!?" A fuming Zell said... before that rare moment of silence...
And that stillness continued...
"OK... That's it! Quistis get in front with Selphie! I'll just to sit beside our bluish Seifer here and tryin to get him some oxygen..." Irvine said and finally after switching seats, there was calmness in the group.
About ten minutes later, both were still quiet. The windows were left open to keep our poor Seifer oxygenated. Irvine and Selphie were still talking to each other in a rather sweet way despite their new places. And Seifer was getting annoyed...
"Damn it! It's been like 15 minutes since we left and guess what? I had a free ticket to see Hyne!" Seifer said.
"Hmph!" Quistis snorted in response. "I don't think you'll meet up with him... Coz I'm pretty sure you are especially reserved for the burning depths of Helll!"
"Well then, it's no wonder you just earned a special slot of reservation in that place, as well... for trying to kill me with perfume-tasted pillows filled with feathers!!!" Seifer shot back
"I'm reserved for hell...? Heck! I gave the world justice!" Quistis retorted.
"Hey, cut the crap! I'm sick and tired of playing your referee!" Zell said.
"Well, who asked you to become our referee, chicken wuss!?" Seifer replied.
"For your info, I was the Chicken Wuss that saved you from the horrors of the feathers and the pillows! Show a little gratitude for Hyne's sake!" Zell fumed yet again.
"Ha! Over my dead decaying body!!!"
"Hey! SHUT UP!" A screechy voice from Selphie silenced all the blondes of the group. "Can't we be a little merrier...?"
"Well, let's think about that while waiting for our train..." Zell said, indicating that they have already arrived at the Balamb Town without much delay (Except for one that is...)
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ALL PASSENGERS BOUND TO DELING CITY FROM BALAMB TOWN, PLEASE STAND BY. IT WILL BE 1 HOUR, 35 MINUTES AND 24 SECONDS TILL BOARDING TIME. PLEASE WAIT FOR FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENT.
A robotic female voice was heard across the train station. Most passengers were exasperated as they have to wait for another hour for the trip...
As for our SeeD group (And one SeeD Cadet), it was definitely alright. They had loaded up their stuff in the train. All they needed to do was to take a break from that tiring trip...
"Your freakin' hand marks are still on my neck, Istruc...Trepe!" A grouchy blonde muttered as they left the station.
"Really, that's good... So that it will scar you for all time" The blonde female muttered as she tried to suppress an evil smile.
"Damn y-"
"Quiet! You guys are attracting everybody's attention!" Zell stopped them again for the 2nd time around...
For once though, the two blondes kept their mouths shut who if you think logically are the oldest ones in the group and here they acted like children who just keep on quarreling and quarreling...
"I'm kinda hungry..." Selphie moaned as she rubbed her abdomen.
"Let's go to my house! I'm sure Ma has something for us..." Zell suggested and with that, they proceeded towards the Dinchts' humble residence.
It was, of course, Zell who knocked the door quite excitedly. It was the first time in a long time that he actually came home. He had been busy during those two months. Even if the tattooed blonde manages to give his mother a call, there is nothing better than to stuff your nose into the smell of your mother's home cooking.
Balamb Town was as ever peaceful as it has always been. The only time it had experienced such commotion was when two months prior, Galbadian soldiers infested the whole town searching for a woman called Ellone – a person whom they had never heard of...
And it was Mrs. Leah Dincht who kept her fellow neighbors sane from all the turmoil until they finally had some help. In fact, she was quite surprised to find out that it was Fuujin and Raijin, both Balamb Garden students, who led the unexpected search... But, Balamb people are known for their forgiving nature as they had let those two and Seifer fish by the docks as long as they can after the incident.
Two months... ? The heck with it... They still carried on as if nothing happened... much to Seifer's relief...
Knock! Knock! Knock!
A small door from underground type of home opened just a little.
"Oh, Zell! But you didn't call..." His mother was definitely tongue-tied.
"Just thought a simple surprise won't be that bad, Ma... May we come in?"
"Why, of course!" With that, she had fully opened the door and welcomed her unexpected guests.
As soon as the four entered, they were met with the sweet aroma of newly-cooked Balamb fish and several greetings from two children... Very loud children...
"Hey, wook... that guy has mawks on his neck!!!" A little girl spoke first, pointing her finger rather straightforwardly at Seifer – an annoyed Seifer... (A very annoyed one at that...)
"Ssshhh... That's Seifow..." An older boy whispered to his friend. "You don't wanna what know he's goin' too doo wit yoo..."
Even with all their whispering and mispronounced words, Seifer and the rest could still understand what they are saying. They have been through that stage after all, right? (Ehihihi...)
"Uhhh... Cole. It's also rude to say things in front of their faces..." Zell interrupted them in a way of sarcasm.
"Oh... Sowee..." The girl whose name was Ginger smiled sweetly in an apologetic tone...
"Children, your breakfast's at the living room. Zell and his friends will dine here!" Mrs. Dincht said as she was holding a tray...
- Children? – Seifer raised an eyebrow but chose not to voice it out or something might happen again.
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"But, Mistow Seifow... why do yoo haave a scar in yow face...? Her innocent voice was such a pain in Seifer's ears...
10 minutes after their little meal. Mrs. Dincht had allowed the group to stay while waiting for the remaining time to pass. For our poor Seifer, one hour and 25 minutes is a long time especially when you're with kids...
"Kid, how many times do I have to tell you? I 'tripped' and 'fell'!!!" Seifer yelled rather rudely...
With that, the little girl had tears in her eyes... And she began to sniff... And she began to moan sobbingly...
Of course, our poor Seifer is a human being... He began to feel a little guilty...
Consciously and silently praying to Hyne that somehow Zell won't happen to pass by, Seifer went near the sobbing child and patted her on the shoulder...
"Hey kid, please don't cry... I just got a little grumpy, okay?"
- Hmph! Not bad, Almasy... Not bad at all...- Seifer said to himself as means to encourage himself at the brink of his humiliation...
"But, yoo did not say sowee..." The girl was still tearing up. What this little girl didn't know was the fact that Seifer had never said sorry in his entire life. And it would hurt his pride... a little. (A little?)
"Errr...but..." Seifer said, gritting his teeth.
"Yeah...c'mon, Seifow... Say sowee..." A voice was heard from across the room. It was Zell. Judging from his smile, he had, in fact, seen what Seifer was trying to do.
- Damn it! He saw it! I'm such a goner! - He muttered to himself. But as he looked up to the little girl who was already red in the face because of her crying, his guilt got the best of him.
"OK... I'm sorry... Ginger." He added the name for sincerity's effect. And the girl wiped off her tears and smiled sweetly. "But, next time, don't ask the same question, ok?"
The child sniffed but with a smile plastered on her face. "Awight... I pwomise..." She raised her right hand rather enthusiastically.
"Ginger... C'mon, Ma Dincht is going to take us by the docks today!" Her brother Cole said, distracting the little girl's attention.
"Yey! I'm going to the ow-cean! I'm going to the ow-cean!" She sang happily as she left Seifer alone in the room.
"Hey, great job..." Zell complimented. (Or teased)
"Whatever." The SeeD cadet shoved his way off the room.
"Hey, wait..." Zell followed, surprisingly serious. "I'm not kidding. You're the first person Ginger ever calmed down in just two seconds. Guess you have a thing for kids..."
The spiky-haired blonde left the room with a smile – a sincere one at that.
But Seifer merely rolled his eyes. He knew that Zell was making fun of him again. After all, HE was the one making him cry back at their orphanage days. How come he's good at not making them cry now...?
Since Ma Dincht decided to take the kids out, it was more logical to conclude that the SeeD group had already said their goodbyes and left for the train station even it was still an hour left before the train leaves.
And so, Irvine with Zell and Selphie took their time buying important items for their mission. Quistis and Seifer just joined them to have something to do.
"500 G for just one potion? You have got to be kidding me, Karla?" Zell exclaimed as the said Item Shop vendor announced the sudden change of price. Obviously, Zell knows everybody in the neighborhood.
"Sorry, Zell. I don't have any choice. My father had a stroke three days ago. I have to pay for the hospital bill. It's due in just two days."
Zell sighed. He looked hesitantly at his friends. They smiled and each took out their wallets. Every one gave Karla a handful of money.
"Uh-but..." Karla's eyes widened in surprise and in disbelief.
"Keep the change..." Zell said as he was carrying the plastic bag of their purchased items. The blonde vendor couldn't help but cry in gratitude.
"So, Seifer..." Zell began after they headed towards the train. "You gave Karla a 1000 value bill... That was way too generous..."
"She reminds me of someone." The 18 year old answered rather plainly and weirdly, in a serious manner.
"Who's that someone?" Quistis asked.
"None of your business." Seifer said rather rudely and quickened his pace to the train which was about to leave.
The rest of group halted in their tracks. What's this? Has Seifer Almasy has turned to the old Squall Leonhart? Or did someone just remind him of something?
"Well what do you know? Seifer's got a dark past hidden inside that heartless façade of his, eh?" Irvine said as the group still couldn't still comprehend what they have just witnessed. (OK... Maybe that's just exaggeration... But you guys know what I mean...)
Not long after they retreated to the station after a bit of shopping, they were on time to catch up with the train. And they had to face each other again. You know... Quistis and Seifer...
Since they are partners on one mission, they had to stay in one place... their own special SeeD room on board the train.
Nothing can be just worse than this...
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Their private SeeD lounge room was perfect. It had everything: a double size bed, a small coach with a side table on front, a mini fridge, a PC with free net connection, and a window with perfect view of under the Balamb Ocean. The floor was covered with a comfy creamy white carpet and the walls were made of wood – giving the room a hotel kind of look.
But the word 'comfortable' does not really describe the aura of the room right now as it is presently been inhabited by... Seifer and Quistis.
While Seifer helps himself making coffee, Quistis just quietly sits by the window as she sits by the in-built couches of the room. Both were not arguing or biting each other's heads for once...
The only thing is... It was too quiet... dead quiet...
And both didn't care... Each pretending that they had something to do... This was really obvious that they were faking it...
Silence is very annoying... For Seifer Almasy, it's the double.
- Damn it! She's that stiff... Won't say a word, eh? –
Seifer attempted to sort-of-purposely make the stirring of his spoon a little a noisy. That a little snide remark from the former instructor can liven up things a bit...
Soon enough, a soft but screeching sound of metal clanging against chinaware was heard. Since it was only noise heard, it was like a clanging of broken bells...
Quistis, of course, figured out Seifer's objective... And so, she tried to be the stiffest and the most silent person she can be... After all, she got lots of help from Squall...
- Very amateurish, Seifer Almasy... Very amateurish... –
Luckily, the blonde woman found some magazines placed on the couch where she was sitting. So, she picked one up and soon started reading it... while pretending not to hear anything at all...
Seifer gritted his teeth in annoyance. Apparently, the girl's playing fire with fire...
Since by that time, his coffee would have been thoroughly mixed and so he decided to finally have a sip... noisily...
Slurp... Slurp...
But Quistis still stayed firm and untouched...
SLURP... SLURP...
If Quistis wasn't such a very self-controlled person, she would've given in by now... But, she was known as the most level-headed person in Garden. Seifer chose to fight her in the wrong competition. Even so, he still proceeded to 'enjoy' his drink...
SLURP... SLURP... SLURP... SLURP...
"Whew..." HE added for effect. "It's hot..."
Quistis decided to thump her feet while reading the magazines. And since, the floor was sort of made of wood; the noise being produced was somehow tripled in Seifer's ear... And everything on top of a drawer, a table, or anything smooth was vibrating ... making the noise louder...
And boy... what a noise are they making...
"Hey, Trepe! You're like creating an earthquake in here!!! Could you freakin' quit with that 'refined' façade?" Seifer suddenly said rather sarcastically.
Quistis threw in a mocking laugh. "Oh really... As far as I'm concerned, you're the one who started this noise arena with your damn spoon!"
"Noise Arena!? Your thumping is more of a noise than mine!"
"At least, I'm not the one who gave in this battle that 'you' started!!!" She stood up in defense. Her voice was a little higher than usual.
"Haha... A battle, huh? Noise arena? I don't know what the hell you're talking about... You mean to say we were engaged in some sort of fight? Oh... really!?" Seifer said, using Quistis' own 'calmness' tactic with that oh-so-familiar smile...
"Why you..." She gritted her teeth as she went closer to strangle him when suddenly...
"Whoaaa... Stop it!" An all-too familiar voice suddenly barged in their door. It was, of course, their one and only referee, Zell Dincht.
He sighed frustratingly and looked at his other comrades, "See! I told you... If we didn't have come here, Seifer would have another new birth mark to complain about..."
The 'best friends' grinned sheepishly.
"Guys... what are you guys doing here...?" Quistis asked, finally calmed down...
"Oh that... Uh... You see our SeeD accommodation didn't have a free net connection computer so we decided to come here... Ehehe..." Selphie sweatdropped with a smile.
"That's all? Here... Help yourself... We weren't using it, anyw-"
"OK!!! Thanks, Quisty!" Quistis wasn't able to finish her sentence as her friend zoomed in to boot up the computer – in a flash...
"Mmm... Nice scent of the coffee, Seifer... Can you make me one, too?" Irvine asked, as he sat down to where the magazines were...
"Okay... Don't worry, I won't be using that 'damn spoon'" He answered, making sure he saw Quistis heard the last words... clearly...
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The trip took about 10 hours from Balamb Town to Deling City. Even with the 'noise battle' that had occurred, the four people from Balamb Garden had a nice time in the train but a certain duo still hadn't warmed up as planned... I mean expected... (Oops...)
"Hey guys, do you think angelwing03 is Rinoa?" Selphie caught the attention of her fellows while chatting on the net.
"I guess so... but... isn't she supposed to be helping her fellow resistance members rather than chatting on the net?" Quistis asked.
"Let me ask..." Selphie said as she continued to type. After a few seconds, a new pop box appeared. "Hey, it is Rin! She's saying hello to everyone... And, oh yeah... they just finished a joint meeting with the Forest Hounds. Everyone's doing their thing before they carry out their plan."
"Uh... how many factions exactly are there in Timber?" Zell asked.
"Don't know... All I know is Rinoa's group mostly consists of teenagers like us..." Selphie asked as she continued to type...
"So, fill me in... How come another Deling became the president? I didn't hear any election that came up..." Seifer said.
"Let's just say Grimoire Deling is... the vice president of the Deling City? Since the president's dead thanks to Matron, he simply took the initiative to take over... And he's double ruthless than his brother... That's according to Rinoa, though...
"Has Pres. Laguna of Esthar tried to negotiate with him?" the blonde asked again.
"You could say he did that 5 times already together with the Dollet Dukedom Parliament. But even so... nothing."
"Don't worry, Seifer... If you make thru this undercover thing, you'll soon be joining us – kicking some Galbadian soldier butt..." Irvine said, raising his hand to the air.
"Speaking of Deling..." Quistis intervened as she pointed towards their window. It was Deling City Station... They had already arrived at their destination without knowing.
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PASSENGERS, WE HAVE ALREADY ARRIVED AT DELING CITY STATION AT EXACTLY 6 HOURS, 30 MINUTES AND 45 SECONDS IN THE EVENING. WE HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED YOUR TRIP. SEE YOU SOON...
That was the last thing the group heard as they finally left the station and into the moonlit Deling City. Its night life oriented people, its urbanized lifestyle and its hi-tech crazed society... All are completely diverse from the peaceful, harmonious lifestyle and the comforts of their home in Balamb. And going back in this decadent city brings back memories... bad memories... (Hey, it's not a joke to see Squall being pierced with some kind of an ice spiky thing...)
"OK. Quistis? Seifer? We are supposed to meet the Forest Owls' representative at the edge of the city at exactly 7:00. We have only a half hour to go so..." Selphie reminded everybody. The trip was fun but as they always say...'going back to business'.
"Been fun, guys... And Quistis...? Seifer? We won't be there to stop you so..." Zell reminded as well.
"Yeah well... We'll try to keep that in mind..." Seifer said. And as usual, both were silent as statues at each other.
"Hey, try to warm up... From here on, you're 'married', remember?" Irvine said as he and his two other comrades took in a local bus... leaving the two alone... for good... (Well, not really for good...)
"Here..."
Quistis felt a nudge from her right hand and she looked down. Seifer was handing a silver ring with a tiny diamond on top. After a few seconds, the blonde lady recalled that this was the ring she wore during their 'photo session' that took place a week prior.
Despite the minor outbursts and heated arguments that had transpired, everything was going as they planned. As soon as they arrive at Deling City, it would be the perfect time where they have to go on their undercover identities... finally as Mr. Seifer A. Branforde and Mrs. Quistis T. Branforde...
"Our luggage is expected to be in the Deling City Inn's care as well as our other items to be used in Winhill. We'll stay in the inn for the night as planned." Seifer stated.
"Uhh... Seifer?"
"What?"
"Are we going to sleep in the same room?"
Seifer looked at Quistis very dumbfounded. "Yes..."
"Oh...OK!" Quistis immediately pulled a 'cheerful' face that Selphie used to do. But, of course, Seifer knows better than that.
They arrived at the inn after riding a bus. Both went straight to the cashier's desk. A petite brown haired girl looked up and greeted them in.
"Good evening. How can I help you?"
"Uhh... I believe you guys have a reservation for a Mr. and Mrs. Branforde. And we have a reserved storage for our items that we put during our train trip from Balamb." And so, Mr. Branforde took a reservation slip from his wallet. Quistis couldn't help but notice that her partner already had everything in order.
"Just a moment, sir." The cashier then took the slip and typed its serial number into the computer. After a few moments, the girl smiled and revealed a key for the suite room no. 18.
"This is your room key for the night, sir, and ma'am. You may claim your luggage when they have arrived tomorrow morning. Please enjoy your stay."
"Will do..." Seifer said... and that had a lot of meaning in it...
"Seifer..." His blonde partner whispered.
"Hm?"
"How much are a suite room for two and a reserved storage for luggage from the train? I mean... That costs about double the salary of SeeD Rank A..." She said as a matter-of-factly.
"Well, that's the swell thing about being a SeeD... It's always free..." And Seifer had the biggest grin Quistis has ever seen. (Hmm... I wonder what he really meant by that...)
Not long after that, they have already arrived at Suite Room no. 18. Much like their SeeD Lounge Room from the train, it pretty much has everything: bed, furniture, TV, fridge etc.
"Uhh... Quistis?" Seifer spoke up.
"Yes?"
"You can sleep in the bed. I'm fine with the couch. This is a Suite room so I'm pretty sure it is comfortable enough." He said as he sat at a red couch that he was pertaining to.
The SeeD had to blink her eyes repeatedly after that. Is she still in the train dreaming or Seifer was that courteous...? Either way was simply impossible... And for one thing, did she just hear him call her by her first name...? ('There can be miracles when you believe...')
"Thanks for the offer, Seifer. But this is an inn, remember? There are several surveillance cameras hidden in this room. If we don't show them any intimate action, they might suspect we are using a fake name or something..." She explained.
- Well, Branforde's a fake name... Duh! – She mentally scolded herself.
"Oh... I see..." It's easy to tell that both weren't happy to what they just got themselves into. No matter how much they avoid it... It's already getting into their nerves...
But Life has always been unfair... Two months ago was one good example, right...?
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Just like the previous night, our poor Seifer Almasy couldn't sleep. Not only it was because the next day will be his first real mission, but it was also because beside him was a woman sleeping behind him... And he swears if the Trepies ever find out, he knew he's d really never make it to SeeD by then.
He didn't want to toss and turn. He might wake up the sleeping beauty... And speaking of beauty...
His eyes suddenly became glued to her peaceful and calmed state. She was no longer that uptight woman, no longer that woman who thinks she's tough and when she says it is business, she does mean business...
She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.
- For the love of Hyne...! Wha the freaking hell's wrong with me!?- He tried to shut his eyes again as tight and as closed as he possibly again. That, of course, never achieved anything.
Then, a series of flashbacks entered this young man's mind... But he couldn't tell if it was really a lost memory or... a dream...
"S-Seifer...?" Her small voice was almost never due to the rumbling thunder. It was such a strong storm during the night.
"What...?" He opened his eyes, definitely peeved.
"C-Can I s-sleep w-with you...?" She was trembling in fear.
"Why...?"
"B-Because... I...I-" The trembling girl was tongue-tied. Nevertheless, she had to tell it before...
BOOM... PAK!
Then a loud clap of thunder echoed thru the raging storm... Making the already scared 4 year old girl even more terrified...
"Aaahh...!" The poor child was screaming in terror.
"S-ssh... Quiet, Quisty... You'll wake up everybody!" The boy had an alarmed look on his face.
"B-But... I-I'm scared..."
"Don't worry... I'll protect you..." The boy said as he moved to the other side of his bed. The scared child did not need to think twice... She leaped on the bed.
Minutes later...
"Seifer... can we do this every night...? So that you'll protect me..." The girl talked again but was no longer afraid.
"Sure... every night..." Came the reply...
With that said, the girl had finally fallen asleep peacefully... The boy smiled a real smile – the first sincere one he had in years...
Because she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen...
He shook his head into reality... What was that? A dream... He rolled his eyes... He should really get some sleep...
And not long after that... he did so...
One of the strangest things can happen to you... Things that you never expected... Things that never, in your wildest dreams, cross your mind... Bizarre... Uncanny... Weird... Any thing that is unthinkable...
For Seifer Almasy, this thought was never far off...
After all, it happened before... He just barely remembers it...
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AUTHOR'S BACK & FREE!!!
Yeah well... To those who want to kill me for not updating any sooner, please do it now. The only thing is... If you do kill me... Who's goin' to update this story...? Ehehe...
Joking aside, I'm pretty happy you still wait for this story till the end of time... It was great that it reached at about 1000+ hits... but... HOW come I only have 28 REVIEWS?
Well, well, well... I said a like or hate-it-review would have sufficed...
For those who had loyally reviewed from the very beginning, thank you so much. Did improve my writing so far? Were the characters a little OOC or major OOC?
As usual, thank you all for reading and...
SAYONARA!!!