I looked up from an examination of my hands and allowed a slight smile as Marshal approached wearing faded denim jeans and a t-shirt with the Galbadia Garden logo. "Marshal."
He came to stand across from me, smiling. "You ready?"
I stood from the bench in the main corridor of Balamb Garden and gave a nod.
He offered a hand and I took it. "You know what you want?" he asked as we stepped toward the front gate.
We were shopping for the dress I would wear to Sally Regal's 20th birthday party. "No. I don't wear dresses."
"I know," he said, smiling, "that's the only reason I'm going." He chuckled. "I still don't understand why you didn't just ask Sally to go with you. I thought you squared things."
"I make Sally uncomfortable."
I had made Sally fearful or uncomfortable from the day I joined Garden's ranks. It had become a game for me to push the right buttons to make it worse. Only, after the tearful exchange in Seifer's office of Sally saying she didn't think I respected her, I had seen how twisted the game had become.
"I know you do, chicklit, but I still think she'd have loved to go. The girl gives everyone a third and fourth chance. Don't know why, especially with pricks like Seifer and me."
"You aren't a prick." I smirked. "An ass? Maybe."
Marshal laughed. I sent him a sidelong glance. He met it. "What?"
"Why did she invite me?"
"Because I begged her to. I want to see you in a dress."
"Marshal."
He gave my hand a brief squeeze. "Okay, okay." He smiled over at me. "She invited you because she wants you to go. Why's that so hard to believe? She respects you, Ahndra."
"Why?" I motioned to him before he could speak. "You understand me, Marshal. When I see a weakness, I play on that. I made her terrified of me."
He slightly nodded. "I know, but you never once talked down to her. You let her do her job and pushed her to do more than what she probably would have done on her own. Hell. You and Dincht and Seifer all push her to move outside that damn shell of hers. It's been good for her, too."
I changed my focus to the dark brown car parked outside the gate.
"You're good at your job, Ahndra, like I've said before. Sally's got every reason to respect you. More now that you've pulled your head out of your ass and told her you respect her."
I frowned and punched his arm. "Don't be an ass."
Marshal chuckled while rubbing at the offended arm. "Can't help it." He opened the door for me. "Don't worry about Sally, chicklit," he said as I climbed in. "I'm sure she's used to being the butt of people's jokes. I mean, have you met her older brother? I bet Zack gives her nothing but grief. Besides, if you really hurt her feelings I think she would have said something before now. Or Dincht would've. Dude. Dincht likely would've taken your ass on."
I scoffed and pulled the door closed.
Marshal laughed and went around to enter on his side. "You know he would. He wouldn't have given a damn if he had a chance in hell of winning. He's in love, and that's what guys do." He leaned over and kissed my cheek. I faced him. "I would've taken on Seifer for you."
I smirked. "Not very bright."
Marshal's lips twitched. He kissed me briefly on the lips. "Yeah, well, I never said I was."
He put the car in gear and pulled away from the gate. I watched him with a slight smile. Then I focused out the window as I rested my hand on his thigh.