Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 8, yadda yadda yadda, they belong to Squaresoft.....blahblahblah..so don't sue blah blah blah I'm too poor to pay a good lawyer yadda yadda....Yay Squarsoft!
Author's Note: Here's another installment!
Tell Me I'm Not Alone
(Blast From the Past)
"S-Seifer!?!"
The tall blond man just smirked in that arrogant way and walked up to her, his trench coat swaying slightly with each step.
Squall just stared at the newcomer, coldly.
Quistis looked at Seifer in anger, surprise, nervousness... so many different kinds of emotions.
"Instructor Trepe," Squall began gesturing towards a wide eyed Quistis, "Meet your new pupil, Seifer Almasy"
Seifer turned to her slightly with a glint in his eye, "What, no hellos Instructor?"
She just raised an eyebrow and looked at Squall, "..Well, I understand now why you asked me first..."
The Commander just nodded, "Mr. Almasy has been in class in Galbadia Garden for a few months now before coming here."
"Why'd he come here? After everything that---" she was cut off by the person in question clearing his throat.
"At least call me by name Trepe. I am a human being believe it or not."
The blonde woman was taken back slightly by that remark. Regaining her compusure, she stood up straight and looked at Squall again. He just shrugged.
She turned toward Seifer, "Well Mr. Almasy, since you are my pupil I'll show you to your new classroom," she looked at Squall again, "That is unless there's anything else you want to tell me."
Squall shook his head, "That is all Instructor Trepe. You're dismissed."
The blonde woman nodded, turned on heel, and headed toward the door, with a silent Seifer following close behind.
*********************************************************************************************
They were both silent as they entered the elevator.
"(I can't believe this... First I'm almost late.... Now this... I'm probably going to get gray hairs before I'm twenty..)"
She glanced at Seifer out of the corner of her eye. He hadn't changed in the passed year at all. His hair still cut in it's usual way, he still wore his trademark trenchcoat he'd been wearing during that terrible event that seemed like ages ago.
But it hadn't been ages ago.....
It had only been a year since this exact man standing at her side, was the man who at one time tried to kill them all. She shivered slightly at the last thought, and was thankful that he didn't seem to notice.
"As you can see, the Garden hasn't changed since your absense." she said in her Instructor tone.
He just nodded and looked out the glass wall of the elevator.
*********************************************************************************************
Many in the class were becoming impatient with their Instructor's absence. Some started converstations, some decided a nap was in order, and others still worked diligently on their study panels.
Lyseria sighed to herself as she punched in a few words on her panel in an effort to continue her research paper that was due at the end of the week.
(..... Come back!!! Please don't leave...!!!! .....mama..)
She jerked her head up.
Hearing a sigh of boredom beside her, she looked at Darren who was reading something on his study panel.
"When's the Instructor coming back...? It's been almost a half an hour..." he said typing something.
Lyseria looked back to her study panel and just stared at it, unable to concentrate.
Everyone looked up at the sound of the door sliding open. Quistis stepped in, followed by a stone faced Seifer.
"You can take a seat at the back Mr. Almasy."
Lyseria's eyes widened at the mention of his name. She leaned her forehead on her palm.
"....Oh no.."
Darren looked at her, "What is it now?"
Seifer walked down the aisle, causing a few female students to look up from their panels and blush. When he reached the back he stopped and looked at Lyseria, her head still in her hands. Darren looked up to Seifer, than back at Lyseria. He furrowed his brow in confusion and glared at the tall young man who was now taking a seat at the bench in the row beside them.
Quistis looked up from her desk and surveyed the classroom.
"(At least he didn't cause a scene or something...)" she sighed as she looked at her watch. She smiled slightly and straightened up.
"Class, you can now get prepared for dismissal."
Happy and relieved groans reverberated through the brightly lit room as the students began saving their work. Some already prepared to get up and run..
"Mr. Almasy, I'd like to speak to you for a moment." she called to the back of the room. He just glanced at her and crossed his arms.
Lyseria looked at him out of the corner of her eye.
"Something wrong?" Darren said causing her to blush. He crossed his arms, "You know that guy?"
She raised an eyebrow. The tone of his voice surprised her, for it had a hint of anger in it.
".... I'll--- tell you later."
He waved his hand.
The harsh chime of the bell went off causing a sudden flurry of shuffling feet and chattering as the students hurridly took off. Quistis stood up at the sight of Darren and Lyseria.
"Meet me in the Library after last bell for study hall, Mr. and Ms. ......?
"Darren Edwards."
Lyseria shuffled uncomfortably, unable to look into the older woman's eyes.
"Ms.?" Quistis repeated, "What's your name?"
"L-Lyseria Gainsborough ...."
Quistis smiled a little at her, "You seemed to look a little pale when you came in this morning.... Do you need to go to the Infirmary..?"
The younger girl's eyes widened a little and she shook her head, "No, I'm alright."
Quistis stepped back and nodded, "Well, be sure your not late for study hall, or else you'll have to serve another term tomorrow."
The two students nodded and left the room leaving only Quistis and Seifer. He was still sitting in the back with his arms crossed.
".... What did you want Instructor?" he said rudely.
She cleared her throat and leaned against her desk, "Were you assigned a dorm yet....?" She figured she should at least try and be polite, even though it would have to be forced.
"No." he said simply, standing up.
The air was growing increasingly tense.
"Well, come with me and I'll get one assigned for you." she responded standing up straight.
He walked straight toward her, stopping only a few inches away. Leaning in a little he sneered.
" I don't need your help, or anyone else's." his words were venomous, making her feel a little intimidated, though se tried her hardest to hide it. With a flick of his trenchcoat, he walked out leaving the woman to shake her head.
**********************************************************************************************
The rest of the day went rather smoothly, and many were relieved when the final bell rang.
Darren stopped in front of the Library and groaned. Lyseria walked up beside him and patted his shoulder.
".. It'll be okay, it's not that bad..."
He shrugged, ".... I have better things to do than sit in there for two hours."
The blonde girl smiled a little, "I have an idea! how about you come to my dorm and we'll hang out for a bit. If you want, maybe we can go and get some dinner and Balamb."
He glanced at her in surprise, "What for?"
Her eyes widened a little, and she looked at her feet, "...Well, I guess... as an apology for making you late this morning. I know you don't like to be, and that you're working really hard to be a SeeD.... and-"
He silenced her with a wave of his hand, "It's alright..... but since you offered.... Sure, that sounds fun."
The girl smiled and opened the heavy door leading to the Library.
**********************************************************************************************
Quistis yawned and rested her elbows on the table. She found herself thinking about who she should ask to help with the celebration for the transfer students, how much time she'll need to read and grade all the essays she recieved, and other tasks she'd have to attend to during the week.
"(If I have to do all this, then I can't even imagine what Squall has to deal with...... I have so much work to do...)"
She looked up to the sound of approaching footsteps. Darren and Lyseria appeared from around the corner.
"Hello Instructor." the the brown haired boy said preparing to take a seat.
Quistis stood up and stopped him. Giving her a puzzled look, he late go of the back of the chair and glanced at Lyseria.
".... I've given it some thought, and since you--" she motioned towards Lyseria, "--- are new here, and you Mr. Edwards was only trying to help her out, I decided that I'll let you off this once..."
The two grinned.
The older woman wagged her finger, "But only this once!"
"Thank you Instructor!" Darren said bowing a little.
"... Yes, thank you." the younger girl nodded. Bidding farewell, they turned and left the way they came.
Quistis sunk back into her seat and sighed, "...... That'll give me a few hours to get a head start
on those papers....."
**********************************************************************************************
"So, " Darren said kicking a rock, "... You said you'd tell me about that person in the photo," he paused, "...and that guy."
They were on their way back from Balamb, and decided to kill some time at the beach. It was a really nice night, and thousands of stars streaked the sky.
Lyseria glanced at him and looked out at the water.
He picked up another nearby rock and threw it, watching it skip a couple time over the velvet water before it disappear under the waves.
"... You said you would." he put a hand on his hip.
The girl shivered a little, "... That guy used to go to Galbadia Garden."
Darren eyed her a little," And----"
".... And well..... I so....." she felt her face get hot, "..I kinda had a crush on him."
"What!?"
"... Nothing happened!!!" she retorted quickly waving her arms, "When I finally worked up the nerve to ask him out, he said no."
The brown eyed boy shoved his hands in his pockets, "So you guys *didn't* go out.."
"No.....And even if I had, would it really matter now.?"
"...Tch, I guess not.."
There was an uncomfortable silence.
"..... That person in the photograph, " Lyseria began, trying to change the subject, "... Well she was my--"
Darren looked at her expectantly, "You're what?"
"---my mom."
**********************************************************************************************
"ARRGH!"
A pen went flying across the room, landing with a soft click.
"...... I can't take it anymore!"
Quistis got up from her desk and paced around her room fiddling with the hem of her t-shirt. She'd been grading papers for five straight hours, and it was starting to get to her.
"( I used to be able to finish papers in record time! It was so easy!...... Have I lost my touch that much over the passed year?)"
She glanced at the stack of graded papers, and the stack beside that was five times as large. Ones she hadn't even looked at yet......
Slumping to the floor, she pulled her knees up to her chest, "(I used to love doing this..... but I can't concentrate...... Why?)"
Her head felt light...
"(... Why..?)"
Clutching it with both hands, she curled up into a ball on the floor. A feeling of extreme fatigue swept over her.
In a few moments, she was fast asleep on the cold tile.
**********************************************************************************************
"Really..? Your mom?"
The gray eyed girl nodded, "She died during the sorceress war......"
Silence.
"I'm.... sorry....." Darren looked at his shoes than up to the sky, "How..... did it happen?"
She knelt down on the sand and picked up seashell that was by her foot, "She was in her hometown helping my grandparents...... We never saw or heard from her again."
"What about your dad....?"
Lyseria smiled a little, "He's probably travelling right now....."
"Really...? Why?"
"He-" she sighed," He thinks she's still alive somewhere."
"..I take it you don't share those feelings..."
She stood up and looked at him, "..I did when I was little, but as I grew older I would just pretend.... Mainly for my father. He loved her very much, and just doesn't want to let her go." looking away, she clenched her fist, "...I can't even remember her. I was so young when she disappeared."
Darren put his hand on her shoulder, his way of trying to comfort his friend.
"C'mon... It's getting late."
the blonde girl looked at him again with a small smile across her lips, "Okay........."
As they started off towards the Garden, she touched his arm.
"...Darren.."
"Yeah?"
"...Thank you... For listening."
"...It's alright.."
Reaching the front gate of Balamb, they stopped for a moment.
"All this talk about parents and stuff made me think I should give my brother in Timber a call....." Darren said crossing his arms, "I really havn't spoken to him in a while......."
Lyseria gave him a bemused look, "You have a brother...?"
He nodded blushing a little, "Yeah.... his name's Vince. We didn't really get along when we were growing up, but after I came here he seemed to talk to me with a little more respect."
The blonde girl chuckled slightly, "Maybe he's afraid that when you become a SeeD, you'll be able to kick his butt!"
Darren laughed and scratched his head, "Maybe....Did you have any siblings.....?"
She shook her head, ".......Only one........"
**********************************************************************************************
After bidding farewell to Lyseria, Darren headed back towards his dorm room. As he neared his door, he realized something wasn't right.
The light in his dorm was on.
He quickly grabbed his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door. Swinging it open, he rushed inside and closed.
His eyes widened.
"You!?"
The blond man looked up from his bag and crossed his arms, "Name's Seifer.... And is that anyway to talk to your new roommate....?"
Author's Note: Here's another installment!
Tell Me I'm Not Alone
(Blast From the Past)
"S-Seifer!?!"
The tall blond man just smirked in that arrogant way and walked up to her, his trench coat swaying slightly with each step.
Squall just stared at the newcomer, coldly.
Quistis looked at Seifer in anger, surprise, nervousness... so many different kinds of emotions.
"Instructor Trepe," Squall began gesturing towards a wide eyed Quistis, "Meet your new pupil, Seifer Almasy"
Seifer turned to her slightly with a glint in his eye, "What, no hellos Instructor?"
She just raised an eyebrow and looked at Squall, "..Well, I understand now why you asked me first..."
The Commander just nodded, "Mr. Almasy has been in class in Galbadia Garden for a few months now before coming here."
"Why'd he come here? After everything that---" she was cut off by the person in question clearing his throat.
"At least call me by name Trepe. I am a human being believe it or not."
The blonde woman was taken back slightly by that remark. Regaining her compusure, she stood up straight and looked at Squall again. He just shrugged.
She turned toward Seifer, "Well Mr. Almasy, since you are my pupil I'll show you to your new classroom," she looked at Squall again, "That is unless there's anything else you want to tell me."
Squall shook his head, "That is all Instructor Trepe. You're dismissed."
The blonde woman nodded, turned on heel, and headed toward the door, with a silent Seifer following close behind.
*********************************************************************************************
They were both silent as they entered the elevator.
"(I can't believe this... First I'm almost late.... Now this... I'm probably going to get gray hairs before I'm twenty..)"
She glanced at Seifer out of the corner of her eye. He hadn't changed in the passed year at all. His hair still cut in it's usual way, he still wore his trademark trenchcoat he'd been wearing during that terrible event that seemed like ages ago.
But it hadn't been ages ago.....
It had only been a year since this exact man standing at her side, was the man who at one time tried to kill them all. She shivered slightly at the last thought, and was thankful that he didn't seem to notice.
"As you can see, the Garden hasn't changed since your absense." she said in her Instructor tone.
He just nodded and looked out the glass wall of the elevator.
*********************************************************************************************
Many in the class were becoming impatient with their Instructor's absence. Some started converstations, some decided a nap was in order, and others still worked diligently on their study panels.
Lyseria sighed to herself as she punched in a few words on her panel in an effort to continue her research paper that was due at the end of the week.
(..... Come back!!! Please don't leave...!!!! .....mama..)
She jerked her head up.
Hearing a sigh of boredom beside her, she looked at Darren who was reading something on his study panel.
"When's the Instructor coming back...? It's been almost a half an hour..." he said typing something.
Lyseria looked back to her study panel and just stared at it, unable to concentrate.
Everyone looked up at the sound of the door sliding open. Quistis stepped in, followed by a stone faced Seifer.
"You can take a seat at the back Mr. Almasy."
Lyseria's eyes widened at the mention of his name. She leaned her forehead on her palm.
"....Oh no.."
Darren looked at her, "What is it now?"
Seifer walked down the aisle, causing a few female students to look up from their panels and blush. When he reached the back he stopped and looked at Lyseria, her head still in her hands. Darren looked up to Seifer, than back at Lyseria. He furrowed his brow in confusion and glared at the tall young man who was now taking a seat at the bench in the row beside them.
Quistis looked up from her desk and surveyed the classroom.
"(At least he didn't cause a scene or something...)" she sighed as she looked at her watch. She smiled slightly and straightened up.
"Class, you can now get prepared for dismissal."
Happy and relieved groans reverberated through the brightly lit room as the students began saving their work. Some already prepared to get up and run..
"Mr. Almasy, I'd like to speak to you for a moment." she called to the back of the room. He just glanced at her and crossed his arms.
Lyseria looked at him out of the corner of her eye.
"Something wrong?" Darren said causing her to blush. He crossed his arms, "You know that guy?"
She raised an eyebrow. The tone of his voice surprised her, for it had a hint of anger in it.
".... I'll--- tell you later."
He waved his hand.
The harsh chime of the bell went off causing a sudden flurry of shuffling feet and chattering as the students hurridly took off. Quistis stood up at the sight of Darren and Lyseria.
"Meet me in the Library after last bell for study hall, Mr. and Ms. ......?
"Darren Edwards."
Lyseria shuffled uncomfortably, unable to look into the older woman's eyes.
"Ms.?" Quistis repeated, "What's your name?"
"L-Lyseria Gainsborough ...."
Quistis smiled a little at her, "You seemed to look a little pale when you came in this morning.... Do you need to go to the Infirmary..?"
The younger girl's eyes widened a little and she shook her head, "No, I'm alright."
Quistis stepped back and nodded, "Well, be sure your not late for study hall, or else you'll have to serve another term tomorrow."
The two students nodded and left the room leaving only Quistis and Seifer. He was still sitting in the back with his arms crossed.
".... What did you want Instructor?" he said rudely.
She cleared her throat and leaned against her desk, "Were you assigned a dorm yet....?" She figured she should at least try and be polite, even though it would have to be forced.
"No." he said simply, standing up.
The air was growing increasingly tense.
"Well, come with me and I'll get one assigned for you." she responded standing up straight.
He walked straight toward her, stopping only a few inches away. Leaning in a little he sneered.
" I don't need your help, or anyone else's." his words were venomous, making her feel a little intimidated, though se tried her hardest to hide it. With a flick of his trenchcoat, he walked out leaving the woman to shake her head.
**********************************************************************************************
The rest of the day went rather smoothly, and many were relieved when the final bell rang.
Darren stopped in front of the Library and groaned. Lyseria walked up beside him and patted his shoulder.
".. It'll be okay, it's not that bad..."
He shrugged, ".... I have better things to do than sit in there for two hours."
The blonde girl smiled a little, "I have an idea! how about you come to my dorm and we'll hang out for a bit. If you want, maybe we can go and get some dinner and Balamb."
He glanced at her in surprise, "What for?"
Her eyes widened a little, and she looked at her feet, "...Well, I guess... as an apology for making you late this morning. I know you don't like to be, and that you're working really hard to be a SeeD.... and-"
He silenced her with a wave of his hand, "It's alright..... but since you offered.... Sure, that sounds fun."
The girl smiled and opened the heavy door leading to the Library.
**********************************************************************************************
Quistis yawned and rested her elbows on the table. She found herself thinking about who she should ask to help with the celebration for the transfer students, how much time she'll need to read and grade all the essays she recieved, and other tasks she'd have to attend to during the week.
"(If I have to do all this, then I can't even imagine what Squall has to deal with...... I have so much work to do...)"
She looked up to the sound of approaching footsteps. Darren and Lyseria appeared from around the corner.
"Hello Instructor." the the brown haired boy said preparing to take a seat.
Quistis stood up and stopped him. Giving her a puzzled look, he late go of the back of the chair and glanced at Lyseria.
".... I've given it some thought, and since you--" she motioned towards Lyseria, "--- are new here, and you Mr. Edwards was only trying to help her out, I decided that I'll let you off this once..."
The two grinned.
The older woman wagged her finger, "But only this once!"
"Thank you Instructor!" Darren said bowing a little.
"... Yes, thank you." the younger girl nodded. Bidding farewell, they turned and left the way they came.
Quistis sunk back into her seat and sighed, "...... That'll give me a few hours to get a head start
on those papers....."
**********************************************************************************************
"So, " Darren said kicking a rock, "... You said you'd tell me about that person in the photo," he paused, "...and that guy."
They were on their way back from Balamb, and decided to kill some time at the beach. It was a really nice night, and thousands of stars streaked the sky.
Lyseria glanced at him and looked out at the water.
He picked up another nearby rock and threw it, watching it skip a couple time over the velvet water before it disappear under the waves.
"... You said you would." he put a hand on his hip.
The girl shivered a little, "... That guy used to go to Galbadia Garden."
Darren eyed her a little," And----"
".... And well..... I so....." she felt her face get hot, "..I kinda had a crush on him."
"What!?"
"... Nothing happened!!!" she retorted quickly waving her arms, "When I finally worked up the nerve to ask him out, he said no."
The brown eyed boy shoved his hands in his pockets, "So you guys *didn't* go out.."
"No.....And even if I had, would it really matter now.?"
"...Tch, I guess not.."
There was an uncomfortable silence.
"..... That person in the photograph, " Lyseria began, trying to change the subject, "... Well she was my--"
Darren looked at her expectantly, "You're what?"
"---my mom."
**********************************************************************************************
"ARRGH!"
A pen went flying across the room, landing with a soft click.
"...... I can't take it anymore!"
Quistis got up from her desk and paced around her room fiddling with the hem of her t-shirt. She'd been grading papers for five straight hours, and it was starting to get to her.
"( I used to be able to finish papers in record time! It was so easy!...... Have I lost my touch that much over the passed year?)"
She glanced at the stack of graded papers, and the stack beside that was five times as large. Ones she hadn't even looked at yet......
Slumping to the floor, she pulled her knees up to her chest, "(I used to love doing this..... but I can't concentrate...... Why?)"
Her head felt light...
"(... Why..?)"
Clutching it with both hands, she curled up into a ball on the floor. A feeling of extreme fatigue swept over her.
In a few moments, she was fast asleep on the cold tile.
**********************************************************************************************
"Really..? Your mom?"
The gray eyed girl nodded, "She died during the sorceress war......"
Silence.
"I'm.... sorry....." Darren looked at his shoes than up to the sky, "How..... did it happen?"
She knelt down on the sand and picked up seashell that was by her foot, "She was in her hometown helping my grandparents...... We never saw or heard from her again."
"What about your dad....?"
Lyseria smiled a little, "He's probably travelling right now....."
"Really...? Why?"
"He-" she sighed," He thinks she's still alive somewhere."
"..I take it you don't share those feelings..."
She stood up and looked at him, "..I did when I was little, but as I grew older I would just pretend.... Mainly for my father. He loved her very much, and just doesn't want to let her go." looking away, she clenched her fist, "...I can't even remember her. I was so young when she disappeared."
Darren put his hand on her shoulder, his way of trying to comfort his friend.
"C'mon... It's getting late."
the blonde girl looked at him again with a small smile across her lips, "Okay........."
As they started off towards the Garden, she touched his arm.
"...Darren.."
"Yeah?"
"...Thank you... For listening."
"...It's alright.."
Reaching the front gate of Balamb, they stopped for a moment.
"All this talk about parents and stuff made me think I should give my brother in Timber a call....." Darren said crossing his arms, "I really havn't spoken to him in a while......."
Lyseria gave him a bemused look, "You have a brother...?"
He nodded blushing a little, "Yeah.... his name's Vince. We didn't really get along when we were growing up, but after I came here he seemed to talk to me with a little more respect."
The blonde girl chuckled slightly, "Maybe he's afraid that when you become a SeeD, you'll be able to kick his butt!"
Darren laughed and scratched his head, "Maybe....Did you have any siblings.....?"
She shook her head, ".......Only one........"
**********************************************************************************************
After bidding farewell to Lyseria, Darren headed back towards his dorm room. As he neared his door, he realized something wasn't right.
The light in his dorm was on.
He quickly grabbed his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door. Swinging it open, he rushed inside and closed.
His eyes widened.
"You!?"
The blond man looked up from his bag and crossed his arms, "Name's Seifer.... And is that anyway to talk to your new roommate....?"
