Catharsis

By: Nagurikorosu

Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VIII. Well I do actually, but not the way you're thinking. I also don't own the lyrics to any songs used in this fic.

I doubt if he/she will see this, but D'Artagnan totally inspired me with his/her post on It's a Confusing Emotion forum). Hee. It was hilarious and true!

Summary: Quistis x ?. "Let's all take a little moment…" I said slowly, pausing to breath in deeply. "to relax, and unwi-" Before I could finish, I saw Rinoa walking up to us. "Ah, I am pissed off now!" Zell screeched in anger. I couldn't stop the smile. OOC abounds.

General/Romance

T for Teen

I understand breaking apart and putting back together

Because that's my personality;

With impatient feelings and uncertainty

Which nevertheless are capable of good love.

-Sobakasu?

Prologue: Cuppa Tea

Quistis Trepe is and was quite possibly the best thing ever to happen to Balamb Garden, since the inception of any Garden and with the exception of Squall. Smart, cunning, strong, charming, beautiful, a Hell of an actress…

My icy cerulean eyes went over my semi-annual review.

Although technically speaking, this review was supposed to have happened last year. But when the entire world breaks out into war and bloody chaos, the life's little quibbles could be forgotten. All SeeDs were reviewed once every two years for two reasons, to help rank SeeDs and to gauge the power of a Garden.

'…All without being a damned Mary-Sue. It was almost as if the Garden's number 2 SeeD was leading some sort of charmed life that prevented her from being attractive to any male!' I thought bitterly before unlocking the door to my single dorm.

I placed my copy of the review on the end table situated near the entrance of my room. It was then I lazily proceeded with my afternoon-off schedule, which consisted of me…sleeping. Until tomorrow that is.

"Dammit! It sucks to be alone!" I cried in frustration, attempting to feel a very large void in my life.

This was unbelievable. How the Hell is it possible for a woman of my looks and character to not have a boyfriend? And worse yet, I got off a year-long adventure with an available guy, only to find that the rooster-headed bastard was in love with the library girl.

How could I lose to someone that wasn't even there!

Whatever. I don't care.

Okay, I do. But still…

'Oh, what is this stupid thing sitting on my end table anyway,' I wondered, staring at a beautiful, light-hued, peach envelope.

It was under my review folder and the memory it brought with it was much unwanted. How could I have forgotten the damn engagement/SeeD graduation party being held tonight? I didn't even have anything to wear for it… It'll be a repeat of last year, where I completely forgot and was forced to go in my peach battle gear!

And all because of Squall… Stupid pre-requisite. Although now that I think about it, why the Hell didn't I wear my SeeD uniform. All the other guys did. Oh, well.

"I am screwed…" I whispered harshly.

'It was 3:16 P.M. The party starts at 8:15…but Quistis is expected to be there by 7:40. If the shuttle takes an hour for a round trip to Balamb and the shuttle closes early, at 5: 00 PM since its Sunday (today in fact) and Monday is a holiday. Add in the time it takes for Quistis to get ready for the party, an hour and a half, will she get there on tim—'

My illogoical mathematical rant was stopped when I realized I was actually wasting time. With that I ran out the door, taking care to lock the door. I quickly headed towards the Parking Lot. Perhaps it wasn't too late to catch one of the shuttle buses to Balamb. Oh, please don't let it be too late.

--

Today was nothing special. I got the day off, for once, because when the Commander doesn't show up, then what little brain the faculty members and higher ups have cease to function. I really don't know what went on with the review, it was weird. So rather than a day of cuppa tea, cuppa tea, SeeD duties, cuppa tea. It was cuppa tea, annual review, cuppa tea, get ready for party, cuppa tea, party.

Ah, the glorious life of Quistis Trepe. No. 2 SeeD of Balamb Garden, idol of Treppies everywhere. If they only knew, if they only knew… I guess maybe I should amend the cuppa tea thing, as I am going out tonight to the Quad.

I looked at myself in the full-body mirror. The simple dark blue dress, that wrapped around one elegant, creamy shoulder (the right), sparkled in certain areas where the light hit it. I wore a snow colored scarf that wrapped gently around my neck and flowed gently down my right shoulder.

My hair was in its usual bun, only this time a white clip decorated with alexandrite held it in place. The two tendrils that framed my pale face were wavy on the end. My hands were covered with white gloves that ended near my elbows. My shoes were also navy in color and had a nice thick, high heel. It wouldn't do to trip and fall flat on my face.

All in all, I looked good. But I still have no man… I wish I could get off that, but it was such a prevailent way of thinking for me, ever since...

I growled. Suddenly my make up seemed more like war paint. However, I don't have time to waste anymore, I'll be late if I don't hurry.

--

Please R&R. Lemme know what you think. I haven't decided on pairings or anything, but suggestions are welcome.

I'd like to do a Quall too you know. But whatever, drop a line or two and tell me what you think.