Author's note: I do not own Final Fantasy VIII or its characters. This is AU.

Partnership Beginning

Quistis found her second ride on a horse with Seifer much more pleasant than her first. They made their way towards Deling at a fairly brisk trot. She leaned back against Seifer and took in the scenery. She wasn't familiar with this part of Centra, but it wouldn't hurt to get the lay of the land. Seifer pointed out a number of landmarks as they went. Deling ended up being about an hour and a half away by horse. It was clear when they arrived that Seifer was a familiar face in the town. They were greeted by a number of people on the street as they passed by.

"The general store is just across the street," Seifer informed her as he tied up the horse. "Why don't you head on over? I have to pick up an order at the butcher's and then I'll join you. Try not to get into trouble while I'm gone."

She shot him a look. "The same goes for you. I'm not in a position to bail you out of jail if you get in trouble."

He laughed. "Have fun."

Quistis made her way over to the general store. To tell the truth, she really didn't need anything, but it was nice to be some place other than that little cabin. There wasn't much there Quistis could do there, and she'd been more than a little bored for the past few days. She still was having trouble believing that it had been nearly four days since her father had been murdered. It seemed a little surreal. And the fact that her life might be in danger as well hadn't sunk in at all.

Browsing the shelves, Quistis found a couple of books among the other odds and ends. The two Jane Austen novels were something that Quistis just couldn't resist. She also picked up a small sewing kit. It would be useful, and if she found some nice fabric today, she might make a few things. It would keep her hands busy at least. Besides, it wouldn't hurt for Seifer and his friends to have another blanket and some other things like that. And it would be a way to thank them as well. Quistis was often better with deeds than words when it came to things like that.

It didn't take Seifer long to join her. He strode through the store's aisles, picking out items along the way. Mostly it seemed like they were picking up basic staples today like four and sugar. Seifer peered over her shoulder.

"Grab a bottle of honey if they have it. Fuujin likes it in her tea."

Quistis nodded. "Sure. Anything else I should get?"

"Nah, I can find the rest of it."

The woman behind the counter smiled at them when they brought their purchases up.

"Now, Seifer, it's about time you found a nice girl. You know not to let him run roughshod over you, right, dear?"

Quistis had to bite her lip to keep from giggling. "Yes, ma'am."

"Now you don't have to ma'am me, dear. I'm Martha Carter. Mrs. Martha if you have to be formal." She beamed at Quistis. "Welcome to the area. I'm sure you two will make a fine partnership of things."

The woman turned her full attention on Seifer, who looked rather embarrassed and slightly uncomfortable. "Now, I expect that you've remembered to make sure she has everything she needs at that cabin of yours? Clean sheets and all? And I know that this isn't the best place for it, but do go get her a ring soon, Seifer. People will start talking otherwise, and you know how foolish some folks can be."

Seifer sputtered slight. "Mrs. Martha-"

"Now, then, I won't keep you. I'm sure you two have plenty of work to get done."

It took everything that Quistis had to keep her laughter to herself until they were outside. Seifer just looked mildly annoyed.

"Yeah, yeah. I seem to have the ability to attract matchmaking mother like figures. It's not that amusing."

"So how long before everyone in town thinks we're newlyweds?" Quistis asked.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "It's probably already too late to prevent that."

She giggled. "And they haven't tried to pair you off with Fuujin why?"

"Because apparently she is clearly in love with Raijin."

Quistis considered this. "So just what might happen if I let it slip that we weren't a newly married couple."

Seifer's face turned horror stricken. "You wouldn't do that to me, would you? Don't you know what the women here would do to me? I though that we were partners in this."

Quistis laughed. "Well then, in that case I'll just keep the information handy should we need that."

Seifer pointed a finger at her. "You are a very dangerous woman. Adel really didn't know who she was messing with, did she?"

Quistis smiled. "No, she didn't. That's why we're going to put a stop to her plans."

He shrugged. "Well, no one else has managed. I have a feeling she's going to be surprised when we do."

She nodded. "Let's get back to work then."