Marshal handed me my duffel and then came the rest of the way off the ship. We headed toward the road leading into Balamb. I stared at the cobbled ground. There were so many things that had changed, and I didn't know if I could hold on to them. But to go back to 'Fujin'? A product of my father? I felt the tingle of Marshal's sidelong glances. "What."
"Did you want to go out to dinner after the debrief?"
Yes. "No."
"Oh." Marshal stuffed his hands into his jeans pockets.
I'm sorry. I need time. I didn't know who I was anymore. Two very different people had gone head-to-head, but who had won?
Marshal continued to watch my profile, but he didn't ask anything. I wouldn't have had an answer anyway. I didn't know. Anything.
We rented the SeeD car and piled our stuff into the back seat. Then we silently drove to Garden. Seifer would want a report, both verbal and written. How would I give it? I moved my gaze out the window.
Too soon we pulled into the parking lot of Garden and gathered our stuff. Marshal wordlessly handed me my eye-patch. I mutely stared down at it--I fisted my hand on my duffel before setting it down and taking the eye-patch to slip it on. I felt caged. Restricted. I felt like I hid. I pushed the impression away and again lifted my duffel. We headed down the corridor to the main part of Garden. The closer we got to the security section, the deeper my confusion went. Marshal's sidelong glances didn't help.
We stepped into the elevator and rode it down. Still silent. Moments before the door opened to allow us entry, Marshal turned to me and said "Ahndra, I'm glad I had a chance to be with you again. I missed you."
I faced him, but it was too late. The elevator stopped and the doors opened to the bustle of the security office. Marshal smiled and then stepped off, giving Sally Regal a wave as he passed to Seifer's office to report. I stared after him only a moment before stepping off and proceeding to my own office.
Once I shut my door, I leaned against it with closed eyes and a whispered name.