Author - Abifer
Title - It's a SeeD's Life
Disclaimer - Applies to all chapters, I own none of the Characters from Final Fantasy 8, and any other characters used belong to myself. If anyone wants this story for their own site, please contact me beforehand.
Rating - R for language, class c drug reference/taking and rude bits later on
Summary/Notes - Told from Rinoa's POV in a random setting - some rules apply to the game, some don't it's only a fic anyway! Some things might not make sense, but this is in MY head so it goes how I say J Rinoa has returned to Balamb garden, this time to train as a SeeD. But what will happen when along comes an unexpected surprise?
Chapter One - Trying to Chill Out.
So here I was, sitting on my own in the quad. Squall was in a mood with me for fuck knows what this time, and I'd had enough.
"Watcha up to 'Noa?" Zell Dincht calls from the top of the stairs. Great, I came down here hoping it would be peaceful and I could reflect on everything, especially now I began to train as a SeeD.
"Nothin' Zell, shouldn't you be inside with Instructor Trepe?" Zell looked blank. "You know… Quistis?"
"Oh yeah," he laughed. "But I got bored, her and Selphie were discussing different types of shampoo, so I decided to find someone to hang out with. Unless you're busy that is,"
I sighed and stood up. Taking a cigarette packet out of my bag, I took one and offered to Zell, who wrinkled his nose in disgust.
"Yeah sorry, I forgot you don't,"
"Damn right!" he said "I don't want all that disgusting shit in my lungs, but if you want to give yourself cancer go ahead," Like the others, I was used to Zell's anti- smoking speeches, and were used to them now. Zell also knew he couldn't get any of us to beak the habit unless we really wanted to. Judging by the look on my face he realised he should have kept it quiet.
"I'm sorry, it's just…"
"I know," I interrupted. "You're only looking out for us, but I really feel like I need one. Quist - I mean, Instructor Trepe has set a new assignment - kill 5 T-Rexaurs and bring her the teeth. I don't know how it's going to help me as a SeeD, wasn't your training a little more… I don't know… relevant?"
"Hmm, I know it seems pointless now," shrugged Zell. "But I had to go through that crap when I was learning, as did Squall, Selphie and Irvine. And why do you always refer to her as Instructor Trepe? After all we've been through together I'd have thought you'd be a little more personal now,"
"I do, but when referring to her as my tutor, I call her Instructor as I like to keep my studies and my fun separate," I smiled. Of course I didn't call her that when we were all out having fun together, if just felt right when we were in classes, as I didn't want to be treated any differently to the other students.
"Okay," Zell shrugged. "Hey, you hungry? Cafeteria's about to open and you know how I'm very partial to my hot dogs…"
"Is that a hint?" I laughed
"Yeah… please come with me? You look like you need cheering up is all"
"Alright, let me finish this," I replied, taking one more drag from my cigarette and stubbing it out on a nearby rock. "And Zell before you start - we have caretakers who clean that shit up," He shook his head and tutted, yet managed to stay in a good mood on the way to the cafeteria.
As I expected, it was starting to fill up with students, but I was surprised to see none of our friends in there. Zell was eyeing up the menu, and a few of the ladies that had started to gather round and chat endlessly about nothing. Everyone knew who we were, and Zell had managed to get quite a following. So long as they kept their hands off my Squall... they were welcome to mentally undress whoever they pleased.
I wasn't alone for long... for as soon as I had purchased a pasta salad, Selphie and Irvine arrived, hand in hand as usual.
"There's Rinoa!" I heard Selphie's overly loud voice announce from the back of the queue. "Hey Rinoa!" she called over, "Save us those seats! And tell Zell to go easy - we don't want him choking," I smiled and nodded at her, Irvine who was now used to her loudness was exchanging glances with Zell. Hmm, so here was I, Irvine, Selphie and Zell, Quistis was teaching so she could be accounted for, but where was Squall?
"So... anything interesting going on with you?" asked Selphie, sitting next to me almost dropping the contents of her lunch tray.
"Nothin' much, studying as usual," I replied glumly. "She's sure going overboard on these little monster missions of hers," Selphie and Irvine laughed.
"Yup, been there," he grinned. "Hey, are you guys free this afternoon? Selph and I were thinking of going on a little Chocobo ride to Balamb, and stopping off for a drink,"
"Sounds good," replied Zell, trying to talk and cram as much food into his mouth as possible. "I might go call on my folks, if they're not to busy,"
"We have a plan then," smiled Selphie. "Hey 'Noa, where's Mr Attitude?"
"I don't know," I shrugged. "I guess Headmaster and Edea are keeping him busy this lunchtime, but you guys go ahead this afternoon, I should be studying as it is,"
"Aww, come on," sulked Irvine, but there was a glint in his eyes. "We partied all the time during our stay at Galbadia Garden,"
"We did at Trabia," added Selphie. "An afternoon isn't going to make any difference, surely?"
"Hey, stop pushing her into it!" came a familiar stern but kind female voice.
"Quistis!" cried Zell. "How are ya? Having a nice morning of lectures and all that?"
"Yes thanks Zell, and Edea wants to see you later in her office. Really Rinoa, you've been working so hard lately that if you want to go out later - make the most of it whilst you have the chance!"
How did she always manage to talk me into things? I thought only Squall could do that - not that I'm going to complain.
"Fine," I sighed. "But I still need to catch up with Squall - I haven't seen him all day,"
"He should be done soon," replied Quistis. "Cid and Edea have been discussing the latest SeeD mission - don't be surprised if you get called up soon. Nothing serious, we're talking two week jobs at the most,"
"Alright, we get to go out again," chirped Selphie. I smiled - although I enjoyed our adventure together against Ultimicia, I decided it would be best for me to train properly as a SeeD. I was in all of the classes my friends had been in, apart from I had special lessons with Edea to learn how to use my new sorceress powers effectively, although these were a very well kept secret amongst the garden.
After about five minutes of idle chit chat, a breathless Squall came running into the cafeteria.
"Just in time Squall, although you could try to be a little earlier in future," the canteen server complained.
"Sorry Jane," he smiled, his fringe flopping into his face in an oh so irresistible way. "You know hoe it is - Cid's got me running from one end to another on a wild goose chase right now,"
"Don't worry love - here, some Chinese noodles will make it all better." she smiled, plonking them onto his plate.
"Hey baby," he smiled when he saw me, and the others. "Sorry, I've not seen you all day but organising these missions is taking up a hell of a lot of time!"
"I know," I replied, kissing him quickly.
"So Squall my man, what's goin on?" asked Irvine, who had always been keen on new adventures… and new women despite being in love with Selphie.
"Hmm, well I can't really talk to you guys about anything yet but as soon as things are finalised I'll brief you. But as for the afternoon, there's nothing on my schedule,"
"That's great, we're going Chocobo riding to Balamb," beamed Selphie. Squall raised an eyebrow at me.
"I thought you were too into your studying to do things like that," he said.
"Well, I told her she deserved a break," smiled Quistis. "I would join you, but I have a handful of new students this afternoon and I need to get them settles as soon as possible,"
"Alright Quist, see you later," said Zell. "I'm gonna get ready now, but how bout we meet in the front hall in an hour?"
We all agreed, and as the others left I waited with Squall as he ate his lunch.
"I'm glad you're coming out later," his smile was genuine.
"Me too," I replied.