Three Feet Rival

Chapter 8

To the days which passed right after the amazing race seem to have become a bore as the excitement was suspended for nothing but idle days in the Garden. At the end of the week, Rinoa thought of an ice-breaker for the depressing days for the paired-up blondes. With Cid's permission, Rinoa suggested Quistis to take the kids out around the Alcauld fields to give the children some time out of the classroom. Quistis enthusiastically agreed, but was a little surprised when she realized that Rinoa had asked Seifer to come along.

The whole day, all Rinoa did was try to convince them to do some role-playing for the kids, but they refused, instead, they ended up playing silly games and it was amusing how Seifer seemed to act accordingly with the kids. He was not necessarily goody-goody with them, but to some extent, it was surprising how much he had gotten along with a lot of them that by the end of the day, he had gotten a couple of new friends from Quistis' class.

After several rounds of tag, Seifer and Quistis excused themselves from playing for they felt the strain began to stiffen their joints. Rinoa could've went along with them to rest by the nearby tree, but decided to take the opportunity to plot with the kids. Taking the children off Quistis' hands for a while, she drove them a little further to where the two were peacefully resting.

"I'm amazed at how much the kids are responding to you, much better than those problematic teenagers. I bet you'd make a good buck joining the day care business." Seifer said with a laugh as he leaned his back comfortably on the trunk behind him.

"Those problematic teenagers? You were the only one." She raised a brow at his sarcasm. "But I can say the same to you. It seems like the kids are surprisingly enjoying your cocky attitude towards them." She giggled, leaning her back on the trunk as well right beside him. "You know, they could've loved you even more if you joined the singing of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

"Heh heh...only babies sing that song."

"I could remember you singing that song at the orphanage before with such enthusiasm...now even a single line you refuse to sing. Twinkle twinkle little star...it's the same song as before, but it has changed because our perception of it has changed. It's essence is the same, but the meaning has changed." She said in a low commenting voice, but didn't insist to linger on the thought when she saw him yawn.

For a moment, the silence made them grow uncomfortable, but Seifer took up the pace by opening a new topic.

"From big sis to young mom, what can I say? You love the responsibility don'tcha? I bet you'll make a great mom."

She heard Seifer's voice at the side of her ear. She glanced at him to see whether his expression was as serious as his tone, but when she looked at him, he was simply smiling at the sight of the kids playing.

"Sometimes, I find myself happier than the children." She said, making him turn at her. "I think this may be the best thing that has happened to me."

"What about the war, defending the world and becoming the big hero thing?"

"That too...but to be honest, I really love this settled life. Teaching the children and going out with friends whenever possible." She smiled as she turned her attention to her young students. "I don't wanna die…in a battlefield, wounded or killed. I wanna grow old and see my kids grow up…that's why I want to be an Instructor, more than a SeeD."

"You really are wife-mother-material aren't ya? Remind me to court you someday. Damn, what I'd do to have you for a wife?" He jokingly said, followed by quick laugh.

He didn't bother to look at her silence, he knew she was blushing. Just before the silence became somewhat uncomfortable, one of the young boys came running up to them. He was huffing and puffing when he reached Quistis. His hand held a single white daisy.

"Teecher Quisty, here!" he excitedly handed her the flower with sparkling eyes.

"Why thank you Percival, how sweet of you!" Quistis gleefully received the flower and gave Percival a quick hug.

When Percival saw Seifer looking at him, he gave him a light mocking glare and let out his tongue as if to see his patience. When Quistis released him from her arms, he turned to face Seifer in full, then pointing at him said, "I betch'a jealous!"

"Ack!" Seifer coughed in surprise. "Looks like one of your kids is crushin' in on ya." He said chuckling at Quistis.

"Don't be silly, Percival is just really sweet, right Percy?" Quistis defended, pinching Percival on the cheek.

"NoooooOOO! It's tru, I want yuu ta be my girlfwend!" Percival exclaimed with determined eyes.

"Oh Percy, that's so cute!" Quistis giggled, patting him this time.

"Hahahahaha! You always seem to have issues with your students." Seifer teasingly laughed. "It's becoming a serious habit."

Percival simply gazed at the two, apparently disappointed by the lack of reaction. They weren't taking him seriously, and his color began to change with anger.

"Don't tweat me like a baby! I'm not a kid anymow yuu know!" yelled Percival, his cheeks red.

"Oh Percy, I'm sorry...but it's just that..." Quistis tried to explain, but couldn't find the right words to say.

"Don't get your hopes up kid, maybe ten more years, because right now she's already MY girlfriend." Seifer interrupted, casually placing his arm around her shoulder.

"S-Seifer!" Quistis was taken aback by his blunt statement. "Percival—"

Tears quickly began to gather in his eyes and he quickly ran away before Quistis could say anything more.

"Now look at what you did! That's very insensitive of you, he's just a child." Quistis said angrily taking his arm off her shoulder.

"Why, are you planning to accept his proposal? To be his girlfwend?" Seifer teased.

"Of course not...it's just that, what you said to him...you know, he might start telling everyone—"

"Oh so that's what got you worried!"

"No, it's just that—"

"What? You thought I was kidding?" Seifer said with a sudden seriousness in his voice.

"Of course you were!" Quistis retorted a bit nervous.

"Do I look like I'm kidding?" Seifer said in an even more serious manner.

Quistis' hair began to rise on her arms. She felt queasy at his words and his charming-locked gaze that all she could do was stare back blankly at him.

"Hahahaha!" Seifer began to laugh at her expression. "You have real issues when it comes to love don'tcha? I guess that's what you get for falling in love with a boy who hasn't reached puberty."

"What?"

"Squall of course!"

"Now how did he get in the picture!"

"Because it was either him or ME."

She glared at him and was about to retaliate with a yell when they suddenly heard Rinoa's voice at a distance.

"OH MY GOSH!"

In a jiffy, Rinoa stood before them with such a high smile that her beam seemed to hurt her cheeks; but her eyes showed a different picture, it was wide and teasing. She poked the two simultaneously on the shoulders. "I knew it! You two are involved!" she cooed.

Quistis' glare at Seifer became twice as fierce. She folded her arms and by widening her eyes, signalled him to explain.

"Yeah, it's true." Seifer snickered giving her a crooked smile.

"AHHHHH! This is so exciting! I'm calling for a Balamb Garden press conference when we get back!"

Quistis twitched Seifer's ear and turned to Rinoa, "Don't be silly, there's nothing between us." She twitched his ear harder, "Right Seifer?" her tone calm but bordered on anger.

Seifer gritted his teeth at the pain. "—whatever she says!" he confessed through his clenched teeth.

With which, Quistis released him and said, "Thank you." in better tone.

Rinoa could only sigh, all excitement ceased. "And I was really looking forward to announce you guys are official."

"I really don't understand what you guys are planning, but I'm telling you right now, better quit—" Rinoa opened her mouth, but Quistis kept on, "—and don't say you have nothing to do with this...you're pretty predictable you know."

"So what if they're trying to hook us? It's not like it's gonna work. Besides, isn't it fun to see them miserably fail on their attempts?" Seifer defended, casually leaning his back on the tree. "Let's just play along. As long as we're clear, it should be fine—" Suddenly his tone became sceptical, "You're not crushin' in on me yet are ya?" he kidded peering at Quistis' eyes.

"Please, I'm way out of your league." she jokingly rejoindered with a chuckle.

As the two started to argue, though it wasn't a serious debate, it still struck a nerve that Rinoa for once didn't bother to join in the conversation. She was awestruck by the compatibility of the two; Quistis was actually brave enough to give him a piece of her mind, while Seifer was smart enough to keep up with witty comebacks at her every remark. Rinoa listened as the argument escalated, her ears simply eager to hear at each of the blonde's counter, while her eyes amazed at the sight of her two friends getting in on each other's nerve. Finally, she couldn't contain herself any longer that she just had to speak.

"We made the right choice. You guys are meant for each other!"

Her words caught their attention and silenced the quarrel; instead, it was they who listened this time.

"You guys amazingly suit each other's personality. Seriously! I mean, think about it, if you work things through, I bet you can have a real successful relationship as girlfriend and boyfriend. You'd make a great couple!"

They simply looked at each other with weird-puzzled stares.

"You're getting way ahead of yourself again." Seifer blurted with resentment, but Quistis was silent.

Rinoa saw her blushed and teased, "Seeeeeeee! Quistis thinks it could work!"

Surprised by Rinoa's sudden claim, she jerked with shock and became twice as embarrassed by her reaction that she could have covered her cheeks with her palm. Unable to take the feeling of embarrassment, she immediately stood up and approached the children.

After taking a few steps, without looking back, she said, "Don't be ridiculous, Seifer's just my best friend." then went on her way.

o O o

Seifer and Rinoa were left to look at Quistis gather the children at play. While she was busy with teacher stuff, Rinoa took the opportunity to convince Seifer with her theory.

"Pssst...!" Rinoa softly called out waving her hand at Seifer signalling him to come closer.

Curious at what she had to say, he let his ear came closer to her lips.

"I think she has a crush on you." She whispered, her hand covered the side of his ear.

"Nice try, but like she said, we're just good FRIENDS." Although he made sure he stressed out the term, he could see Rinoa wasn't convinced.

"You know what I think? I think you guys are just in denial. I can sense there's an attraction between you two, you just don't put so much attention into really knowing how you feel for each other because you're too stubborn to accept the fact that you can be more than just friends—right—best friends."

"I've known Quistis for over nineteen years and not one day did I ever felt any attraction for her. What makes you say I am now?" he scoffed, irritated at her persistence.

"Because how you treat her now isn't anything like how you treated her a year ago. Because how you look at her isn't the same how you looked at her years ago. Don't you get it? You're obviously having a strong bond that the whole Garden has already noticed! Seifer, I think I know what I'm saying when I say your relationship with Quisty's going somewhere more than just mutual." Rinoa said smiling the whole time she spoke. It was one of those feeling she got when she knows she's right.

"Dammit Rinoa, I know myself better than anyone, and I know the difference between attraction and friendship so don't hold claims without proof."

"...I'm just trying to help." She fretted pursing her lips.

There was a brief silence between the two. Slowly, Rinoa's pursed lip stretched out into an impish smile.

"You've taught me how to believe in heartfelt instincts...I think I get the feeling that I'm right when I say you guys have the potential of falling for each other. Just wait and see!" Rinoa taunted as she left him and ran toward the kids.

From where Seifer sat, he heard her yell out, "Hey kids! Who wants to watch a role play!"

He saw everyone raised his and her hand.

This is gonna be interesting. He thought, then got up to approach them.

"Alright, anyone who wants Teacher Quisty to be the princess, say 'I'!" Rinoa asked yelling, while pointing at Quistis who just folded her arms in disbelief—Rinoa was being persistent.

"AYE!" Everyone screamed in a high-pitched trill.

"And anyone who wants Seifer to be the prince in shining armor, say 'I'!" Rinoa asked, yelling still, but this time she raised Seifer's hand and let it wave at the kids.

"AYE!" Everyone yelled back, even louder.

"Yey!" Rinoa clapped her hands with glee at the children's cooperation, then started to narrate the story without delay. "I will be the wicked witch who will trap Princess Quistis atop of a high tower." She explained, pointing at a pile of rocks. "She became very sad and wished a prince would come to rescue her." Rinoa continued, signalling Quistis to speak.

"Oh, when will he come? Where is my prince?" She gave the effort to adlib, but the words came out with bad acting.

Rinoa went along as she told the story, but it made sense nonetheless. "Just then, Prince Seifer—A.K.A.—the knight in shining armor, heard her plea and came rushing on his white steed to rescue the princess and save the day!"

Hearing his cue, he went and approached Quistis pretending he was riding a horse. "Fear not my fair maiden for I have come to rescue you!" he boldly said in gallant tone, but in his mind, he felt utterly ridiculous but didn't bother to know why he even agreed to play along in the first place.

"And so he comes and slays the wicked witch!"

Seifer acted like he drew out sword from his side and pretended to stab Rinoa with the imaginary sword.

"ACK!" Upon seemingly in contact with the said sword, Rinoa acted like she was in pain and fell on her butt. "But before the witch dropped dead, she placed a curse on Princess Quistis where she would fall into a deep sleep and can only be awaken by the kiss of her one true love—Prince Seifer!" she said in dramatic tone before she let herself fall flat on the ground, dead.

"Oh no you don't!" Seifer quickly protested, hitting her to get up.

"Owww...!" She complained, rubbing her head from Seifer's noggin.

"Now where did the 'kiss from a prince' suddenly come from?" Quistis remonstrated with a raised brow.

"She might wake up with a kiss from the prince—or something like that." Rinoa smiled with speculative eyes. "You once told Squall that. I'm just turning the tables. Now YOU will be the princess and Seifer will be THE prince!"

Quistis was temporarily rendered speechless at Rinoa's uncalled for comeback.

"Heck, do you actually think she was serious when said that?" Seifer aided in defense.

"I don't know...but I'm serious about you kissing her." Rinoa said with an edge of persistence.

"Well we won't...what if the Headmaster hears about me and Seifer kissing in front of the kids!" Quistis argued with a hint of frustration in her voice.

"The kids' lips are sealed, we just want to see the happily ever after ending—every fairytale must have one, right kids!" Rinoa kidded.

"YES! Don't worry, we won't tell teecher Quisty!" said one child with a big grin.

"YEAH! We pwomise!" another child exclaimed.

Then one by one, the kids stood up in agreement, apparently wanting to see them kiss. The two could only stare at each other with tentative expressions. The stare lasted a long time, but then finally Seifer gave in, wanting to prove Rinoa that nothing could possibly happen between him and Quistis even after a kiss.

"What do you say we prove Rinoa she's dead wrong about us?" Seifer smirked, motioning for Quistis to get closer to him.

"I-I'm not really sure if we should..." she hesitated, taking a step back away from Seifer.

"Why? It's only gonna be just a kiss—"

"It's not JUST a kiss!" Quistis angrily retorted at Seifer's insensitivity.

Seifer chuckled at her reaction. "You're not assuming that I wanna kiss you because I've got a crush on you, are ya?"

"OF COURSE NOT!" she retorted again, angrier the second time.

"Then what's the matter?"

She couldn't reply any longer, she didn't know what to say, what other reason was she supposed to say besides 'no'? Since she didn't speak, he made the move and started to let their faces get closer and closer. He was hesitant in his own right, but the way she looked at him, tolerant and waiting, he might as well go for it, after all, he didn't mind kissing her. For the first time, they felt like they were really looking at each other. It was a weird and new feeling of closeness for both that when Quistis felt his face went beyond their comfort distance, she had to close her eyes. When she did, he felt the sudden push to touch her face, and when he did to direct it to his, a sudden scream from behind caused him to quickly release her, and her, to open her eyes. Quistis immediately turned away to avoid his still resolute gaze, but not before he saw her blushed cheeks.

"NOOOOOOOOO!" Percival came screaming out of the quiet crowd and ran in between her and Seifer, pushed Seifer away with all his might and hugged Quistis as hard as he could.

"Percival, what's wrong?" Quistis asked, relieved that she was saved from the kiss, but worried at the child with flooding tears.

"You can't kiss him! YUU CAN'T!" Percival exclaimed sniffing with face pitch red and eyes drowning in tears.

"I suppose now she won't be able to." Seifer answered gawking at the child who accidentally hit his sensitive part.

"Wreally!" The child turned to Quistis for affirmation with a sudden illuminating face.

"Yes Percy, I won't be kissing Seifer if that is what you want." She confirmed with a beam.

"Well I certainly wasn't expecting this." Rinoa intruded with apparent disappointment. "At least I tried, right?" she grumbled at the little girl who sat beside her, but the girl only giggled in response.

"I guess that's enough excitement for today. Let's head back to the Garden now, shall we?" Quistis said, gathering the children and letting them form into a straight line.

As Quistis was busy lining up the kids, Rinoa quietly approached Seifer.

"Hey, I think you should go talk to her." Rinoa whispered from behind, making sure Quistis wouldn't hear her.

"What am I suppose to say?" he groused back.

"Anything! You can't just 'almost kiss' her then completely forget about it just because it didn't happen. I think she feels queasy at what just happened." Rinoa explained.

"Dammit, this was your idea!"

"I know...but it was your choice."

"Shit Rinoa, you're gettin' back at me for what I did to you last year, aren't you!"

"Of course not! In fact, I think I'm doing you a favor."

"No you're not."

"Dammit Seifer, you're such a pighead! I'll go tell Quisty—you talk to her, okay?" Rinoa finally gave up and strode to Quistis' side.

Seifer didn't hear their conversation at all, but saw them glanced at him a couple of times. A few more seconds and Rinoa started to walk, leading the line with the kids trailing behind and with their hands on their back. He saw Percival glanced back at him with a piercing stare, but he couldn't react, not while Quistis was coming his way expecting an explanation.

"Rinoa said she'll go on ahead with the kids." Quistis casually said as she came closer and stood beside him, then her voice was reduced into a murmur, "She said...we should talk."

For a moment, Seifer became silent with the thought of the words that he should say.

"I...I'm sorry." He uttered discreetly.

"For what?"

"I shouldn't have kissed you." Seifer's face fell.

She caught the expression in his eyes before he dropped them to look at the ground.

"You didn't, remember?" she giggled, hoping to uplift his mood.

"So, you're not angry?"

"Am I supposed to?" she said, sounding confused by his question.

"I just thought it would have mattered if I kissed you."

"It would have...it would have been my first."

"That explains it!" he said laughing as he recalled her expression earlier.

"You scared me half to death!" she cried out giving him a push.

He kept on laughing even as she pushed him. They had a good relationship and could laugh quickly at inconvenient incidences as such without saying much.

After a moment which seemed so long, Seifer ceased his laugh and kidded in serious tone, "When I tried to kiss you earlier, you didn't seem to resist. Does that mean you don't mind me being your first kiss?"

"Don't be silly, it's called acting." She jokingly answered back, chuckling beneath her breath.

Sneak Preview:

Bittersweet Apathy

Chapter 9

"That was a little bit weird." Quistis uttered with a crinkled forehead.

"No, that's what fortune tellers do, do weird stuff." Xu explained with a little giggle, then got into more serious matters. "So, Seifer's your soul mate, eh?"

"I don't know...I'm as confused as you are."

"This may sound weird, but I believe he is."

A/N: I have a story about this chapter right here. It's funny actually...I was planning of having Quistis kidnapped by Rinoa and pretending her to have been possessed by another Sorceress with the help of Zone and Watts...saving Quistis, the damsel in distress, unknown to Seifer that she was just having tea with Rinoa at the orphanage...an action-comedy sort of chapter this could have been. But then I suddenly remembered what Quistis said to Squall in the game which totally connects to her believing in fairytales...and then her students came to mind... because I haven't really introduced them to you other than mentioning that Quistis became their instructor...and then them going out on a field trip with Rinoa sounded fun...so I might as well tag Seifer along to make it work, right? And then I thought, now how the heck am I gonna kidnap Quistis now! With the children tagging along and all...so how about making them part of the kidnap hoax? What the hell are they gonna do! Pretend to have been possessed by Rinoa and fight Seifer? That's not right...they're a bunch of five-year-olds and would surly die with a single swing from Seifer! Then it came to me, what do kids do? PLAY and listen to stories...and play some more! And so that supposed EPIC chapter of Seifer travelling across the globe to find Quistis drinking tea became a role play with the kids—NICE!

Might as well show you the deleted scene here, where Seifer finally finds Quistis after beating off Zone and Watts. It's sad I wasn't able to create the material for this because it's kinda funny.

Quistis turned around when she heard footsteps coming towards her direction.

"Quis! Are you alright! Did they hurt you?" Seifer rushed to her side and scanned her face for any trace of imperfection, apparent worry running across his eyes.

"I'm fine!" She giggled, confused. "What are you doing here?" surprised to see him half-way across the continent.

"...To rescue you!"

"...Why?..."