Chapter twelve:
A/N: Fujin’s POV.
~~~
I sat heavily on the edge of the bed, not even caring to turn on the lights, and wondering how the hell was I supposed sleep tonight. Everything in my life had changed forever.
I had become a sorceress, found out that I have a mom and a dad, lost a friend, left my home and income source, got married and now I’m living in a new, foreign city.
The problem was, I couldn’t do anything about it. As Rinoa said that afternoon, even if it was possible to pass my powers, its effects wouldn’t go away. I’d still be unconsciously connected to the GF realm and have a knight.
A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts, “Come on in, Seifer.”
He smiled, no sign of the pink apron anywhere. “Hi.” He turned on the lights.
I squinted to adjust to the sudden change and leaned backwards, “Nothing good on TV?”
He shook his head and sat next to me, “Nah, its just boring, a waste of money.”
“How long are we staying here?” I asked quietly, not daring to shatter the serene moment.
My husband shrugged and dropped backwards, his feet barely touching the floor and his arms thrown carelessly above his head, “As long as we need, we have nobody on our side right now.”
He’s right, I bet Cid and Edea never felt this stranded.
“Hey,” I felt his warm hand slide over mine, “Are you okay?”
I glanced down at the concerned look on his face, “I guess.”
“You look pale.” He got up and touched my cheek.
Oh, I see where this is going.
“No, I’m fine.” I jerked away and stood up, “Just your imagination.” Why am I angry?
“Okay.” His voice sounded disappointed, “Umm, I’m going to sleep.” With that, he left the bedroom and I could hear the TV being turned on.
Oh, yeah, I forgot. I didn’t want to share the bed. It’s not that cold tonight right? *shiver* or maybe it is, but I wont humiliate myself and ask for his presence.
I nodded firmly and sat at the dresser, “I am pale.” I spoke to nobody in particular. I’ve learned to forget my ugliness in comparison with Garden girls, and Rinoa Heartilly to be precise. I hate that woman, she had all that I ever wanted, and she gave me all that I never needed.
She became the hero of the world, had a famous rich family, and came so close to marrying the highest, and youngest ranking military ever, Squall Leonhart. She also had a beautiful child that made the entire world see how human she is, got rid of her powers, and now is living in luxury and safe from being possessed ever again.
“I hate my life.” I growled and dropped my head on the hard wood of the dresser, “Life sucks.”
Maybe I should just go to sleep and hope that this is all a bad dream… All of it.
~~~~
My cheek felt numb, and I had to open my eyes to see what was happening. I realized that I had fallen asleep on the uncomfortably hard wood.
I grimaced and got up to change my clothes. Stripping sleepily from the shirt and skirt, I almost banged my head on the door of the cupboard. I pulled my over-sized sleeping shirt over my head and changed into some pajama pants.
The TV could be heard roaring from the living room, is Seifer still awake?
I stepped out quietly, realizing that my knight had fallen asleep with his full length spread on the couch, the loud noise seemingly unheard by his sleeping ears. I turned off the offensive racket and knelt down close to him, pulled up his hand from the floor and placed it next to his body.
“Mm, Fuu…” he murmured and cracked his eyes open.
“Shh, go back to sleep, I’ll get you a blanket.” I whispered and got up, picked up the blanket from the bed and got back to cover him.
“Fujin, it’s cold,” He got up on one elbow, “You take the blanket, I’ll be just fine.” Even though he was sleepy, and his hair was messy, he looked cuter than ever.
“I’ll be fine,” I spread the covers over him and he frowned.
“Listen, Fujin.” He got up and hauled the blanket over his shoulder, “If you’re not taking it, I don’t want it.” He surprised me when he hauled me over the other shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
“Seifer!” I beat at his back playfully. We were both sleepy, but a little laugh wouldn’t do any harm.
“Here.” He dropped on the bed and flung the blanket over me before sitting at the edge, “I just need a pillow.”
“Stay here with me.” The words spilled out of my mouth before their meaning registered in my head.
Beautiful shiny hair rippled lightly as Seifer shook his head, “Think for five seconds and repeat that.”
He was daring me. He knows I’m too shy to even try and hug him, let alone ask him to sleep next to me.
Wait a minute, the ring on my finger can be more useful than I thought, I won’t be using him or playing games on him. It’s strange he hadn’t thought of using it earlier… Maybe he is the noble man I always fancied him to be.
In a sudden moment of boldness, I pulled out my left hand and wiggled my fingers, “We’re married, besides all I’m asking for is a hug!”
His face didn’t show any emotion as he turned and made a straight line to the door.
~Sigh~ I should have seen this coming. He didn’t marry me for real love.
The lights were turned off suddenly, stopping my thoughts from reaching the point of sheer disappointment. Two seconds later, I felt strong arms coil around me, forcing a small giggle from my throat, “I thought you were leaving *giggle*”
“And miss a quiet night and a good amount of sleep?” he asked, his breath dangerously close to my neck, “No way.”
“Um, good night.” I shifted to a more comfortable position, and heard him murmuring his own goodnight to the back of my neck.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There goes on the annoying bird, chirping on my windowsill repeatedly. If only I could open the window and strangle the damn thing…
*Chirp chirp*
Damn.
*Chirp chirp*
Shut up.
*Chirp chirp*
I swear, if you sing one more time, I’ll catch you, fry you and eat you like I’ve never eaten anything before.
*Chirp chirp*
That’s it!
Even before opening my eyes, I got up from whatever was wrapped around me, probably some heavy blanket. I stumbled on the cold floor, my feet bare, and with all the anger and annoyance of a waking person, slammed the window open, and watched as the terrified bird fled for its life.
“Fujin, what's wrong?” came a sleepy voice from somewhere in the middle of the room.
I stumbled back into the bed, face first, and tried to go back to sleep.
“Don’t tell me it’s a chirping bird.” The hoarse voice was closer now, actually speaking into my ear.
“Yes.” I growled and rolled my head to the other side, watching a blurred picture of Seifer looking into my face. “What are you doing here?”
He smiled sleepily and shifted closer, “Sleeping.”
Oh yeah. I asked him to.
I sighed and closed my eyes, “Can we go anywhere today? I don’t want to stay here.”
“Fuu, ever since you became a sorceress, I haven’t had a quiet day, could we please have one day off? Please!”
“Are you planning something?” I yawned. I didn’t think I’d be sleeping again as long as he was talking.
“Like what? I have nothing planned, other than resting for a change.”
“You need a haircut.” I sleepily reached with my hand to touch his hair, it was sleek under my fingertips, “Though I think you look cute either way.”
“And a shave.” He whispered, touching his chin.
“You’ll grow a beard?” I got up on my elbows, still on my stomach.
“Just a goatee,” he chuckled, “I’ll look much older with it.”
“I’ve never touched a beard before.” All the men I’ve ever known never had a beard. Seifer, Raijin, even Cid who was much older and should have at least some facial hair.
Seifer corked an eyebrow, “So you’re asking me to grow a beard?”
I giggled, “I guess it won’t do any harm.” I carefully touched his cheek where the rough hair should have grown, “I’ve never noticed you shave.”
He smiled against my fingers and caught them in his own, “I’m hurt. Does that mean you’ve never noticed my aftershave?”
“Not today.” I got up, folding my legs under my thighs, “Right now you smell like drool.”
Seifer rolled to his side and whispered, “I was dreaming of you.”
Heat spilled into my cheeks when the thought settled in, he was drooling over me? “Get out.”
Without an answer, he got up and into the bathroom.
Oh my God, he was serious! *Blush* Why is it so hard for me to see that he likes me?
I got up and threw off the shirt, adjusting the strap of my bra. I hate it when sleep just messes me up. I sighed and rubbed my forehead, my whole life is messed up.
If Ken was Ultimecia’s knight and husband, does that mean she gave birth to me? I hope he shows up soon, I have a lot of questions. How did Ultimecia have me in the Guardian Force’s world? Was she a normal person before she became a sorceress, or was she born one like Edea? How old is Ken? How old is Ultimecia?? Why do Seifer and Ken look alike? I hope Seifer is not my brother, because I wouldn’t want to marry my own brother. But there is no way for him to be a sibling of mine, we don’t even look alike. *Gasp* that hair that was found in Raijin’s deathbed, it could be Ken’s! If I could run a few DNA tests on it, I could see if he was my biological father or not. That is, IF he was a relative of mine.
*Sigh* … I hate uncertainty, it drives me crazy.
Seifer stepped next to me, his face and hair wet. He glanced at me for a moment before turning to the shelf with his clothes, “Nice bra.”
I snapped in embarrassment and crossed my arms above my chest, “Stop staring and get lost!”
He chuckled and pulled a shirt, “Where did you put my underwear?”
The heat in my cheeks started to burn hotter, “Its still in your bag, I didn’t want to touch them.”
He nodded quietly and turned around to search his bag.
“Would you mind?” I scolded, “I want to get dressed here!”
His broad shoulders shrugged slightly as he gave me his back, “So dress, who’s stopping you?”
I puffed up my cheeks and pulled a shirt quickly, pulling it over my head. When I looked back at him, he had already stopped searching his bag and was grinning evilly at me.
“How long have you been staring?” I growled and pushed him aside to pull out a pair of boxers for him.
He took the garment in his hands carefully, “Enough.”
“You are a pervert.” I attempted a frown, but couldn’t make it scary because of the blush that refused to leave my cheeks.
“Uh-uh.” He shook his head and pulled up his left hand, “Not when we are married.”
“Seifer you know that’s not why we married!” I shrieked, trying to get both our minds off that topic.
All the playfulness and childish shine in his eyes dimmed as he shrugged and got up, “Fine, have it your way. Thought it would be the best morning in a few years.” His brows joined slightly as he stepped into the bathroom again.
*Sigh* I’m sorry, Seifer, it’s just hard to change everything about me in one day and night.
I closed the closet and knocked on the bathroom door, “Seifer, what are you doing? Can I wash my face?”
“I’m taking a shower.” oh… “But come on in anyway.” O_O;;
“What?”
“The curtains are closed and the door is open.” I frowned slightly and carefully opened the door, feeling the wet fog escape the small opening.
I peeked in and saw that the curtains were indeed closed. With a sigh, I stepped in and splashed water on my face, “Don’t you feel violated when there is somebody else in the bathroom?” I asked through the water.
The shower was turned off and I saw Seifer peek his head out, “Gimme that towel, and no I don’t feel violated. That’s what I get for sharing one bathroom with a guy who drinks a lot of soda.”
I handed him the towel and tried to ignore the shiny curve of his neck, “Raijin drank a lot of soda?” Oh I just want to touch him…
“Yeah,” he got back behind the curtain and toweled himself. “Always bothered me in the middle of the night when I woke up to relieve myself. It’s a bad habit that I couldn’t bring myself to lose.”
I shrugged and looked at myself in the mirror, “Just stop drinking liquids before bedtime.”
“I don’t!” he stepped out with the towel draped carelessly around his hips, “I don’t get it!”
“Umm, are you wearing anything?” I questioned in a squeak as I edged to the door.
“Boxers,”
I stepped out and dried my face, “What do you want for breakfast.”
“Coffee, or anything.” He shrugged and started dressing.
With that, I left for the kitchen and prepared two cups of coffee, for a long moment I sat and admired the soft design of flowers and roses on the rim of the fancy china.
“What, no pancakes?” Seifer stepped in with a wide grin. What’s with him? “Oh well, how about a good morning kiss?”
Oh, I should have seen that coming. “How about you make yourself useful and bring the morning paper?”
His grin faltered into a side-smirk, “Are you saying I’m not useful? I’m hurt!” he sat down and sipped his coffee, watching me.
“You are the most useful man I’ve ever laid eyes on, Seifer.” I assured, “It’s just that you’ve been making a fool of yourself recently, and I’m worried I’m going to be your lightning rod.”
“Nah, Raijin was the only lightning rod I’ve ever known, and he used to fight with a rod, mind you.” He smiled, “You are a- hmm, wind rod?” he made a face before setting down his cup, “There is something wrong with this coffee!”
“I’m not a rod, Seifer.” I scowled, noticing his chuckle.
“What rod?” he changed the subject, “I’ll go get a paper.”
I rested my hand on my cheek before watching him retreat and leave to get the morning paper.
He’s really trying to make me smile, but he doesn’t know how hard it is to forget the depression. Things have a strange way of working out. I guess there is no other way for us but to see Edea.
I sighed and took another sip of my coffee.
…
……
I hate being alone, it gets me thinking.
I strolled lazily into the living room and sat quietly. I watched the ring on my finger, round and endless, like the way my life felt, if only my life was golden…
*Sigh*
“Why the long face, child?”
I tensed and turned to look at the strange person sitting next to me, “Ken Nomura? I thought you said you wouldn’t show up again!” I couldn’t understand the feelings that were filling me. Was I … Happy?
“Changed my mind,” he crossed his legs coolly and leaned back, “If you keep thinking, I’ll never have a peaceful sleep.”
“What do you mean?” I asked as I turned to him, not intimidated at all.
“Well, when you start thinking disturbing thoughts, it kind of gets to me, and I start thinking about you.” He shrugged, “You are my little girl.”
“Am I really yours?” I asked suspiciously, “I don’t look like you.”
He smiled warmly, “Well, I guess it had to come to this someday, I’m not really your biological father, but I’ve been there at your birth and been with you almost all your life, in the shadows.”
I chewed on my lower lip. He wasn’t my father? “Then who was my real father?”
Ken’s face darkened, “Never had the time to like
him, but he died at the sorceress war, was fighting with that
“You know Laguna Loire?” my eyes widened.
“Yeah, tried to kill me a few times, almost succeeded.” He frowned. “Any more questions? I have work to do.”
“Work?”
“Yeah, Ultimecia just wouldn’t stop bragging, said she can’t wait to see you, hmph… the things I do for love.”
“Don’t tell me that you are Ultimecia’s husband and
that Seifer is your son!” Please don’t tell me we are brother and sister,
please!
The blond man made a face, “No way! Ulti is my sister!”
O_O “Sister? You are my uncle?”
“Yup.” He grinned, “Seifer’s story is a long one.”
“You know about Seifer?” my heart was practically beating two miles an hour, this guy knew more than I ever thought.
“Yeah.”
“Well, tell me!” I squeaked.
He got up, “Not right now.”
Oh no! He is leaving! Seifer must be nearby! “Stop right there!” I called and darted to the door, opened it and peeked out, Seifer was reading the paper and walking back from the end of the corridor. I left the apartment and stood in front of my husband, “Go take another stroll around the block.”
Seifer’s eyes went wide, but he decided not to argue with me right then, I guess I looked deadly enough already. He turned around and took his time down the stairs, murmuring something about ‘Women’.
I strolled back into the apartment and slammed the door behind me, “Alright, uncle, talk.”
He swallowed and gave a sheepish grin, “Umm, where were we?”
“Seifer.” I pushed him into the sofa and gazed at him.
“Erm alright… it started when I was twenty years old-”
“Seifer, not you.” I growled.
“I know!” he shrugged, “It’s about me too!”
“Alright, talk.” Why was I so impatient?
“Phew, alright, I was twenty years old when I got married to this beautiful blond girl, we had a daughter, Rei, and she got married to this blond guy-”
I sighed impatiently and asked, trying to be gentler, “Why do you keep describing them?”
“Because it’s important! Saves me the questions later!” he explained, “When Rei’s husband knew about her deceased mother’s sorcery, he insisted on divorce. After her divorce, however, she realized that she was pregnant -with Seifer of course. She couldn’t keep him because she was alone, and had nobody to help her and take care of her child whenever Adel tried to posses her. She got headaches just like you did.”
Ken took a moment to breathe through the tightness
in his throat, and I felt warm and happy to realize that Seifer wasn’t dumped
out of neglect, neither was
“Let me give you some water.” I started to get up.
“No, just let me finish,” he breathed for a moment, “Her powers -though dormant- were transferred to the child. And the child, known now as Ellone, was raised by Rei’s best friend, Raine Leonhart.”
“Yes, I know the story from there.” Ellone had bored me out of my brain with it.
“Great, well, once I received the news about my daughter, I tried to reach her husband, but he was killed as well. So I tried to reach his daughter, but Laguna Loire almost tore my throat.” Ken chuckled lightly, “He loved Ellone more than I ever could. Well, he almost killed me then, and I was transferred to the GF realm, by some unknown force. Ultimecia had a lot of strings attached I suppose. She was already pregnant when I got there, and her husband had already left to fight Adel.” He sighed and leaned his head back.
After a lot of thinking, I asked, “So Ellone is not related to neither me nor Seifer?”
“Nope.” He shifted, “But Ellone is like Seifer’s sister. They had almost the same mother.”
“And Seifer looks like you because he is relative of yours?”
“I’m a granddaddy! Can you believe it!” he sniffled, “And I’m still 65!”
“O_O Sixty five? I thought you were thirty-something!” I gasped.
“Heh, you’d be surprised at how slow time runs in the GF Realm. You didn’t look two years old there, either.”
“Why did mo- Ultimecia give me up to Edea?” I joined my brows.
“Because future SeeDs were trying to kill her, Squall Leonhart and his group had mysteriously gone to the future. She left you with Sacred, Minotaur and Carbuncle, but somehow you got lost during a hide-and-seek game, and stumbled into a Gimme-Cat portal. We really hated that creature; we still hate it. It wasted twenty years of your life in the real world, when you could have spent it up there with your family.” He shrugged, “I really liked kids.” He grinned. “I can’t believe that my niece and grandchild are married!” he made as if to wipe away tears before pouncing closer to me, “How dare you not invite me and your mother to your wedding?” T_Tx
I held my breath for a moment before exploding in laughter, “You remind me so much of Laguna Loire!”
A muscle in his cheek twitched, “I’ll take that as a compliment- uh oh, grandchild alert.” He grinned, “I love you both!” he kissed my forehead quickly before exploding into fog -again.
~~~
“Honey, I’m home.” Seifer stepped in carefully, as if entering into a minefield, “Would you mind telling me what's this all about?”
I sighed happily and hugged him, “I saw Ken Nomura again!”
O/_ O “WHAT?” he dropped his paper and held me close, “Did he hurt you?”
I giggled and tried to keep the tears away, finally, clouds were moving away to let the sun shine into my life. We are not brothers! “Seifer, you are Ken’s grandchild!”
*blink blink*
“No really, what did he do to you?”
“Really!” I shrugged in his arms and pulled him to the couch.
~~~~~~~~
After a long talk, Seifer was finally convinced that he and I both have magical history. That’s why he was so good at fire magic, and me at wind magic.
Did Raijin have a magical history too?
“So he didn’t come here to kill you?” he questioned while holding my hand.
“I guess he just wanted me back up there with him and his sister. Can you imagine it, Ultimecia having a relative?”
“I don’t know how he could stand her with all the tattoos and cleavages. Please don’t tell me he has the same accent!”
“No, they were separated for a long while.” I leaned my head on his shoulder, “Ellone is like a sister to you.”
“It all makes sense.” Seifer leaned back, “You and I were fated to be together, or else we would have never known about our bloodline.”
I nodded, “By the way, Ken is sixty-five.”
Seifer widened his eyes in surprise, “I thought he was thirty-something!”
“He isn’t.” I giggled, “Did I scare you in the hallway?”
“Are you kidding? I thought you murdered somebody and needed me away until you hid the evidence!” he laughed.
“How could you?” I squeaked and slapped his arm.
“Well, what was I supposed to think? You didn’t even want the paper!” he gazed at the door where the paper lay motionless only inches away.
We both looked at the paper, back at each other and then at the paper, then finally at each other.
“I’ll get the paper!” we both yelled at the same time and pounced on the defenseless object in unison.
Through a tangled heap of arms and legs and sleeves, I was practically on top of Seifer who lay face down, covering the newspaper with his palms and laughing, “Hah! Got it!”
I stifled a giggle as I started tickling him in the tender spot just below his ribcage.
“Hah! Stop it! Haha!” he laughed and squirmed slightly, “Stop it! It’s not working!” he cried out through a laugh.
“Why are you laughing then?” I grinned evilly and tried to reach the deformed paper-creation that was squeezed in his hands tightly.
“Because-” he started in a laugh and suddenly rolled over, pushed me to my back and grinned, “Because I needed your guard down!”
My eyes widened when I saw how determined he was, the word revenge was practically written on his forehead. After one second of quietness, his fingers were all over my stomach, tickling the air out of my lungs.
“Ahh! Seifer! I give up! Sto -ho- St hoooop!” I laughed like crazy and tried to rip his hands off me, but he was so strong, and persistent. “I swear!” I threatened, and suddenly, he was off me with a gasp. I opened my eyes and brushed away the tears that were forced out of my eyes, it was still hard to breathe, but I was more worried about him.
He was sprawled on his back, panting, and there were strings of electricity just dying off his body.
Oh no! I just electrified him! Or rather, electro-FRIED him!
“Oh, God!” I crawled up to him and touched his cheek, the electricity draining out of him and painlessly into my fingers, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean.” I swallowed, “Are you okay?”
He swallowed and got up slowly, I’m so sorry. Seifer shook his head and brushed away a few hairs that dipped into his emerald eyes, “I’m fine.” He gazed up at me with a look of-- Hurt? “What was that for? I was only trying to get you to laugh.” He fumed and got up, snatched the forgotten paper and strolled to the couch.
Yet another thing my sorcery had to ruin. “I didn’t meant to hurt you, I don’t know why it even happened.” It was only a natural defense! I felt a start of a lump form in my throat, every time Seifer is angry with me, I feel like crying. I hate it. “It just happened!” I shrugged and sat next to him. “Really!”
He nodded and spread the paper, “I believe you.” With that, he opened on the comic section.
He doesn’t believe me. I thought bitterly, sulking.
“Oh, but I really believe you.” He read my mind? How dare he?
“Stop reading my mind.” I snapped and crossed my
arms, leaning slightly to read
He jumped slightly, “May I have some personal space, please?” he scowled.
No matter how hard he, or I, try, that bitter part of Seifer has to peek out every once in a while.
“Sure.” I scooted over to the farthest end of the couch and turned on the TV, settling on a music program.
“Serial experiments Lain, Duvet: coming up in a few~”
I frowned, what names people choose for their bands these days. To my surprise, Lain wasn’t a band, it was an anime! Why didn’t Selphie ever rent this anime?
~And you don’t seem to understand
A shame you seemed an honest man
And all the fears you hold so dear
Will turn to whisper in your ear~
Maybe because it looked dark and depressing… kind of like my mood right now. I glared at Seifer from the corner of my eye, indifference plain on his face. Selphie usually rented bouncy, colorful anime. Hamtaro/Digi-Charat type of bouncy, colorful anime.
“Seifer, if you keep brooding over this I’ll electrify you every morning.” I growled.
~And you know what they say might hurt you
And you know that they mean so much
And you don't even feel a thing…~
“Sure, electrify your knight, it would look good on my knightly record.” Seifer placed the paper in his lap before making wild arm gestures, “Seifer Almasy, dumped twice, and extra crisp by the third sorceress.” He pulled up the paper again, “I can’t bear more attention than this, really.” He frowned at me then, “No mortal should be allowed such greatness.”
~ I am falling
I am failing
I have lost it all~
I got off the couch angrily, “It was an ACCIDENT! Dammit! A natural defense system just like your automatic smirk!” I growled and ripped the paper to shreds, “You think I like the way your face churns to one side, and your scary fangs show on the other like some hungry wolf? You think I like that?”
~ And you don't seem the lying kind~
Seifer rose to his full height and towered over me, “You never seemed to hate it before, why now?”
~ A shame that I can read your mind~
“And I don’t think my smirk can fry somebody’s ass, can it?” he snarled and took another step towards me, forcing me to take a step backwards.
~ And all the things that I read there~
“I, I didn’t mean- it hurts to grin at somebody’s misery, its evil. An- and besides, it’s not really a problem! It was an accident and I don’t need your forgiveness!” I got up on my tiptoes to match the level of his eyes. I hate it when anybody looks down at me.
~ Candle lit smile that we both share~
After a long moment, Seifer smiled, and then leaned a bit backwards, “You are right. It’s not really a problem.” You, Fujin, are just a scared kitten trying to use its tiny untrained claws to scratch at my rough skin.
If only I didn’t hear him think that, things would have gone better.
*Ding dong~*
The doorbell rung, and I was practically breathing fire in Seifer’s face as I stomped angrily to the door, “I hope Alexander steps on you and crushes your skull like a little miserable Tonberry.”
“What?” Seifer frowned quizzically at the strange curse.
I flung the door open and almost chomped off the visitor’s head off, “WHAT?”
Emerald eyes went wide, as flaring red lips hung in a surprised smile. Her brown curly hair dusted her cheeks as she giggled, “Hi, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
I sent a deadly glare towards my husband, and then jerked a finger to said husband, “No, he was just cursing the stupid band on TV.”
“Oh, that’s bad, I kind of like SE Lain.” She giggled, “Hi, I’m Roxanne, have we met before? You look familiar.”
Seifer’s head snapped, and he was next to me in an instant, “Raijin’s nurse?”
The girl’s eyes went wet suddenly, “Oh, you are his friends. I’m sorry I forgot.”
I invited the woman in and sat next to her on the couch, muting the television. “Why are you here?”
The girl gave a sad smile, “My puppy ate the telephone, and I have to make an important phone call. And since we are neighbors, I was wondering if I could use yours.”
“Your Pup ate the phone?” Seifer questioned, closing the door behind him. “How big is that creature’s mouth?”
Roxanne giggled, “Oh, he’s pretty big for his age.” She brushed back a few strands of curly shiny hair, “So, can I use the phone, just for a few minutes, I’ll pay don’t worry.”
I nodded, “Sure, be my guest.” I brought the handset closer to her and went to stand next to Seifer. “She’s Raijin’s nurse! She might know something about who killed him!”
Seifer puffed a few hairs out of his face and frowned, scar creasing, “We both know who killed him.”
Ken Nomura…
“Hi, Mom? Yeah, I just quit nursing.” The girl at the phone spoke, “Yeah, my boyfriend died again. No I didn’t squeeze the air out of him, he was killed. No, I’m fine, just a bump on the head, that’s all. I’m coming home for a while, alright? Thanks, bye.”
The girl sighed and placed the receiver down, “Did that take much? I tried to be quick.”
I shook my head, “Do you remember who killed Raijin?”
She didn’t seem to be surprised by the question, “Yeah, that guy did.” She pointed to Seifer, “Though he had more wrinkles on his face.” She stepped closer, “Wow! What kind of moisturizer do you use?” Her eyes widened.
My knight rolled his eyes, “A guy that looks like me did it, and I don’t use makeup whatsoever.”
“Hmm, you two aren’t related are you?” she squinted her eyes at Seifer and me.
“We’re married.” I stated simply, “Thanks for your help, anything else?”
“No.” she shrugged and grinned, “I just won’t be around for a while, my puppy needs some time to recover from the phone incident, though.” She pressed a finger to her cheek, “Can you take care of him for me? I’ll pay you!”
At the same time, Seifer and I spoke.
“I have allerg-”
“I’ll be glad to-”
Seifer looked at me, and I looked at him. Then we spoke at the same time again.
“Maybe I can give it a shot-”
“Or maybe not-”
She corked an eyebrow and smiled, “Or maybe I can just take Charlie with me!”
Seifer touched my shoulder, “Fuu, if it’s a pup then there is nothing bad in taking it in for a little while.” He shrugged.
I sighed, “Seifer, it’s troublesome enough taking care of YOU.” I poked a finger roughly into his chest.
Roxanne smiled sweetly and turned to the door, “Maybe you’d like him when you see him.”
She opened the door and called, “Here Charlie! Come to mama!”
A huge, FURRY, drool-covered Saint Bernard came running, almost making the ground shake. “Woof!”
O_O “THAT’S the PUP?” I squeezed Seifer’s arm.
Roxanne giggled
and scratched between the scary furry ears, “I could have had my friend Selphie
take care of him, but they don’t allow animals in Garden.”
I frowned, “Are you kidding? RinoafrigginHeartilly kept a stupid mutt in there and nobody said anything!”
Roxanne shrugged, “She’s got connections! I’m a nobody!”
Seifer frowned, “No one’s a nobody.”
I let go of his arm and glared up at him, “Oh yeah? Who were the two best rank A SeeD’s at Garden, who in no less than two days were dumped into the streets like two busted toys?”
Seifer sulked, “Seifer and Fujin…”
I stepped closer, “And dumped into the streets by whom?”
Sigh, “Cid and Edea…”
“Why?” I glared harder.
“Because we are nobody…” he turned around, “Damn!”
I nodded and smiled sweetly to the girl, “We’re really sorry!”
She smiled, “Well, maybe my life is *not* the worst in the world.” She touched her pup, “My dad died in Trabia, my mom was in a train crash and can’t walk anymore, all my boyfriends were either killed or seduced! All I have here is Charlie.”
Seifer leaned closer to me and whispered, “She’s bad luck, kick her out before it rubs off on us.”
I kicked his shins, “I’m sorry for you.” I hugged her softly, “Have a nice trip home!” she smiled, “We’ll take good care of Charlie.”
“WHAT?” O/_ O??
“Oh thank you very much!” she jumped up and down, “I wont forget this as long as I live!” she turned to leave, “By the way, never, EVER feed him sugar things, he just flips like drunk!” she giggled and left the pup and Seifer exchanging glares.
“
“Be quiet, I’m still angry at you.” I exploded irritably and went to touch the dog. “I hate dogs.”
“Then why the hell did you take him in?”
“To annoy the hell out of you.” I touched the friendly animal between the ears, “Did I mention how much I hate dogs?”
Seifer nodded, “Obvious.”
To our surprise, something ringed inside the dog.
“Oh sh!t! I thought they took the hellish thing out!” Seifer sprung backwards.
“I’m not picking it up!” I grimaced, “You do!”
“And get my arm chopped off, no way!”
After a few moments of disgusting thoughts, the unbelievingly huge puppy rolled onto his back and I noticed a red light beeping in his leash, “Oh, it’s not inside him. O_O” I touched the button and there was a familiar bubbly voice from the other side, “Hi Roxanne! I’m Sephie! I’ve got a month vacation from Garden and I’m really bored and lonely. How about you send Charlie to me? I promise I won’t feed him pixie sticks again!”
Life just keeps getting weirder every day.
“Hello? Roxy, you there?”
“Umm, Selphie?” I spoke, wondering if she could actually hear me.
“Who’s there?” you can imagine the young SeeD jumping back and making a funny karate stance. “Who are you and what have you done to Roxy?”
I sighed, “Selphie, it’s me, Fujin. Roxanne gave me her dog because she went to her mother’s.”
“Really?” her voice screeched, sending static through the small communication device, “*shhshh* FUJI FUJI! *Shhshhshh* I can’t believe *shhsh* it’s you!”
I could hear half the sentence because her voice was so loud. “Selphie, calm down, I can’t hear you!”
Seifer chuckled behind me. The dog pulled its ears down in fear.
“Oh, Oh,
“Great, now we have two creatures to baby-sit.” Seifer rolled his eyes.
I sighed and lay on the couch, face up. “I’m tired.”
The pup blinked twice before crawling on top of me and licking my face.
“Akk, get off me!” his drool is disgusting!
Seifer grabbed the dog off me in an odd flurry of anger, but the animal seemed too heavy even for the strong build of my husband, “Get offa my wife!”
Suddenly, Seifer dropped the dog and held his back with a strangled “Ow.” Charlie was unharmed, strangely so, he was happy! Panting and waving his tail excitedly. The pup got back to Seifer and licked his hand.
Charlie was the last thing on my mind when Seifer’s eyes met mine, though. What was all that about? Seifer? Getting jealous from a Dog? Over me?
“Are you okay?” Seifer held my hand and pulled me up to sit next to him, “The last thing I want is a dog on top of you.”
Through the blush and happiness, I mocked anger and crocked my head to the side, “Jealous?”
He joined his brows, “Of course I’m jealous! Why wouldn’t I be jealous? I was always jealous over you, isn’t it obvious whenever I got jealous over you?” he burst out with an unbelieving look on his face.
I blinked, “Over me? Because of a dog?”
He growled, “From anything and everything!”
“A dog?” I repeated, liking the way his cheeks turned red whenever he was too pissed off to think.
“It’s not the point!” he got up and carried the heavy animal in his arms, “If you saw your most prized possession in the hands of a flea-filled -- creature! Wouldn’t you be pissed off?”
“I’m not a possession.” I frowned playfully.
“Let it go, Fuu, I didn’t mean that.”
“Alright.”
“Well? What would you do?”
I shrugged, “I’d put the suffocating thing down before it dies.” The dog’s face looked everything but healthy. It swallowed a phone for crying out loud!
Seifer dropped the motionless creature and looked down at it, “Is he dead?”
“Charlie.” I called, mentally slapping myself for calling out a stupid name for a dog, “Are you okay?”
“Woo- woof?” the dog questioned, probably wishing it had eyebrows to cork one, then hid behind me, growling at my jealous husband.
“Great, guys fighting.” I rolled my eyes, “Seifer come here and pat his head.”
Seifer shook his head, “No way!”
“Why not?”
“Because my eyes are already burning.” He rolled his head back and stumbled into the bathroom to wash his eyes.
Oh dear, he does have allergies!
“Seifer, what's wrong?”
“Dog hair.” He called from the bathroom, “Don’t let it scratch itself here.” He walked out, eyes puffed up and red, “Please.”
I urged the dog outside the door and stood there, wondering how on earth I was going to take care of this mess.
“
“Th-hat was fhast- I c-hant brea-th!” I rasped quietly and patted her back.
“Oh!” she let me breathe and brushed away tears, “I was so worried for you!” she frowned cutely, “Why didn’t you call?”
“I had a lot on my mind.” I shrugged, “We just settled in yesterday.”
Seifer peeked from behind the door, fearing receiving a choking hug as well. “Umm, Hi?”
“Sefwer!” Selphie screamed and jumped on him, hugging and kissing his cheeks, “I missed you too!”
Get off my husband. A small voice in my head scolded. Hmm, maybe it’s natural to get jealous over my husband.
“Selphie, I’m a married man now.” Seifer tried to pry her off his chest, but her small body seemed to cluster in a small ball on him.
She fell to the floor, “Married?” she blinked, “Married?” she repeated again, unbelievingly, “YOU TWO GOT MARRIED?” she cried out, “And you didn’t invite me to the wedding?” ;_;
Seifer covered his ears and turned to go inside, “We’ll never hear the end of this…”
“WAAAAAAAAAAA!!” she cried.
“Selphie.” I touched her arm, and Charlie was trying his best to comfort her, “If it would make you feel better, we didn’t have a wedding. We just signed the papers and said our vows. That’s it!”
Selphie magically stopped, “Oh... Well can I organize the party later?” ^_^
I rolled my eyes, “Selphie, I’m a sorceress, I’m not supposed to be in public.”
“Oh…” she joined her small brows. “You two are no fun…”
“Can you take Charlie? Seifer’s eyes burn whenever he touches him.”
“Sure!” she perked up, “Where is Roxy?”
“At her mom’s, you should call her.” I informed.
Selphie grinned, “Okay, I’ll call… Ummm…” her smile suddenly faltered and her face looked very un-Selphie-ish without a smile. “Raijin’s Funeral is tomorrow. I promise I’ll make it the best funeral you’ve ever went to!”
I sighed, “Will there be anybody outside Garden?” I asked.
“Yeah, almost the whole world, and newspaper reporters will be there.” She touched the dog lovingly, “Are you coming or are you coming?”
I shook my head, “I’m not going.” How sad, that I can’t even attend my own friend’s funeral…
“Good.” She sighed, “There were black-dressed men roaming around Garden, and I didn’t want them to get you. There was one that looked just like Seifer! But with black eyes… I think… dunno, didn’t notice, anyway, they tried to eat my Chocobo the other day and he stopped them! Teehee, he would be a real nice man had he not killed Raijin!”
“You know?”
She shrugged, “He told me. I never believed him though, he’s too nice and cute to be a murderer!”
I nodded, “Selphie, can you keep a secret?” I’m going to tell her he’s my uncle.
“Sure!”
Or maybe I shouldn’t… she’ll get killed for it… “Don’t tell anybody you saw me.”
*Blink blink* “Undercover! Gotcha!” she beamed, “I’ll film the funeral for you and send it when things settle down, okies?”
“Thanks.” I smiled warmly, “You are a real lifesaver.”
“Teehee!” she laughed and dragged the dog behind her, “Come on Charlie, I brought you another moogle, don’t bit his head of like last time, okay?”
O_O;; “Umm, bye…” I stepped inside the house and saw Seifer laying on his back on the sofa, holding a wet towel over his burning eyes…
~~~~~~~~~~~
“Want me to get you some eye drops?” I questioned and sat at the edge of the couch.
“Nah, I’ll be fine.” His eyes were still covered, and I had the strange urge to touch his lips. “It just burned a little.”
“*Gulp* hmm, okay. The dog is gone now.” I informed.
“Thank God.” He muttered, “I heard Raijin’s name, what's up?” he got up on his elbow and took off the wet towel.
“Umm, the funeral is tomorrow.”
“Really?” Seifer squinted, “Are you going? It could be dangerous.”
“Selphie says that the ‘Holy Knights’ are roaming around Garden. They must be the ones who tried to kill Rinoa.” Which is how the whole story begun…
“Why would they want to kill Rinoa?”
I would want to kill Rinoa, I don’t need a reason. “Don’t know.” Because she’s a spoiled depend-on-others person who can’t even wash her own clothes without moisturizing lotion. Because she’s the wimpiest sorceress ever to live. Because she has a baby and I don’t! Because she’s a hero and I’m not! Because she breaks every rule and everybody applauds for her instead! And I get kicked out of friggin’ Garden! Because my life sucks! Wait a minute… My life sucks because of her. I should have left her alone when I had the chance, I should have killed her with my own hands in the Lunatic Pandora. I whish Mom had killed her instead of just possessing her… a life without Rinoa Heartilly is like a dream to me. She didn’t even die after a lot of attempts at killing her!
I simply hate her…
I opened my eyes to see that the lamp that hung in the ceiling was flickering, had short-circuit, and popped dead. The TV was almost blown to pieces and the telephone was fried.
Seifer peeked fearfully from behind the sofa and spoke quietly, “You done?”
“*Blink blink* what happened?” I hung my head, feeling electricity run rich through my veins.
“Well, you almost made me a lightning rod and fried me, but changed your mind and fried the telephone instead.” He looked longingly at the burned piece of crap, “I asked why would anyone want to kill Rinoa, and there you went shooting lightning everywhere. You should watch that temper of yours.”
“Seifer, you think I can posses sorceresses?” I frowned and leaned back.
“You are a sorceress.” He reasoned and sat next to me carefully away.
“I mean, can I posses Rinoa and make her commit suicide?” I suggested.
“Well,” with a shrug, he puffed the smoke away and examined the phone, “She’s not a sorceress anymore, I hardly think you can do anything to her now.”
“Dammit.” I growled. “Stop poking at that and get a new one!” I referred to the phone.
“Oww!” he pulled up his arms in defense when a stray string of static was shot his way. “Stop alright! I’ll get a new one!”
I should stop thinking, if I stopped thinking I’d be able to stop the negative thoughts.
“How are your eyes?” I asked in a way to forget Rin- other stuff…
He had a faint squint on his face, as if expecting a bolt on his head any minute, “Umm, how do you want them to be?”
“Extra crisp!” I snapped, “Do they burn or not?”
“They don’t!” he cried out, “They’re just fine! I’ll go get lunch!” he sprung out the door and again, the apartment was mine alone.
“Crap…”
I turned and huffed angrily. I should rest.
Flinging the bedroom door open, I rolled into the bed and fought to keep the tears in.
“Krying are you?”
“GASP!” I got up suddenly, tears falling without notice, “S-Stay away! My head hurts enough!” I scooted up to the head of the bed, my spine pressed painfully at the headboard.
Elegant brows joined slightly, “I’m tired.” Ultimecia’s slim body strolled to sit at the edge of the bed. “Kurse those kapsules.”
Her face was not the angry, evil, tattooed face back in the second sorceress war, but a human, female face.
“I kan’t posses anybody, I kan’t even touch you right now.” She shrugged, “I’m just a silhouette, my body is still imprisoned, in a few days, you’ll be in my arms.” She grinned, and I couldn’t understand her grin, evil or whatever. I didn’t have the chance to wonder as she disappeared into thin air.
“Why is everybody I am related to disappear?” I lay face down on the bed and allowed the sobs to take over.
My first fight with Seifer, and he already was racing for the door. My uncle decided to never show up again. My best friend’s funeral was the next day, and I couldn’t even say good-bye to him. My mom was a sorceress who almost destroyed the world for whatever reason, and she was just gone into fluffy fog.
Selphie might be the only one I have now… And Carbuncle maybe.
*sniff*
Bahamut, can you take me back to you? Can I go back to the Guardian Force’s world? I liked it better there…
*sniffle*
Shiva, can we have a girls’ slumber party any time soon? I really miss you…
*sob sob*
Carbuncle!
~~~~~~~
I opened my eyes, feeling very lightheaded.
Huge anime-like baby eyes stared at me.
“
I sprung up and hugged the cute Guardian Force, but he slipped out of my fingers like a ghost, “What?”
“You called?” he grinned, “I can’t stay long, I hafta go cuz I only have time fow my attak.” He explained.
“I missed you.” I smiled.
With a cute smile, he started to fade, “Oopsies, time up. I miss yoo too! Bye bye!”
~~~~~~~~~
Sigh…
Well, that was load off… *sniff*
After a few moments of rethinking, I exploded in tears again. I wanted to go with him! I wanted to go back there! Wherever it was that’s there…
“Fuu?”
I glared up at him through the tears and hair, “What?”
He stepped in through the dark, “I heard you crying, are you okay now?”
“I’m crying!” I shrieked, “Is something wrong with crying? I’ll cry if I ever wanted to, and you can do NOTHING about it!” I heaved the pillow to his face, “Get out and leave me alone!”
His messy hair, the hurt look in his eyes, calmed me down enough to actually listen. “Fuu, remind me what were we fighting about?”
“*Sniff, Sniff*… I forgot.” I curled up in a ball and hoped that he didn’t hear that.
The bed shifted when he climbed up next to me, “It’s okay to cry, it’s just not healthy to stay depressed for a long time.” His voice was quiet as he spoke close to my ear, “You’ve been sleeping for a few hours, aren’t you hungry?”
“I fell asleep?” I frowned and sat up, “For how long?”
“A few hours.” He helped me off the bed and halted my shoulders straight, “Just as I walked in and replaced the telephone, fixed the lamp and ate lunch, I found that you were sleeping like a baby. I didn’t want to wake you up.” He was hugging me before I could even wake up and think properly.
“Why is it dark?” I asked grumpily, rubbing my eyes with a fist.
“You fried the lights.” He stated calmly and brushed my hair back. I was suddenly aware of his warmth and smell. They were a nice change from the cold scent of leather…
“Sorry.” I shook my head over his chest and my hair got caught in the button of his shirt. “Ow…”
“What?”
“My hair, your button.” I placed my hands on his sides absently, as he tried to free me from the evil grasp of his devilish button. He was amazingly gentle. “Hold on.” He moved a bit away and took off his shirt,” After two minutes later of grunting and cursing, my hair was finally free.
It felt like splashing water on a sleepy person, annoyingly refreshing. “Thanks.” I rubbed my sore spot.
“Sorry about that.” He unbuttoned his shirt and pinched the few silver hairs that stuck in the buttonhole, forcing it to not open.
Why haven’t I noticed his expert fingers before? And his slim wrists? The muscled arms and broad shoulders… was I too caught up in being jealous over him -mainly from Rinoa Heartilly- and never noticed small things like the muscle in his cheek that always twitched whenever he was annoyed?
He pulled on the shirt again, and for a strange reason, I felt disappointed. Hmph, damn Estrogen…
“I brought some pizza, if you’re interested.” He held my hand and guided me into the living room. “And fixed the lamp.”
I smiled softly, “Sorry. I couldn’t stop myself.” A lump reformed in my throat.
“Shh.” he silenced me and pulled me into the kitchen, not at all angry, “Just calm down, I’m not angry.”
“How are your eyes?” I changed the subject.
“Fine, hairy, but fine.” He chuckled. “Extra crisp or cheesy edges?” for a moment there, I thought he was referring to his eyes, until my nose caught the sweet scent of pizza.
“Cheesy.” I chose and plopped on the kitchen chair, drooling already.
~~~~~~~
“I’m sorry I got angry at you for no good reason.” I apologized.
“No problem.” He watched me as I sucked on the tasty spice that stuck to my fingers. “Listen, we need to put some red lines around here, firstly, no hairy pets.”
“Okay.” I shrugged. Rules are okay, as long as they don’t suffocate me. “No porn magazines.”
“Sure.” He pouted, “No unnecessary phone calls.”
“Do we even have a phone?” I don’t use the phone, mind you, at all. “No running out the door when things crumble down.” I frowned.
“Hmm, sure, I’ll try my best.” He scratched his neck, “What else… oh yeah, No uncles around without an invitation.”
I corked my eyebrow, “I don’t even know where he comes in from! Oh, great news, Ultimecia checked up on me a few hours ago.”
Seifer shrugged, “I won’t be surprised if Selphie just popped out of the drain someday, our life just keeps getting weirder and weirder every day, I’m telling you.”
“Can I invite Guardian forces?” I stifled a giggle.
He rubbed his chin, “I think we’ll need a yard to accommodate Alexander and Pandemonium. I won’t mind Shiva though!” he grinned and winked at me.
“Well, if you are asking for a walking-talking-Quistis-replica, go ahead.” I shrugged at the look of horror on his face, “Or would you rather a Selphie-replica named Siren?”
“Can I order a Fujin with that?” he rested his elbows on the table and smiled, “I think one Fujin would be perfect right now.”
“What are you implying?” I leaned back.
“I wasn’t implying anything, just that you have cheese on the corner of your mouth.”
I darted my tongue out. I can’t feel anything.
Suddenly, he got up and kissed the corner of my mouth, “There.” With that, he went to turn the TV on.
*Gulp*
What was that all about? That sneaky weasel… He knew I wanted that.
A shiver restored the feeling in my limbs and to my dismay, a small voice in my head started singing, you liked that! Go out for another!
My stomach churned, and my cheeks flushed.
What are you waiting for? You’ve been keeping yourself your whole life for the right guy! There is the right guy!
Shut up…
The right set of circumstances is right here right now, what are you waiting for?
I should just ignore it. That voice had always sung in my head whenever I saw Seifer kissing a girl. I hated it then, why wouldn’t I hate it now?
Maybe, because it’s me? Because finally he had taken his time to love me? Because now I can return the love and affection? Everything is perfect, why can’t I bring myself to it now?
“Fujin, come see this.”
I took a deep breath, here goes. “Coming.”
“Selphie is on TV!” he wasn’t surprised at all when I sat next to him and leaned on his arm.
“Hi all!” the bubbly SeeD chirped excitedly, “I just wanna tell all of you, leave Sorceress Fuji alone!”
I slapped my forehead with my hand, “She’ll screw everything up.”
“She’s not coming to Raijin Hefty’s Funeral tomorrow, so you don’t need to pump up all of the cameras and reporters.” She grinned, but then was shoved aside by Squall. “We don’t allow Sorceresses at Garden, she won’t be here, and we won’t allow her anyway.” With that, the strict commander declared an end to the conference.
“Well,” Seifer spread his arms behind me, causing to me hug him, “Leonhart sure cleared things out. Now people will GO to Garden looking for you.”
I sighed and closed my eyes, “I never said I was going.”
“Fuu. Do you think Raijin will be happy?”
I shrugged, “I don’t know. It’s not up to me to decide.” He smells so nice.
He sighed and turned off the TV, “Are you sleepy? You sound like you haven’t had enough sleep in the past few days.”
“I was thinking of you.” Where did that come from?
“Really?” he smiled down at me, and things started to blur as a sudden dizziness overtook me at his heart-warming smile, “Well, you should get some rest.”
I giggled and snuggled closer, “Okay.” No wonder all the girls Seifer dated liked to hug him! He’s so warm and inviting.
“Hey! Not here!” his voice held laugher and surprise all at once, but he never pushed me away, “Oh well. Fine, I’ll carry you to bed.”
Before I had a chance to say anything, Seifer scooped me up in his arms and I opened the bedroom door. I giggled and kicked in the air lightly. “Put me down!” he grinned evilly at me, “No no! Don’t put me down!” he ignored my plea and threw me down. Luckily, I fell on the soft mattress of the bed.
I laughed nervously when he lay next to me and smiled, “I’m sorry, I thought you wanted down!”
I rolled to my side and smiled, “I’m down now thank you very much.”
He sighed, “How ever did you get to shoot such a high light?” he referred to the light bulb that was broken and dead above us.
“Dunno. Negative thoughts can cause more than just a stomach burn, I guess.” I lay on my back and sighed. “Seifer, do you think we can stay here for long? I mean, having a little change in your life is fine, but our lives have practically turned upside down.”
“We’ll pull through,” he wrapped an arm around me, “I have a good job, you can rest at home for as long as you want, I’ll protect you. Things will be just fine, I promise.”
“But, don’t you think that life has more to it than just a good job and a house?” Butterflies woke up in my stomach, what is this feeling?
“Maybe, but for now, this is all we’ve got.” He said honestly before sighing and pulling me closer. “I guess one should accept whatever happiness life throws at you.”
Why am I starting to feel sleepy? I swear, it must be something in his aftershave…
“You falling asleep?” he smiled down at me in amazement, “Do you want me to stay with you tonight? I’ve never gotten to try the couch, you know.”
I rolled into his arms in a sudden moment of courage, “Don’t worry, we have to fight some day.” I grinned sleepily, “Sleep on the couch then.”
He laughed nervously before pulling the bed sheets over my shoulder, “Honey, I’m going to set the alarm clock early for work, does this bother you?”
Work? Oh yeah, he has to work. Why can’t he just stay with me? “What kind of a honeymoon is this?” I murmured irritably, half asleep, “You should take a vacation.”
Seifer finished setting the clock and placed it back, resting down on the pillow, “Sweetie, you know I can’t take a vacation on the first day on the job. Besides, I thought you were the one who declared that intimacy wasn’t the reason we married, and I totally respect that.”
He didn’t do anything wrong, he was just being honest. Well, screw honesty, now I can’t sleep!
Was he feeling that I was pushing him away? That
I don’t want him?
His relaxed sleeping body, and his even breathing, stopped me from asking him these questions. I know I shouldn’t wake him up to sooth my own guilty conscience, but the culpability of depressing him was terrible!
I carefully touched his scar, a reminder of almost two years ago, when he sat at the disciplinary room bleeding. I remember wiping the blood off his face with my own hands…
~~~~
“Fuu, watch it with your fingers!”
“APOLOGY.” -_#
“Don’t apologize! I hate it when people apologize. Just warm up your fingers alright? They’re cold.” >_;< ( ; is the bleeding)
“AFFIRMATIVE.”
“Fuu, how many eye patches do you have?” he squinted.
“ONE. REASON?” O_#?
“That’s funny, I see two of’em, ugh… my head is spinning.” X _;X
“SEIFER!”
“S’okay, yah know, he’s tough, he’ll just pass out for only a few minutes, yah know.” ^_^
“KNOW, HOW?”
“He always passes out for two minutes when he drinks too much, yah know. Then he’d just snap up and be good to go again, yah know.”
“Huh, Huh… I’m up! Ugh…” ~_;~ “What happened?”
~~~~~~~~~
I smiled at the memory, though it was an unhappy one for Seifer, it was a good one to me.
The scar had healed, and started to blend into the natural skin tone of his forehead. I trailed my fingers down his jawbone, and to my surprise he wasn’t carved out of marble or gold, as I had had in mind for a long time. He was only flesh and blood, and soft lips and amazingly attractive features up close.
It felt strange and exciting to indulge in watching and touching him; I’d never allowed myself this simple pleasure before.
“Honey,” he whispered quietly, startling me out of my trance. “Are you going anywhere with these soon?” he referred to my fingertips on his smiling lips.
I pulled my hand away and blushed, “Sorry.” I made to lie down to pretend sleeping, but he spoke again.
“I don’t mind you touching me, you know.” He closed his eyes again, but continued his charm spell, “Only if it worked both ways.”
Alright, this is my chance to prove my full devotion to him. Though the idea of him purposely touching my face made the ends of my nerves taught.
“Sure.” I sighed inwardly. He shouldn’t sense my nervousness.
“Is in fear I hear in your voice?” he questioned calmly, and the only move he made was hugging me closer. How can he read me like an open book?
“Uh-huh.” I agreed nervously, settling down and yawning.
“No need to be afraid, my love, I don’t bite.” He chuckled.
“You don’t sound asleep.” I noted suspiciously. “Were you just trying to get me into bed with you?”
“Yes, I am an evil demon that does not need sleep whatsoever, and only thinks of wooing poor defenseless women into bed with me, so I can cuddle and Hug them to death.”
I giggled, “I knew it!” he chuckled lightly before yawning a big one.
“No really, I am sleepy. I kept walking from one shop to the other, searching for a fitting light bulb.” He shifted and yawned again, oh my, he really needs sleep.
“Sorry to keep you up.” I apologized, “Good night.”
“Hmm, night, sweetie.”
I don’t know when he started pet-naming me, but I guess it’s a good sign, making me feel loved and all. Was losing me for two weeks that bad?
Well, I know losing him for two days set my mind straight. I love the guy with all I have. And nothing in the world would change it.
“I-” Hmm… “I love you, Seifer.” This time, he didn’t ask me to say it, I just felt like I needed to clear it out.
He surprised me when he opened his eyes and smiled genuinely, making me fall in love all over again, “I love you too. I thought that that information was one of the acceptable laws of the universe, me loving you.”
I blushed and closed my eyes, “I know, I just needed to let it out.”
“Mhmm, can I sleep now?”
“Sure.”
~~~~~~~~~~~
I woke up in the middle of the night, got myself a glass of water, and then returned to the bedroom. I smiled and brushed bed hair out of my eyes at the sight of my husband.
He was almost falling off the edge of the bed, snoring loudly with the bed-sheets wrinkled at his ankles.
I shook my head and pulled the covers up. He suddenly got up and blinked several times before getting up, dragging his feet, and into the bathroom he went.
~“It’s a bad habit I couldn’t bring myself to lose.”~
I chuckled at the reason and made the bed. Two minutes later, my zombie of a husband flopped face first and got back into snoring.
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End of chapter twelve ^_^
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A/N: well, only two chapters to go ^_^ or three… :/ but I hope two ^_^ these chapters are extremely long, because I have no time to chapter and all. Well, excuse me, I have to finish this before the exams ^_^ R&R please!
Oh before I forget, a big Thank you to Vick330 for beta-reading and fixing the wrong stuff around here, and for providing important information for the ficcy ^_^ did everybody understand Ken’s story? I hope its not confusing…