(Untitled)

[theftofhearts]

Bi-Winning. You're welcome.

Who: Al-Cid Margrace and Quistis Trepe
What: Traveling to Garden to update Squall on this and that!
Where: Al-Cid's airship, Balamb Garden, Balamb Area.
When: After this thread (NSFW at times) which happened after the initial incident

Comments

[takeoffmyhead]

Quistis had only gotten to know Al-Cid all the better in the past few days. She studied his routines, and his moods, and noted how low he had become as their investigations continued. She said nothing of it at first, just pushing her glasses up her nose and quietly observing Al-Cid's tempers and mannerisms. Not to say that he hadn't been attentive, but between pouring over maps and charts, Quistis could see that his good humour was taking a reasonable amount of his energy.

She was sensitive to how he was feeling - everyone in her own group had sensed it at some point during their various missions. She knew too well what it felt like not to be able to single handedly save the world - but it was something that, with time, she had dealt with and, more particularly, could deal with as part of a team of others. That's why it was important that she should discuss the matter with Squall.

As he lowered the ship down into Balamb, Quistis couldn't help but feel a little comforted at the familiar surrounds. She tidied her various papers into a neat pile; findings that she could present and share at the Garden. She crossed the cockpit to stand behind him in his chair, leaning her head on his shoulder and passing her arms over his chest.

[theftofhearts]

Al-Cid finished powering down the airship, making sure everything was in order, venting the magicite fumes, a harmless byproduct of the use of the stones, and leaned back in his chair with a sigh. He wasn't sure what to do with himself sometimes, and was glad he had the blonde to pay attention to.. hopefully he could hide his ill humour until it simply abated, and it might in Garden. Perhaps they would stay for a short while while Squall pondered what to do, perhaps he would relax with Quistis and take her up on her offer to show him around. He had just been about to get up, when she circled her arms around him, and leaned her head on his shoulder.

The Rozzarian smiled softly despite himself, reaching a hand up to rub against Quistis' for a time, "Are you alright, my dear?" of course he would ask about her, Al-Cid hadn't complained outside of the short expletive he'd spoken numerous times. He wasn't used to having someone around who cared what was going on in his head so much as they did what was happening in his pants. It wasn't easy to get used to sharing his thoughts with her, and without prompting, he likely wouldn't have ever complained about anything effecting him personally. His tone was concerned, though, as he pushed his own needs aside to make room for any Quistis might have.

[takeoffmyhead]

Quistis shook her head slowly, leaning closer to kiss lightly at his jaw, her arms moving tighter around his chest - just in case he needed that extra reassurance that she was there. "I'm fine." She spoke the words gently, and they were honest. She was fine - apart from her concern about Al-Cid.

"How are you?" The question arose almost like she was flirting - it was a little bit daring, but she did care. She just wondered for how long he would keep up appearances as he was. After all, Quistis was known for keeping her own feelings bottled up, and she knew that Al-Cid was much the same. "What are you thinking?"

[theftofhearts]

Al-Cid seemed relieved that she was okay, and the tightness of the embrace was a comfort in an of itself. He closed his eyes, and let out a slow, long sigh, wondering how he should answer her. The man didn't want to lie to Quistis, and tell her he was 'fine', but he also didn't wish to worry the blonde overly, especially when they were returning to her home. He opened his eyes again, and fixed them on hers, his expression revealing nothing, but pain lurked in those rich brown orbs, until he smiled softly.

"I shall be fine, my dear.. it is simply difficult to think of so many in need." that wasn't the whole of it, he shouldn't look that wounded if that was it, but that was all he said. He knew Quistis would understand, she seemed to be the same as he was when it came to her feelings.. though he expressed all of his joy and enthusiasm openly, he hid away the feelings of sadness and loss, the way being pragmatic ate at his core. "It is just.. I am unused to ignoring such widespread suffering to focus on a goal." that was the problem, but it was clear the man wanted to stay there in her arms and not go anywhere. Instead, he let his lips widen, putting on his best face for Quistis, "Perhaps.." he sighed softly, and looked more deeply into her eyes, "No, I shall be fine in time.. I have you, after all."

[takeoffmyhead]

Indeed, he only did have to look at her with those eyes for her to know. She'd become so intimately close with his body that she was able to read the signs of his mood, but his honest eyes gave it away. Perhaps, she wondered often, that this was what the shades before. With them on, Al-Cid was impossibly aloof and confident.

She slowly withdrew her arms from his chest and moved round his chair to stand in front of him. Quistis crawled up onto his chair, fitting a knee at either side of him and just looking at him for a moment. She wanted to kiss him, that much was obvious, but she wanted to talk first - kisses would only mean an excuse for him to keep quiet. "Al-Cid, the world isn't yours to look after on your own. It is hard to think about people suffering, I know that. As wonderful as you might well be, you can't save everyone. Besides, you're not ignoring it. We'll take the reports to Squall and we'll come up with a proactive plan."

She glanced back to the small table with her papers on - a little desk area that Quistis set up so that she could be with Al-Cid and work on her maps and charts while he was piloting.

[theftofhearts]

Al-Cid did indeed wear his sunglasses so much for just that reason. Even if his heart was rending asunder at the injustice, even if wild panic danced in his eyes and loosened his constitution, even if unmitigated horror blasted rational thought from his mind, he knew how to master himself and put forth the picture of calm and noble confidence. Eyes were the windows to the soul, and no-one could hide their feelings from someone who knew what to look for, so Al-Cid often wore his sunglasses to make himself a rock, a pillar of support, something to be relief upon. Al-Cid will know what to do. Al-Cid can handle it. That was the image he cultivated.

He rested his hands on the blonde's hips in a familiar manner, not quite groping at her, but not an innocent touch, either. It was a way he would have held her if she had mounted him on that chair, or if they were simply kissing heavily with her straddling him. He didn't move his hands, or push her away, but he did look into her eyes with a sigh and a helpless expression. "It.. is harder when you know these places. You understand, you have traveled extensively.. to see the places you love, the people you know, ravaged by something like this? Oh, they shall rebuild, but it is hard to realize that you are doing all you can to help them, and they still must wait for the danger to abate."

Still, Al-Cid managed a smile for her, an honest one, and leaned in closer, "So, you think I am wonderful, Quistis? Tell me more." he chuckled, then shook his head, "I jest. Forgive me, perhaps I should not attempt humour just now, but I understand what you are saying.. Thank you for understanding." he looked at her with an admiring expression, and a grateful one. He could rely on Quistis to speak with him and help him come to terms with things, right?

[takeoffmyhead]

While Quistis was reasonably familiar with what Al-Cid was capable of, she was at least able to be touched by him without falling into a swooning fit. Not to say that she wasn't still driven absolutely wild, however. She was just more capable of handling the sensation that she had come to recognise as lust.

"Of course it is. I've seen towns ruined and known enough destruction that I would happily never see any more in my life but... You have to remember that they do rebuild. These towns do move on, as do the people." She reached a hand out to rest on his face, her thumb stroking lightly at his cheek. Really, she felt she would do anything to take that helpless expression away from his face.

Quistis laughed gently at his comment, "You know fine well how wonderful I think you are. And you're welcome. We'll go into the Garden, speak to Squall, and between ourselves and other Gardens we can formulate a plan to deal with these creatures." Straight forward, simple, practical Quistis. As far as she was concerned, if there was a will, there most definitely was a way.

[theftofhearts]

Al-Cid didn't mind Quistis getting to know his tricks and learn from them, that just made it all the more fun to put the effort out to seduce her. Not once had he treated the blonde like he expected her to just hop in bed, and not once would he take the woman for granted so much that he neglected the chase for the catch. He obviously lusted after her, but the look in his eyes when he gazed upon Quistis was slightly more affectionate than it had been a few days ago.

He smiled softly as she spoke, looking reassured by how much she understood, leaning his head against her hand and looking into her eyes with an adoring expression. "Quistis.." he turned his head, and kissed her palm gently, before returning his eyes to hers, "Thank you.. I did not realize at first that you would understand me so well, that you would know just how I feel. I.. I am indeed a very fortunate man.." as if he'd ever doubted it? The helpless look was soon replaced with a resolute one, determination to end this threat.

"Yes. We shall see Squall, and deliver these plans. I know I am not a SeeD, but I will offer my aid as best as I am able in his efforts to quell the Malboros." the older man frowned slightly, nodding, "Your plan holds much merit as it stands so far. Occam's razor is a tool I often employ when the formulation of tactics is at hand."

[takeoffmyhead]

Quistis smiled as he kissed at her hand, and with the touch she allowed herself to shuffle closer on his lap. "I'm just doing what I can to help you. And I'm glad that you think that I can understand." Her smile was bright, because after all - she'd always dreamed of a man that she could sleep with that she could also understand.

She nodded, so pleased to see that he looked that little bit better, and she sat up straight, her eyes looking back into his, "Occam's Razor is the preferable rool. But you sound surprised at my plan, Al-Cid? Have you been underestimating your woman?"

Yes, 'your woman'? But as much as he might consider her as his, she considered him as part of her. He'd certainly shared enough with her to warrant being considered 'hers'.

[theftofhearts]

The Rozzarian was again impressed by Quistis' intelligence and compassion, as he had been when he first met her, as he had been their first night together. The man was as glad as Quistis was to have someone he could be with that he also understood, but more than his understanding, of course the blonde had his respect and admiration, "I do not think it. I know you can understand me.. you cut right to the quick of my problem, even when I held it to myself.."

Al-Cid laughed gently at her question, and tilted his head, smirking, "The only time I underestimated you was when we first were together, and you were injured. I believe I underestimated your constitution, and perhaps offering an Elixir was a bit much, but I was quite concerned for your health and well being. Since then, I have not thought ill, or less, of you.." he knew she had been teasing, but he tried to be serious, "As much as you are mine, I am yours. I believe your man has only been assuming his woman has a number of talents and skills he has yet to witness, experience, or appreciate. You did not get your job based on the considerable charm of your smile, after all."

[takeoffmyhead]

"You know, it's a pity you had to see me be injured. I'm normally more careful. But if it weren't for the fact that I had a handsome stranger staring at me I might not have been so distracted." She grinned as she remembered that, leaning forward to kiss his lips lightly and quickly.

So he thought she had hidden talents, hmm? She doubted it, but smiled coyly all the same and slipped from his chair, "Still...I wouldn't underestimate the power of a smile and a good body." And, she knew, neither would he - he'd already said it had gotten him far in life.

"Now, will we got get this business out of the way?"

[theftofhearts]

"That is quite alright, my dear.. I am quite sorry I was distracting, perhaps in the future I shall work on being far, far less sexy." Al-Cid returned the kiss gently, and stood after she did, resting a hand on his hip as he came around the pilot's chair. "Ah, I have never forgotten the sheer power of a smile and a good body. Yours have quite the hold over me, after all." he smirked, and shrugged playfully.

"Yes! Come, show me your home, and let us meet with this Squall. He sounds like quite the stormy character." with a smirk, Al-Cid collected her papers like a gentleman, and headed for the hatch at the back, hopping down the few feet to land smoothly on his feet. He turned and backed up a few feet, tilting his head and smiling gently, "Where too? I have only been here a time or two, and do not recall the layout well."

[takeoffmyhead]

Quistis glanced over to him with a gentle smile, but it grew into a smirk as she did so. "Hmm? I don't think that you being any less sexy is going to be of any help to either of us, Al-Cid." She shook her head in false disdain as she followed him through.

She looked at him with amused patience, "I hope you don't think that you're the first person to make that joke?"

Quistis, still in her dinner dress of course, sat her legs over the edge of the hatch and eventually managed to make the jump. "Here we are. This is Balamb Garden."

She stretched out a hand towards the looming building just by them and walked alongside Al-Cid while leading the way. Eventually she takes them into the building, nodding soft smiles towards various students who, naturally, grouped together to talk about Quistis and her evening dress, and were whispering about who that gorgeous man was she was with.

Quistis made her way directly to Squall's office and knocked sharply on the door, turning to smile at Al-Cid before taking the papers from him.

[leatheredlion]

Squall was close to exhausted. When he wasn't in his office, he was out in the field trying to protect Balamb. His fingers were aching, marred with Mage burns, his shoulder ached, his wrist was bandaged up. He really looked like he'd been in the wars.

He hadn't slept since the invasion started and had barely eaten. He had managed to grab a few cups of coffee along the way to keep him going. His desk was buried under a mountain of papers, his laptop was open and the phone had been almost constantly ringing.

"... Come in," even his voice sounded tired.

[theftofhearts]

"Oh, I am well aware that others have come across such dry humour in their time, even before he was thusly named, my dear, I am certain someone was, and had had to endure the joke." he was smiling, though, and in a much better mood.

Of course, Al-Cid was nothing but polite to the stares and whispers of the students. He favoured women with charming smiles and nods of his head, and gave men a small nod, simply acknowledging them in a charming manner, though not quite as easily as he engaged girls, even from a distance. His body language was clear that he was with Quistis, and while he would never do anything to embarrass her, about halfway through Garden, his hand fell onto the small of the blonde's back as he kept step with her, his motions graceful and elegant.

The Rozzarian nobleman handed over the papers, and when Squall's voice drifted through the door, tired and worn down, Al-Cid opened it for Quistis, holding the door and smiling. Best if she went in first, that way she could report directly to Squall. He wasn't a SeeD, in fact his only affiliation with Garden was the very rare occasions he had stopped in to drop off a report on something he felt they needed to know. He didn't know Squall.. his only real affiliation with Garden now was that he had given himself to its second in command. "After you my dear." his smooth tone belied the anxiety he felt. He hoped this could be resolved soon, perhaps with Squall's aid they could accomplish something of merit.

[takeoffmyhead]

Quistis nodded slowly, though she flushed for a moment, suddenly aware that she wasn't sure quite how she was going to introduce Al-Cid. However, she became more concerned with the sound of Squall's voice.

She strode into the room like someone who belonged there, an air of authority having assumed itself since she stepped foot into Garden - this really was her territory. She paused half way between door and desk, smoothing down her dress before turning to Squall, to Al-Cid, to Squall.

"Squall, this is Al-Cid Margrace. Al-Cid, this is Squall Leonhart." She cleared her throat sharply before stepping forward with the papers, "We have done considerable travelling, and I have mapped and charted where the malboros have been, and the extent of the damage they have done."

She sighed softly, relieved to have that off her chest, "Now, how are you, Squall?"