Disclaimer: *sigh* No Final Fantasy VIII characters belong to me.
.chapter two.
Quistis Trepe knew that she would never in a million years understand the love triangle between Zell, Squall, and Seifer. It was an awkward thing to understand, even when she thought she had all the facts. She knew most of everything there was to know, yet she also knew there was more to it than what met the eye.
In the beginning, it was Zell and Seifer. The two pretended to hate each other, fooling just about everyone in Garden. The only people who knew that there was something between the two were their close friends and the students who had dorms on each side of Seifer's room. Apparently, the students' dorms aren't too soundproof, and the couple's nighttime activities could be heard.
Quistis also knew that since Seifer left to pursue his dream of being a Knight, Squall and Zell had gotten cozy. They had started out as friends, but anyone and everyone could tell that Zell was quite fond of the usually silent brunette. His feelings were made known at the party they'd had when they returned. Irvine had spiked the punch; therefore making just about everyone who attended the get-together do things they normally wouldn't do. Squall kissed Rinoa, Selphie grumbled about how stupid the Garden Festival was, and even Quistis had found herself rambling on about what an asshole Cid was for taking away her teaching license. Zell, in a drunken state, confessed his love to Squall. Leonhart ended up leaving Rinoa at the balcony and disappeared somewhere with Zell. The two weren't seen until the day after, both looking a little too happy over a hangover.
And with Seifer moving to Fisherman's Horizon after everything had settled down, Zell had found comfort in the Ice King they now called Commander. Squall adored the spunky martial artist, even though he knew that part of Zell's heart still belonged to Seifer. Leonhart was somehow able to respect that, and Zell seemed to like him even more because he did.
All that Quistis knew, she understood completely. She figured there couldn't be any more to the whole thing. All that she didn't know, however, confused the hell out of her.
Maybe that's why her jaw dropped when she saw Seifer Almasy strut into the cafeteria as if he ruled the world.
He stopped near the entrance, letting his eyes take in the familiar setting. He'd had some good times in the cafeteria. Like when he had somehow convinced Zell to get a hamburger instead of his normal order of hotdogs. That had been a funny experience. Seifer's eyes fell on Quistis, and he smirked, walking over to her table. "Good afternoon, Trepe."
Quistis looked up at him. He was still the same old Seifer. Long gray trench coat. Dazzling emerald eyes. Over-confident smirk. Yes, he was still the same Seifer. "Nice to see you again, Seifer."
He nodded graciously and sat down at the table across from her. "What's a nice girl like you doing in a crappy place like Balamb Garden's cafeteria?"
Instructor Trepe rolled her eyes. "Grading papers."
Seifer looked at the papers beside her hands. "Fun?"
She shrugged. "As much fun as it could get."
He nodded again and began looking around the cafeteria. Something was missing…
Quistis studied his profile, watching as a brief sadness clouded his usually audacious eyes. "Zell will probably be back in a day or two," she told him quietly.
He turned back to her. "Tomorrow. I was in Squall's office when Chicken called to report that he and Selphie would be back."
"How are you?" Quistis inquired.
Seifer was quiet for a few moments, trying to figure out how to answer her question. In all actuality, he was the best he had been in years. He actually felt content. Okay, so he had tried to conquer the world with a crazed Sorceress. It wasn't exactly his fault. He smirked. "I'm fine, Quistis. Thanks."
"Fujin and Raijin?"
He sighed sadly. "They decided to stay in FH. Balamb life isn't really their ideal life."
She nodded in understanding. "Have you been to your dorm?"
"Uh-huh." He reached forward and lightly took the saltshaker in his hand. "Dropped off my bags. It's nice."
"Who's your roommate?"
"Squall gave me a single."
Quistis gave him a doubtful look but took his word for it. "Are you in any of my classes?"
"3rd Period, I believe," he said absently, shaking a bit of salt from the glass container. The little white flecks reminded him of the snow on the continent of Trabia. At the thought of Trabia, he was reminded that that's where Zell was. He really couldn't wait to see his ex-lover, even if it seemed that Squall now had his claim on him.
She was quiet, letting Seifer think about whatever he was thinking about that would give him such a serious face. He looked sad, depressed. Maybe he wasn't 'fine' like he had told her. "Zell missed you."
His attention left the salt on the table as he locked eyes with her. "I didn't mean to leave." And that was the truth. He had been possessed. He had no other choice but to leave. But of course he hadn't wanted to. He loved Zell, but his mind hadn't been under his own control. He had been called…to defend the Sorceress. He had been having nightmares a few weeks before he left. The nightmares had been filled with war and bloodshed. Someone had always been laughing in the dreams, laughing at him as he struggled to defeat SeeDs.
"He still missed you," she said, snapping him out of his thoughts. "He knew you didn't mean to leave, but it still hurt him. You and him should talk. Tomorrow when he comes home. Meet him. He's changed, Seifer. He has more control over his feelings. He's gotten better with his temper."
Seifer sighed and put the saltshaker down before standing. "Thanks, Trepe." He said it, though he didn't know why he was thanking her. "I'll see you in class tomorrow."
Quistis watched him leave, wondering if it had been wise to tell him to see Zell, especially with Zell still in a relationship with Squall. Surely Squall would understand that the two blondes had some catching up to do. She sighed to herself and looked back to her papers. Endless papers. She definitely needed a vacation.