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

High Noon

Waiting was not easy. Especially when you knew that what ever happened could destroy your life and home. If this had been a book, Quistis would have known what to expect. Adel and her gang would show up at high noon, and there would be a shootout, and Rinoa would arrive with reinforcements just at the right time. But this was reality not a book. Rinoa might not get here in time. She might not be able to get them help. Adel didn't have to show up at high noon. She could show up at any time now, and it was driving Quistis to distraction having nothing to do but wait for her.

Seifer settled into the chair beside her. "If you keep that up, Quisty, your face might freeze like that."

She just sighed, and Seifer reached out to take her hand.

"You can't do any more than you all ready have, Quistis. We're as ready as we can be. Worrying about it isn't going to help any."

She squeezed his hand. "Have I thanked you yet? For helping me, for being willing to fight with me?"

He smiled at her. It wasn't his usual smirk but a gentler expression. "You don't have to."

"Yes, I do. This isn't your fight, even if it is against Adel. You didn't even have to save my life." Quistis smiled. "I'm glad you did though. I wouldn't have gotten this far without you."

Seifer ran his thumb across the back of her hand. "I'm glad I rescued you as well. Though you would have done fine on your own, Quisty. You're far stronger than you give yourself credit for. There's a reason everyone relies on you."

Quistis bit her lip. "Would you consider sticking around when all this over? Here at my ranch, I mean. Fuujin and Raijin could stay too. If they wanted too that is."

"Don't you have enough help?"

Quistis shrugged, not meeting his eyes. "Well, Squall will leave as soon as he's got enough money for a homestead of his own to Rinoa. Besides, they're not you. They all treat my like I'm their boss as well as their friend. You just act like I'm Quistis."

Seifer leaned in and pressed a kiss to her temple. "If we both survive this, we'll see if you still want me around, all right?"

It wasn't the answer she wanted, but it was better than a no. Quistis nodded. Seifer squeezed her hand again and rose to his feet.

"Come on. Fuu is fixing dinner. We might as well eat when we can."

Quistis nodded again and carefully got to her feet. If Adel didn't attack them by tomorrow morning, she would be very surprised. But it was a good idea to keep to a regular schedule and get both food and rest. The group had already figured out a night watch rotation, so they wouldn't be caught off guard if Adel decided not to wait until morning to attack them. The food is good, but the meal is tense. Everyone was waiting for Adel to make her move, and it was beginning to take a toll. Which explained why Quistis found herself unable to sleep that evening.

She had gone to be intending to get some rest, but sleep had proved elusive. So, she'd wrapped a quilt around herself and wandered out to the sitting room. Settling in front of one of the windows, Quistis gazed out at the landscape. She could see the entrance to the ranch from here. There was only half a moon, so it was mostly the shadows of the gate that she could see, but still. That was the direction the attack would come from.

"What are you doing still up, Quistis?"

She looked up at Seifer. "You know me. I can't stop worrying long enough to sleep."

"Scoot over."

He settled on the couch next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Quistis just sighed and leaned into him.

"What ever happens happens. You need some rest." He kissed her temple. "Close your eyes."

Surprisingly, Seifer's warmth beside her and the way he started stroking her hair lulled her into sleep rather quickly. The sun was just coming up when she was aware of Seifer gently shaking her good shoulder.

"Quistis, Adel's here."

That was enough to get her awake very quickly. Selphie and Fuujin were there in the room with them, and Quistis could see Squall standing outside. Quistis assumed the rest of the crew had already taken up battle positions. She took the cup of coffee that Fuujin offered her and gulped it down. With Seifer's help, she rose to her feet, feeling a little stiff.

"I take it she wants to talk to me."

Seifer nodded. Quistis squared her shoulders.

"All right then."

Adel was waiting on horseback. Martine was with her. Quistis didn't see anyone else around, but that didn't mean that Adel didn't have people laying in wait somewhere. Flanked by Seifer and Squall, Quistis faced her.

"I'll give you one last chance, Miss Trepe," Adel smirked. "Give me the deed to your ranch now, and I'll even pay you something for it."

Quistis took a step forward out of the doorway. "Not."

"Then I'll just have to take it."

"This is my land, and you are not welcome here. Get off it before I shoot you for trespassing." Quistis didn't think Adel was going to listen to her, but it was worth a shot.

"Remember that when all your friends are dead."