"Nope. You're dropping your left." Zell adjusted my left elbow and arm. "If you don't keep it tight when you do the flip, you'll be open when you land it. Try it again. Remember. Keep it tight."
I nodded and set my stance, balancing my weight and power as Zell kept close watch. Our morning work-out routines were the best way to start the day. Zell always met me outside my room with either a muffin, a coffee, or just a smile. Either was awesome. All were accepted. After a rigorous hour of work-out, which consisted of a couple laps around Garden and a moderate stretching routine, we worked on the basics and then the newest joint-effort submission to Combat King. Then we cooled down, stretched, massaged each other's extremely sore spots - I always made mine up, and sometimes I think Zell did too - and then parted ways until either lunch or dinner.
"There. Now ya got it," Zell encouraged. "Good thing, too. You've got a visitor."
I straightened and looked over my shoulder. My eyes widened. "Zack!"
The security person whom had escorted my brother to the Training Center saluted Zell and me and then left to his other duties. I walked up to Zack, Zell following behind, and gave him a hug. It was like hugging a tree. I don't know where he got it, but Zack stood nearly six feet tall with a more athletic and muscular build than even Zell. As usual, Zack had dressed in jeans and a casual short-sleeved knit shirt. It was a wonder anyone took him seriously. He never dressed the part of a T.V. executive.
I pulled back. "What are you doing here?"
Zack answered while reaching out to shake Zell's hand. "Believe it or not, Sal, I've got a favor to ask." He looked back at me.
"A favor? Like what?"
"Get me an interview with your boss."
I blinked, eyes wide. "What?"
"I can't say much, don't want to break the story, but something's brewing that's liable to be big. I want the story as it breaks, which means I need to talk to Seifer Almasy."
"Dude," Zell interjected, drawing Zack's attention, "good luck. Seifer doesn't talk to the press."
Zack nodded and ran a hand through his close-cut dark brown waves. "I know. That's why I'm coming to you, Sal."
"Zack," I began carefully with a sidelong glance to Zell, "he's not going to change policy just for my brother."
Zack stretched out his hands. "Come on, Sal. All you have to do is ask. I'll owe you big. Just name your price."
I giggled. "That's a dangerous thing to say, Zee. You know I want your car."
Zell sniggered. Zack sent me a lopsided smile. "Okay. Fine. Anything but the car."
I took in a deep breath and released it slow. "Alright. You want me to ask now?"
Zack smiled wider. I'd never seen his hazel eyes so bright. "If you could, that would be great. That way I can have the answer before I go."
Zell looked over at me. "Need moral support?"
"Yes, but then Seifer would know something was up and wouldn't even give me a chance." I sighed. "I better do it myself." I shook my head. "Zack, the things I do for you."
"Sal, I really appreciate this."
I motioned him to follow. Zack and Zell fell into step on each side of me. "Yeah, you better. Asking Seifer for anything is like taking your life into your hands."
"Hey, Meg. You think I should go ask Squall, too? Maybe he'll make Seifer cooperate?"
I sent Zell a dubious expression. "I guess. I just don't like the thought of going over his head."
Zell grinned. "But I do. Make him squirm."
"Zell," I scolded.
Zack laughed. "Hey, whatever gets me my story."
I sent my brother a slight scowl. "You know, there's something wrong with that philosophy."
Zack shook his head. "Not for a journalist."
I raised an eyebrow. "Hm." I pointed at him. "You better watch it, Zee. One of these days that's going to bite you in the butt."
"Doubt if I'll feel it. Sandra's parting words were 'Hard ass'."
"Sandra?" Zell asked. "Who's that? Secretary?"
Zack grimaced. "I wish. Ex."
Zell blinked. "Ex? You have an Ex?"
Zack nodded. "Yeah. Lucky me. I've got two of 'em."
"Damn. The hell you thinking?"
Zack glanced toward me.
I met his glance. "Tiffany or Sandra?"
"Tiffany."
"Tiffany what?" Zell asked, expression twisted with confusion.
"Tiffany always said Zack thinks with his little head." Zell laughed. I sighed and shook my head. "I never liked her, Zee. She only married you to get on T.V."
"Yeah, well she seemed earnest enough."
I wrinkled my nose at him. "See? That's your problem. You do think with your little head."
Zell laughed harder.
Zack feigned insult. "I'm a bachelor. You expect me to be an angel like you? I have needs."
My jaw dropped. "Zackary Bryan," I scolded with a frown, "you could practice some self-discipline at least." I motioned to Zell. "Like him. If she's the one, it works out in the end."
Zell straightened tall and grinned. "Damn straight."
Zack rolled his eyes. "Tuck your soap box away, Sal. Not interested in hearing-- Say. Who's the blonde?"
Zell and I followed Zack's gaze. The 'blonde' in question was passing by the information booth to the corridor that led outside. Zell and I exchanged a glance.
"That's Quistis Trepe. She's an instructor here," I said carefully. "She teaches Battle Theory and General Studies."
"Hm." Zack looked over at me as we came to stand outside the elevator. "So, you want me to wait down here, in the cafeteria, or what?"
Zell caught my eye and gave me a meaningful expression with a glance toward Quistis' last known position. I focused on Zack. "Zell could give you a tour of the place while I talk to Seifer?"
Zack nodded. "Sounds good." He glanced again toward the exit. He cleared his throat. "I need a smoke. Could we go outside for a bit?"
Zell smirked. "No prob." He gave me a kiss on the cheek, a wink and a "See ya later, kitten", and then gestured for Zack to follow.
I watched the two with a smile. Quistis, I had nothing to do with it.
The elevator dinged its arrival. I turned and entered, pressing the button for the basement level while gathering my courage and shoring up my backbone for the task at hand. But I couldn't get over the whole thing that had happened just outside. It was bad enough about what had happened with Zone those few days before, but Zack?
What kind of luck is that, seeing Quistis and immediately showing interest? I wasn't so sure how open Quistis would be to the attentions, what with her past bad experiences with Squall and Zone, but… She wouldn't shoot him down before he even has a chance to take her out, would she? The fact that I had a chance to introduce the subject to her the previous week would probably make it easier for her to say 'yes', but a week wasn't a very long time to get over a burned relationship. And Zack isn't all that charming. He's kind of blunt. Of course, Quistis was, too.
I shook my head and stepped off the elevator. Just don't worry about it. If Zack makes a move, then he makes a move. It's Quistis' problem, not yours.
"Regal. You're out of uniform."
I looked up to catch Seifer checking his watch. He wore his new-usual black silk shirt and black slacks. "Yes, sir. I know."
"You're early." He met my gaze and sipped coffee from his infamous 'Death is answering 'no' mug. "Reason?"
I worried the cuffs of my sweatshirt with my fingertips. "Can I talk to you in your office?"
Seifer raised an eyebrow and then motioned toward his office with his mug. He followed behind me. "Complaint?"
"No, sir. I would just rather not be yelled at in public."
Seifer chuckled. We stepped into his office. "Have a seat." I did as he closed the door and the blinds on his office windows. He came around and leaned against his desk, arms crossed once he set his mug down. "And what will I yell at you about?"
I cleared my throat. "You may or may not know that my brother is a manager at the T.V. station in Timber."
"Zackary Bryan Regal. Took over as manager after a certain incident there. Married and divorced twice. Has a particular interest in broadcasting sports and expose' journalism."
My jaw dropped. Then I smiled. "Okay, so you know my brother."
"What does he want?"
I cleared my throat again and lowered my gaze to my clasped hands. "He wants an interview with you."
"Regarding?"
I raised my eyes. "He wouldn't give details, sir. He only said it was something big, and he wants to cover it as it broke."
Seifer adjusted his crossed arms as his brow lowered into a slight frown aimed at his black loafers. I'd expected an instantaneous and 'die if you ask me again' no. When I got thoughtful silence… Wow, Zack. You're lucky.
Seifer met my gaze. "It isn't my decision, Regal. I'll contact him later with my answer."
"Yes, sir."
He straightened and motioned to me with one hand while retrieving his coffee mug with the other. "Anything else?"
I shook my head and stood. "No, sir. Thank you."
Seifer curtly nodded and then moved around to begin sorting through his daily to-do piles. "Get changed and then report to my office."
"Y-Yes, sir."
I turned and left the office, feeling the gazes of the other security staff as I proceeded to the elevator. No one usually lived when the blinds were drawn in Seifer's office. But not only had I lived, there hadn't been a single shout. And now I'm being called back into the office. It had to be about Zack's breaking story. Thanks a lot, Zee. You've just given me extra stress.
I released a deep breath and pressed the elevator button for the first floor. When it arrived, I saw Zell and Zack heading in from the exit. I didn't see Quistis. I wonder if Quistis gave him the blow-off? I stepped off the elevator and caught Zell's gaze. He gave a slight shrug and shake of his head. Hm. I wonder where she got to?
I made my way down the stairs and met them at the information booth.
"Well?" Zack pressed.
"He said it wasn't his decision."
Zack raised an eyebrow. "An interview with him isn't his decision? Wow. This is bigger than I thought."
"He said he'll contact you later with his answer," I finished.
Zell watched my face. "Did he blast ya?"
I looked over at Zell as I shook my head. "No, which kind of freaked me out."
"No doubt," Zell agreed.
Zack chucked my shoulder. "Thanks, Sal. I appreciate it. Like I said, I owe you big." He pulled his cell phone from his hip holster and made sure it was on. Then he tucked it back away. "I guess I'll wait for his call." Zack patted Zell on the back and then turned to leave.
I watched him before looking to Zell. "She wasn't outside?"
Zell shook his head. "Couldn't see her, and we were out there the whole time talking about the T.V. station, sports, and who knows what else. She didn't come back."
"Maybe she had a Fire Cavern exam?"
"Probably, but I just can't see it taking this long." Zell motioned to me. "You better get changed. Seifer's anal about uniforms."
I looked down at my sneakers and gray sweat-shorts. "Oh yeah." Zell and I headed for the dorms. I sent him a sidelong glance. "Guess what."
Zell studied my profile as I stared at the ground at my feet. "No way. You got called into the office again?"
I nodded. "I figure it's about the story Zack wants to do. Maybe one of my investigative reports started the whole thing."
Zell gave a slight shake of his head. "Man."
I sighed deeply and looked over at Zell. "I love my brother; I just wish he'd leave me out of things."
Zell smiled and draped an arm around my shoulders. "Yeah. I don't blame you. But at least you're dealing with it better than you used to. That's good. Right?"
I returned his smile. "Right."
"Damn straight. Now we just need to work on--"
"Sally."
Zell and I stopped and turned-- and exchanged surprised expressions. "Hi, Quistis," I greeted as she approached.
"Hey, Quis. We were lookin' for ya earlier. Where'd ya go?" Zell asked, nonchalant.
"Fire Cavern," she said absently. Then Quistis gestured behind her to the exit, slightly frowning. "Who were you and Zell walking with?" she asked in a serious tone. "Civilians aren't allowed free rein within Garden."
Zell grinned. I blinked and said, "That was Zack. My brother."
The frown disappeared as she blinked. "Oh. Well... That's all I needed to know." She waved while stepping past us. "See you later, Sally. Zell. I'm off to class."
Zell and I stared after her in shock.
Zell looked over at me. "Sally, we have got to set those two up."
I nodded. "But how? Zack's so busy at the T.V. station he barely goes to visit mom and dad. There's no way I could get him to come here more than once a month. If that."
Zell absently nodded. "Yeah. I know. Hm." He kissed my cheek and smiled. "I'll meet you in the cafeteria for lunch. 'Kay?" Then he turned to head back to the elevator.
I smiled and shook my head, stepping off toward my dorm to change for work.
» § «
I closed the door behind me. Commander Squall and Seifer bent over his desk looking over a three-inch report bound in a heavy-duty press-board cover. I swallowed hard. It looked like one of mine. "Sir?"
Seifer and Cmdr. Squall both looked up. Cmdr. Squall smiled slightly and motioned to a seat. "Relax, Sally. Have a seat."
I did, clasping my hands in my lap as I crossed my legs at the ankles and tucking them under the office chair to keep from running away. The tension in the office wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Maybe the story isn't as negative as Zack is making it sound? It could happen.
Seifer leaned back in his chair, coffee mug in hand as always, and fixed me with his usual petrifying gaze. Hyne, what did I do to deserve this… I clenched my hands tighter and pushed the thoughts away, clubbing the fear over the head and stuffing it under a box.
"Sir?" I asked, matter-of-fact. "Was I wrong in one of my reports?"
Seifer scoffed, and I didn't know whether to take it as a good or bad sign. "Regal, your reports are so damn right-on that we've classified you a spy."
I blinked, eyes wide. "S-Sir?"
Seifer smirked.
Cmdr. Squall shook his head. "He's kidding, Sally."
My smile was slight and very uncertain. "Oh. Ha. Ha-ha." I cleared my throat and adjusted my hands within my lap.
"Sally," Cmdr. Squall began. He leaned against Seifer's desk with both hands. "Sally, would your brother keep a big story under wraps if we asked him? If we promised him an exclusive?"
Seifer rubbed at his forehead and then his scalp. He didn't look too happy about the subject matter. I looked at Cmdr. Squall. "Well, I-I guess if you promised him an exclusive…" I sent Seifer another uncertain glance before focusing again on Cmdr. Squall. "Zack will do almost anything for a story."
Cmdr. Squall nodded and then looked over at Seifer. "Do you think it'll work?"
"Probably not."
I cleared my throat, which immediately drew Seifer's intense gaze. "M-May I go now, sir?"
Seifer nodded while motioning toward the door.
I stood, saluted, and retreated from the office as quickly as possible.
"Sally."
I blinked and turned in the doorway, focusing on Seifer's smirking expression. "Y-Yes, sir?"
"Good job."
I flushed and smiled. "Th-Thank you, sir."
I exited the office, closing the door behind me with a deep breath. I didn't know what they could be talking about, but it felt nice to get a 'good job' from the boss. Of course, as I sat at my desk and worked on clearing my in-box as well as those projects that Fujin and Seifer assigned, I couldn't shake the curiosity and confusion as to why Cmdr. Squall and the Head of Garden Network Security - Seifer - had been not only intensely looking over one of my reports, but asking if Zack would keep a story under-wraps. None of my reports revealed anything suspicious. None of them even hinted at anything.
At least, not that I could remember.
So throughout the rest of the morning, and my relaxing lunch with Zell, and the remaining afternoon, my mind kept going back to the Deling/Trabia Gardens report and something revealed that could warrant such attention. I wasn't suspicious by nature, so needless to say, I couldn't think of a single thing. I'd already fully investigated the correspondence between the two Gardens, and Seifer hadn't mentioned anything questionable. He hadn't even pelted me with questions or asked me to do an even greater search regarding any of the dates. Those facts could only lead to one conclusion: nothing to worry about…
Or else the issue was so phenomenal that Seifer and Cmdr. Squall wanted to keep it quiet as long as possible.
I pressed my lips together as I tidied my desk and logged off my computer. Sally, don't be such a doomsayer. Everything's fine. And if it isn't, you don't need to worry about it anyway. Then I made my way out of the office and onto the elevator, pressing the button for the first floor. I could really go for some down-time. I wonder if Zell and Selphie are up for some swimming? Ooo. Maybe we could hoof it to Balamb and have dinner with Ma?
The thought brought a smile as I stepped off the elevator and headed down the stairs to the main corridor and the dorms. I met Quistis coming out of the library reading some papers printed from the facility they had. She intensely scrutinized the letters, her expression becoming a slight frown.
"Hi, Quistis," I greeted, a little hesitant. After all, I still wasn't sure how she had recovered from the nudie-pics incident with Zone, or from the fact that it had likely been her report that had landed him in Deling Garden.
Quistis looked up, and the frown dissipated to a friendly smile. "Hello, Sally. Off work?"
I stopped by the intersection of the library and main corridors. Quistis stopped as well. "Uh-huh. What about you?" I pointed at the paperwork. "Homework?"
She offered up the papers as she said, "This? No. Just some information I promised to look over." Quistis folded it up and then crossed her arms. "Anything special planned? Or just some quality time with our resident optimist-slash-matchmaker?"
"Matchmaker?" I asked, eyes wide. "What do you mean?"
Quistis shook her head, still smiling, and briefly raised a hand. "Don't worry about it."
"Oh. Well, I was actually going to ask Zell and Selphie if we could go swimming. If we do, did you want to come?"
Quistis uncrossed her arms and drew out the papers. She slightly frowned down at them again. Then she lifted her eyes, the frown disappeared as before, and she smiled. "Actually, that sounds like fun. Do you think they'll mind?"
I wrinkled my nose. "Of course not. They were your friends before they were mine." I motioned to the cafeteria. "Why don't you meet us in the cafeteria for dinner at about 5:30. Is that okay?"
"That's fine." She lifted the papers. "I better get this finished. Thank you for the invitation, Sally."
"Sure. See you later."
Quistis passed me to the elevator. I watched her a moment before turning and heading for the dorms. I shook my head, wondering where I could have gone so wrong in the suggestion of 'Zone and Quistis' and feeling miserable because I might have ruined two lives... I sighed and shook my head again-- Two arms wrapped me up in a warm embrace, lips touching the back of my neck. I squealed and giggled as my feet left the ground. "Zell Dincht! Put me down!" Sure enough, I was again returned to my own two feet. I smiled over at Zell as he came to walk beside me, interlacing his fingers with mine. "Hi, Zell."
"Hey there, Meg. How was work?"
"It went by really fast; of course, I was kind of distracted the entire time with the newest mystery circulating around the office."
"Mystery?" Zell asked, eyebrow raised. "What mystery?"
My expression showed complete seriousness. "There's a pool going on when we're getting married."
Zell stopped and leaned back with his infamous, "Wha?" as he blinked at me.
I nodded. "I know. Marriage is too much responsibility for someone like you. We'd have to get a bigger apartment, and you would have to ask for a raise, and then there's the--"
Zell instantly grinned and voiced "Booya!"
My mouth froze half-open, mid-word. I flushed molten and looked away. "That is not what I was going to say," I told him with a sidelong glance.
Zell laughed. "Don't I know it? But that was a good one. Married. I'll have to tell Squall."
I reluctantly smiled. "Don't you dare. Then there really will be a pool."
Zell tugged me forward. "So who cares? Let 'em do their pool. Maybe we'll get a good present at the Reception."
I raised an eyebrow as I looked over at him. "Or maybe we could use the money to get a station wagon, for all the kids," I offered, testing the waters on the continuing joke. What exactly do you expect as a reaction? I almost shrugged.
Zell laughed again, intercepting one of my glances. "Kids? No way." He wiggled his eyebrows at me with a mischievous twinkle. "Gotta have you to myself for at least 10 years."
My eyes widened. "Ten years? Zell Dincht! I'll be exhausted!" Zell halted and stared at me, slack-jawed. "What?" I asked.
He slowly pointed at me. "I can't believe you said that."
"Huh?" I wrinkled my nose. "What's wrong with what I said?"
Zell's ears actually turned pink. "Forget it." He adjusted his hold on my hand and then headed toward our dorm rooms again.
I frowned in confusion, and then my face flamed. "I didn't mean it that way," I whispered.
"Yeah. Kind of figured." He sent me a smile. "So, how did you mean it?"
I cleared my throat. "I thought you might want to do some traveling and exhibition shows of your fighting style." I met his gaze, eyes wide. "Remember? We talked about it a couple weeks ago. Having tournaments for using the techniques they've learned in Combat King? Maybe even starting some schools here and there. I thought you meant 10 years of setting that up and touring. Honest."
Zell's expression brightened. "Oh yeah! I'd totally spaced it!"
I giggled and shook my head. "You silly. Why would you forget that? I thought doing something like that was a dream of yours."
Zell shrugged. "One of 'em. I've also thought of trying to get on board at C.K. as a reviewer of submissions. Or building up the orphanage again. I've also thought about maybe starting a Garden in Winhill. They're kind of off the beaten path. And then there's the space station. I thought it would be kind of cool to work up there for a little bit. You know? As a SeeD rep or something?"
I watched his different expressions with a softening smile. "Wow. That's a lot of stuff. And I just want to make it through a day without getting scared spitless by Seifer."
Zell threw back his head and laughed. "Hey, everyone has a dream," he said.
I think number one will be marrying you. But there was no way I was going to actually say that. At least, not yet.
"But that can't be the major one," he continued. "Graduation was the one you had before, right?"
I nodded, a little surprised that he remembered. "Yep, and I've done that with style. Huh?"
Zell grinned. "I don't think you can do anything any other way."
I flushed, ducking my head lower as I sent him a glance. "That's a sweet thing to say."
Zell's grin didn't vanish. "Heh heh heh."
I giggled and pulled my hand from his to give him a firm shove. As usual, he returned the shove and caught my hand to keep me from falling over. This time, however, he scooped me up and over his shoulder like a sack of flour.
"Zell!" I squealed.
"Gotcha."
I released a deep breath and surrendered myself to my predicament with a shake of my head and a sighed, "Zell."
"So, what's on the agenda for me and my captive?"
I rested my elbow against his back to cup my chin in hand as I began scratching his back with the other. Hey. What else was I supposed to do? "I invited Quistis to have dinner with us in the cafeteria. Maybe we could go swimming with her and Selphie after?"
"Sure! Sounds fun," he agreed. "How's she doin' anyway? She okay with the whole break-up?"
"It certainly seemed like it. Oh, and she said something about a matchmaker. She wasn't talking about you, was she?"
"Yeah. I put my foot in my mouth and swallowed."
I giggled. "Zell, don't you know by now she likes controlling her own life?"
"I know, but I can't help it. I see something and I go for it. It's an instinct."
I rubbed his back. "Yeah, an instinct that usually gets you into trouble."
"You know, that was the weird thing about this time. She didn't flip. She kinda gave me the look of doom if I didn't back off, but that was pretty much it."
"Well don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Take it and leave well enough alone, sweetie. I'd like to keep you safe and sound for as long as I can."
He patted my bottom. "Sure thing."
"Zell," I scolded.
"Heh heh heh."
I shook my head, reluctantly smiling as I did, and itched at his back with both hands.
"Wow. That feels good. I'll have to do this more often."
"Too much of a good thing is never good."
I flushed and lifted my torso up to twist to the right and look over Zell's head. Sure enough, Seifer headed toward us. "Oh no," I moaned softly.
"Sorry, kitten," Zell murmured, and he put me down as quickly as safely possible.
Being the lower ranking officer that I was, I saluted. "Can I do something for you, sir?"
Seifer halted in front of us and looked at his watch. It might have been my imagination, but it looked as if he sent Zell a glance. Seifer met my gaze and smirked. "Regal, you need to rephrase that."
I blinked. "Sir?"
"If you ask, I will always make sure I have a project."
I flushed. "Yes, sir."
"So if you don't want extra work, how should you greet me in the future?"
"Um…" I sent Zell a sidelong glance that screamed 'help!!' His almost seemed to say, 'I can't help you out of this one.' I focused again on Seifer, who had crossed his arms. "I… um…"
"Try 'Hello, sir'," Seifer suggested, and his tone sounded as if he'd burst out laughing any second.
My blush evolved to lava as my gaze lowered to the floor. "Yes, sir."
Seifer shook his head, chuckling. "Regal, one of these days…"
"You done?" Zell asked, expression hinting at growing annoyance.
Seifer looked to Zell. "Yeah. I'm done." He passed us. "Have a good weekend. See you Monday."
Zell raised an eyebrow as he stared after Seifer. Then he shook his head and took my hand to urge me to the dorms.
I watched Zell's face, the incident with Seifer surprisingly fading to the background. "What?"
"I will never get that guy."
"What do you mean?"
Zell shook his head again. "He's acting way weird."
"He is?"
"Yeah. Too damn nice."
"Huh?"
Zell looked over at me with a smile. "Don't sweat it. Seifer's Seifer. There ain't nothing we can do about it."
My mouth dropped open, but what could I say? I shrugged. "Fine."
Zell laughed and wrapped an arm around my waist to pull me close. "Atta girl."
» § «
"You know what? I think 'Hell Strike' is about ready to submit already." Zell tossed me a towel from my rock. "That only took three weeks, Meg. Awesome!"
I smiled and wiped the perspiration from my face as I came to stand beside him. "What can I say? I've got a great instructor."
Zell's lips twitched upward in a one-sided smirk. "Nah. It's all you from here." He gestured toward the eastern gate into the Training Center. "You want to see about beating some T-Rexaur ass?"
I wiped my face with the towel. "That's okay," I said softly. "I'm in need of a shower and a nice long soak in the tub."
"Dude. Tell me about it," Zell said as he gathered up his stuff. "You came on strong today. You nearly got me a couple times." Zell slung his duffel over his shoulder and straightened, turning toward me with his usual boyish smile. "And I'll take you up on that soak. Maybe a back-rub?"
My eyes twinkled as I took his hand and struck out toward the exit of the Training Center. "Sure, but me on you. Okay?"
Zell whistled. "Damn straight." He looked over at me with an impish expression. "You better watch it, kitten. I might be tempted to see if you purr."
"Zell," I scolded in a hushed voice.
He shrugged. "Hey, I'm just giving you fair warning."
I giggled and wrapped an arm around him. "I appreciate it."
His arm made its usual trek around my shoulders, hand draping down in front. "So, after this soak and back-rub… you wanna do anything specific?"
"Mom and Dad hoped we could stop by this weekend to see the new addition. Remember they added that other kennel for boarding?"
"Oh yeah. I got an e-mail yesterday about that. You wanna spend the weekend? I think there's a game or two scheduled. Zack promised me tickets."
I smiled wide. "Oh my gosh. That sounds awesome. We could drop off our submission to C.K., too. Couldn't we?"
"Sure! We could work on it on the train ride over. It never takes very long to fill out those forms anymore, and it'll make the ride go faster."
We turned toward the dorms to pick up our suits and a change of clothes. I caught sight of Quistis talking with a candidate as they walked toward us. I absently bit my lower lip. "Zell…"
"Yeah?"
I met his gaze. "Could we bring Quistis?"
"Sure, if she wants to come."
I shook my head, holding his gaze. "You don't mind?"
"Tch! 'Course not. I could ask?"
"That's okay. I can do it." I moved my focus forward. The candidate had turned off, but Quistis still headed toward us. "Hi, Quistis."
We all met at the intersection of the main and dormitory corridors. "Hello, Sally. Zell. All done with your work-out?"
"Yep. Meg kicked ass like usual. Finished up on 'Hell Strike', too," Zell offered eagerly.
"Really? Didn't you just start that one?" Quistis asked, and she sounded generally interested.
Zell nodded. "Yeah. Three weeks ago." He grinned. "She kicks ass all the way around."
I flushed molten.
Quistis slightly smiled. "Good job, Sally. Pretty soon you'll be teaching right alongside Zell here."
I shook my head. "No, thank you. I'll keep my desk job."
Quistis chuckled softly. "I suppose I don't blame you, although I don't know how you survive Seifer and Fujin day in and day out."
Zell laughed. "Neither does she."
I smiled.
Quistis raised a hand in farewell and moved past us. "Have a good morning, you two."
"Quistis, wait," I said quickly.
She turned with a raised eyebrow. "Hmm?"
"A-Are you busy this weekend?" I asked.
Quistis looked from me to Zell and back. "Busy? Why?"
"Well, we're going to Timber to spend the weekend with my parents and hang out and stuff… and um… I thought you might like to come with us. You know? Take a little break from stuff here." I glanced toward Zell. "Go shopping? Maybe?"
"Let me check my schedule."
I blinked in surprise, but sure enough, Quistis took out her handheld and double-checked her appointments. She tapped and scribbled and tapped some more. Then she tucked it away and looked up with a smile.
"Something tells me she's coming," Zell said in a laughing tone.
Quistis again waved a farewell. "I'll meet you by the front gate in fifteen."
"Actually, Quis," Zell called. Quistis stopped and turned. "We're gonna soak in the hot tub for a bit first. Wanna come with?"
Quistis' blue eyes brightened. "I haven't soaked in the… I'll be there in five." She turned and stepped down the corridor toward her dorm room.
Zell and I exchanged smiles. "I think that went quite well," I offered.
"Yeah. Haven't seen her this relaxed in ages. It almost gives me the creeps."
"Really? I never figured you for creeping out about anything." We struck out toward the dorms again.
"They only last about five seconds, but I creep out the same as the next guy."
"Wow. About what?"
Zell smiled over at me. "About us, mostly."
"Us?" My eyes widened. "What creeps you out about us?"
Zell chuckled. "Us. The word. You. Me. Together. Rings. Love. The whole nine yards."
My expression softened. "Oh. The good creeps."
Zell grinned. "Yeah. My newest drug."
I giggled.
Zell wrapped his other arm around me as he pressed his lips against my temple. "Pinch me please."
I laughed and pinched him on the butt, immediately moving out of reach.
"Ack! Ho ho ho! Come here, you!"
I squealed and ran forward, Zell laughing maniacally as he charged after me.
» § «
Zell grabbed my bag and led the way from the station. Quistis and I followed close behind.
"Will your parents have enough room for the three of us?" Quistis inquired, adjusting her duffel on her shoulder.
"We always stay with Zack," Zell tossed over his shoulder. "He's the one with the swank house."
I watched Quistis' expression. It didn't change. She met my gaze. "Mom and Dad have a spare room you can use, if that makes you feel better."
"Don't do it, Quis," Zell warned. "Zack's pad is totally spacious. Mega rooms, a pool, big-screen T.V., the works! You've got to stay there with us."
Quistis slightly smiled. "If you're sure he won't mind."
"Zack? He'll probably barely be there long enough to notice," Zell stated.
I nodded. "He's always really busy at the station, especially during sports season lining up interviews, half-time reports, and stuff like that. We'll be lucky to share a meal with him."
"Doesn't he have an assistant?" she asked, surprised.
"He did, once, but they weren't very good at it. He fired them a couple months ago and hasn't ever filled the position."
"Surely it can't be that difficult to find a good assistant manager."
Zell scoffed. "Zack's kind of like Seifer; major hard-ass when it comes to the station."
Quistis smirked. "I see. Takes his duties seriously."
"Way serious," Zell agreed.
I nodded. "That's why the station is doing so well, more than likely." We stopped outside the pet shop. "Let's go inside and say 'hello'. Then I'll see if they can give us a lift to Zack's, so we can drop off our stuff."
"Can't we just stow it here?" Zell asked. "I kind of wanted to grab a bite. I'm starved."
"Oh sure. I don't mind. I'm getting a bit hungry myself." I looked to Quistis. "What about you?"
"I could go for a beer."
I smiled. "Okay, then let's say 'hi' and head on over to the pub."
We stepped inside to be greeted by both my folks, exchanging introductions and plans and then stowing luggage before leaving the store with promises to not stay out too late. Then the three of us struck out for the pub.
"Say," Zell spoke up as we descended the stairs to the mall area of the pub, "we should stop by the station and see if Zack can get us into C.K. like he did last time."
I smiled over at him. "Zell, we can just as easily drop off the submission at the front desk. If we have Zack keep using his special privileges, he'll lose them."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Zell grinned. "Too bad. I wanted to use their gym to show off."
I heard Quistis chuckle as she followed behind us. "Then I guess you should definitely write them about starting a tournament."
"Looks like. Will you help out with it? My spelling sucks worse than my grammar."
I giggled. "Of course, sweetie."
Zell opened the door for us. "Sweet!" He ushered us in and then let the door close after. He came to stand beside me, taking my hand in his. "You want to sit at a table or at the bar?" Zell gestured to the back. "Looks like there's a table over there."
I looked over at Quistis. "Is that okay?"
"Whatever is fine," she said, slightly smiling. "As long as I get that beer."
So we trekked over to the table, catching the bartender's eye as we did.
"Two beers and a cream soda," Zell ordered.
Quistis lowered herself into the seat in the farthest corner of the room while sending a curious glance toward Zell. "Cream soda?"
Zell sat beside me, smiling as he draped an arm across the back of my chair. "What's the matter with that? Sally likes cream soda."
I sent Quistis a timid smile. "I don't drink. Never cared to start."
The bartender brought the bottles, received payment from Zell, and then left after getting our order of hamburgers and potato wedges.
"You're not old enough anyway," Zell reminded. "Not until next year."
"Oh. You're not twenty?" Quistis asked.
I shook my head. "Not until next spring."
"Anything special planned?"
Zell and I exchanged shocked expressions. "Dude. I never even thought about it." He faced me fully. "Meg, we should rig a party at the hotel in Balamb!"
My expression brightened. "A birthday party? A big birthday party? Could we?"
"Sure! We'll have a band and food and beer and champagne… Dude! It'll rock!"
Quistis chuckled, slightly shaking her head as she leaned back in her chair. She motioned toward us with her bottle. "You two hash out the details. I'll enjoy my beer."
I faced Quistis, smiling. "That's okay. We can do it later."
"Why?" She took a drought, and then she motioned to us again. "Might as well do it now, Sally. We haven't anything else to talk about."
"She's got a point, Meg."
I smiled brightly. "Okay. I don't mind. I've never planned a really big party before."
Zell rested both arms on the table in an adorable expression of complete attention. "Okay, first things first. Who you gonna invite?"
My smile vanished. "I… I don't know. Maybe I should make it an open invitation? I mean, everyone at Garden has helped me at some point, so shouldn't they--"
"Sally," Zell interrupted in a serious tone, "this is your birthday party. You invite the people who actually care."
I flushed and focused on my hands clasped in my lap. "I know."
"Alright then, who would you invite? Me?"
I giggled and looked up. "Of course, silly."
Zell smiled. "Whew. Who else?"
"Um… Zack, Mom and Dad, Selphie, Quistis," I said while motioning to her.
She accepted the invitation with a nod and a lopsided smile. "Thank you."
"Your ma," I added with a smile at Zell. "Rinoa, Val, Francine, Mark, Marshal, Seifer--"
Zell sat up. "Seifer? Why Seifer?"
I sent Zell a wide-eyed expression. "Because he's my boss and he deserves to be invited. I was going to invite Commander Squall, too."
Zell smiled. "Hey. Whatever. No skin off my butt." He leaned forward again. "You want a band, a D.J., or what?"
"A band. One of those that plays really bright, loud, and danceable music," I said, smile returning.
"Sure. I've got just the band in mind. What about food-- Dude. We should leave that up to the hotel. Have them cater it, huh?"
I gave a nod of excitement. "Oh this is going to be so much fun!"
Zell laughed. "Hell yeah! I can hardly wait."
Quistis shook her head. "You two are beyond belief."
The bartender came with our food, brought more drinks, and then left us alone - after giving Quistis yet another sidelong glance. She ignored it. Then we cheerily chatted about parties, and submissions, and SeeD missions long over while we munched and crunched good food and sipped cool drinks.
Quistis had a lot of great stories.
"Hey, Sal," an unexpected voice greeted. "What are you doing here?"
I looked up to meet Zack's curious and surprised expression as he approached from the pub's back exit. "Hi, Zee. We came to spend the weekend. Remember? We e-mailed you."
Zack came to stand beside me and Quistis. He sent her a smile and then focused on me. "Was that this weekend? Man! Time flies, doesn't it?" He motioned to Zell and me. "Your gear stowed?"
"I was hungry," Zell said by way of a 'no'.
Quistis and I laughed.
Zack smirked. "I hear ya." Then he turned toward Quistis and produced a hand. "Zackary Regal."
Quistis accepted the hand and briefly shook it. "Quistis Trepe." She retrieved her hand and her bottle.
Zell motioned to a free chair. "Pull up. Wanna beer?"
Zack's smirk blossomed to a smile. "It's been a day, so I think I'll take you up on that."
Zell caught the bartender's gaze and then looked back to Zack. "A day, huh? What with?"
Zack came to sit in the chair to Zell's right and leaned back with crossed arms. "You name it and it probably went wrong. Screwed up time schedules, old ads, lost connections…" Zack shook his head. "The day from hell."
Quistis regarded him in her normally cool and collected fashion. "It sounds as if you need some managerial help to take up the slack," she observed.
Zack met her gaze as he scoffed. "You find me an assistant manager who can pull his or her head out of his or her own ass and get the job done right, and I'll hire them."
One side of her lips tilted upward. "I'll keep my eyes open."
"Are you going to have interviews again?" I asked. "You should at least give it another shot, Zack. You never know. You might find just who you're looking for."
Zack accepted his bottle from the bartender and shook his head. "Not yet. I'm still pissed from the last guy. I need to get some things squared away with schedules and crap before doing anything different."
"When you do," Quistis spoke up again, drawing Zack's attention, "I would recommend beginning an Internship program. That way you can train them to be what works best for your station."
Zack blinked. "You know what? That's a damn good idea. Don't know why I didn't think of it before." Zack smiled wide and motioned to Quistis with his bottle. "Want a job? I have an immediate opening for Assistant Manager."
Quistis chuckled. "No. Thank you. While it's tempting, I enjoy instructing at Garden."
"Too bad. Just know that anytime you want to try your hand at civilian life…"
Zell and I exchanged a glance and a 'this is good' expression.
Quistis adjusted her position in the chair as well as her hold on her beer. "I'll keep that in mind, but I think 21 is a little young to retire. Don't you?"
Zack shrugged. "I'm rich enough to retire any day of the week. I don't because I love the rat race of working." He sent her a smile and a wink. "I'm thinking it's the same with you?"
Quistis smirked. "Something like that."
Zell suddenly stood. "Dude!" He turned to me, eyes wide. "Meg, we've got to submit the work-up before C.K. closes!"
My eyes widened, and I smacked my forehead as I stood to follow. "Oh my gosh! We better hurry. See you at Mom and Dad's, Quistis," I called over my shoulder.
The door to the pub closed after us. We stood on the threshold and grinned at each other. We shared a high five.
"Fast thinking," I complimented as Zell took my hand. We headed toward the stairs leading to the main part of Timber. "I would never have thought of that."
Zell grinned. "I only did because it's true."
I giggled. "It still worked great, and now we just have to wait."
Zell glanced over his shoulder toward the pub. "That would be a trip if she actually did drop Garden for T.V."
I nodded. "Yeah it would. Quistis loves Garden."
"No doubt."
I sighed, releasing Zell's hand to wrap my arm around his waist. He did the same. "But we don't have to worry about it. Quistis will do what Quistis will do."
"Yep." Zell gave me a squeeze. "Good for you."
I sent him a smile. "I like your world of no worries."
He grinned. "Why don't you stay a while? Plenty of room." His expression grew serious. "'Course, you'll have to pay rent."
I giggled. "And what's that?"
Zell stopped and withdrew his arm, turning to face me as he wiggled his eyebrows. "Guess."
I stepped away and raised my hands. "Now, Zell…"
"Heh heh heh. Better run, beach bunny."
I gasped and turned with a slight hop, running while squealing "Zell, no!" as he darted after me.
I'm sure everyone in Timber thought we were more than a little odd, but what did I care?
» § «
Zell and I checked our watches at the same time. We exchanged raised eyebrows and smiles before focusing back on our meal and the conversation regarding future plans for the booming pet shop.
Quistis hadn't come back from lunch with Zack.
"Yo, Pop," Zell spoke up between bites of pot roast, "can we bum a ride to Zack's? I guess it's been rough today, so he probably forgot to come get us and our gear."
I smiled at my half-eaten plate of food. I loved hearing Zell call my folks 'Mom' and 'Pop'. Warm fuzzies attacked each and every time. Like clock-work.
Dad nodded. "Sure, Zell. Not a problem. Did you want to go after dinner?"
"Nah. I want some of Mom's cream pie first."
Warm fuzzies!
Mom chuckled. "I'll be sure to save you an extra helping, honey."
"Sweet!"
Dad motioned to me with a fork. "Where's your friend Quistis? Isn't she staying with you at Zack's?"
I nodded, sending Zell another sidelong glance. "They were having lunch at the pub," he said. "Talking about the station and stuff, so Zack's probably giving her a tour or something."
"Oh that's nice," Mom answered. "Maybe she'll know of some people looking to work at the station."
I smiled. "Maybe. She already had a good idea about starting an Internship program."
Dad nodded. "That is a good idea. I've been thinking of doing that same thing with an assistant for the clinic."
"You want me to post a message on the clinic's message board?"
"Could you?"
"Sure, Dad. No problem. Just tell me the details of the position and I'll do it when I get back to Garden on Monday." I sent Zell a look. "Should I ask Zack if he wants me to do the same for the station?"
Zell shrugged. "Wouldn't hurt."
We heard a duet of laughter and the ring of the side-door bell as the door opened and closed. Zell and I smiled at each other.
"Oh. That must be Zack and Quistis," Mom observed as she stood. "I'll go see if they want some dinner." She left the dining room and headed for the living room.
"What's on the agenda for tomorrow?" Dad asked us.
Zell sent me a slight sidelong smile as he pressed his knee against mine. "Zell and I were just going to hang out and walk around some." I met his eyes and smiled. "Maybe head over to the tomb by Deling City and do some adventuring and have a picnic?" He nodded, smile widening. I looked back over at Dad. "I don't know about Quistis. Hadn't had a chance to talk to her about it."
Dad's lips twitched. "You want me to take her around the clinic; give you two some time to yourself?"
I flushed. "Dad, you don't have to do that. She can com--"
"Kiddo, it's not a problem. Maybe she and I can hash out some details about that Internship program she mentioned." Dad motioned at the two of us. "You two take the day. Enjoy yourselves."
Zell tucked his calf behind my shin, a regular thing when sitting at a table, and lightly stroked my skin. Thrustaevis and warm fuzzies collided with my smile. "Thanks, Pop. We will." I looked over at Zell. "Why don't we go pack a picnic right now? That way we can head off early tomorrow."
"Sure."
We stood and headed for the kitchen, Zell tucking an arm around my waist. Quistis, Mom, and Zack met us in the hall. "Hi, Quistis," I greeted with a somewhat silly smile. Zack smirked. "I hope you don't mind, but Zell and I are going to--"
"We're ditchin' ya," Zell interrupted. "Tomorrow we're heading out for the tomb of the Forgotten King, or whatever the hell it was called, and doin' some adventuring. Knock yourself out with Mom and Pop and Zack. K?"
Quistis chuckled, passing us with a shake of her head. "Thanks. I will."
"Have fun, though I'm sure Zell already has a few ideas," Zack offered.
"Zackary Bryan," Mom scolded, and I heard the thwack of her hand on the back of his head.
Zell smiled down at me with yet another infamous wiggle of his eyebrows. I giggled and poked him lightly in the ribs.