Disclaimer: I do not own FF8 in any way and all the characters from the
game are not mine.
AN: So sorry everybody, I've been so horribly busy with exams this week that I couldn't find time to update. Thank you all for the reviews of the last chapter. Here's chapter 15, enjoy!
Chapter 15: A threat worse than death Squall's POV
"Where is he? Where is he?"
"Over there! Quick!"
"Oh my gosh! He is SO CUTE!!!"
Damn, I knew it'd be coming. Sometimes having excellent hearing isn't such a good thing...but for some reason, it doesn't bother me as much as before. I don't really care anymore.
Things have already brightened up. People have found out about my metasite identity for roughly a week now and so far, it's been pretty good...aside from girlish comments such as those I just heard. Turns out metasites aren't such a big deal around here. They still have their own groups of friends and such unlike in Galbadia where metasites hung out with metasites and that was that.
However, metasites only show up at break times such as recess and lunch. I've only seen a few of them and I only know one of them personally. His name is Zell, Rinoa introduced me. Zell is hyperactive and people tell me he's the crappiest fighter out of all the metasites in the Garden. I've never seen him fight but judging by the way he handles his hormones, he can't be that good. Still, I've only spoken to Zell twice because most of the time he's out somewhere training with the rest of the metasites.
This particular morning, I was heading to my first class when I caught sight of Rinoa walking alone. My eyes focused and I could see every detail on her angelic face.
"Checkin' Rinoa out again?"
Irvine had "skillfully" snuck up on me. He likes to try to surprise me, it's a little game of his. Of course, if he could sneak up on me then I'd probably commit suicide out of shame. I noticed him coming about 5 minutes ago, I just didn't say anything.
"Nah, I'm not a perv like you." I countered. Actually, I had no idea how he knew I was watching Rinoa. Maybe it's just his own perverted instincts.
"Bullshit, everybody knows you guys are hopelessly in LOOOO-" what an idiot! He literally screamed that out! I stopped him by getting him into a light headlock.
"Shaddup Irvine!" I hissed. "Al-right...le..t.....go!" he choked.
I let him go and he straightened his jacket a little. He looked around to make sure nobody noticed. Lucky for me, Rinoa was almost at the classroom and didn't hear Irvine's loud exclamation.
"Why are you here anyways?" I asked. Irvine didn't hang around the first two levels of the Garden very often. Since he's the highest ranking SeeD here, he's usually off on missions or up in the headmaster's office.
"What? Aren't you glad to see me?" he laughed "I'm just messing around here, nothing much to do. Cid basically let me off the hook today."
"Oh, well I'm going to class. Later." I said.
"Hey, meet me in the Caf at recess, kay?" he said. He didn't even wait for a response and went walking off in the opposite direction.
I entered Quistis' classroom and took my seat across from Rinoa. Quistis wasn't there yet so everybody was talking and fooling around...everyone except me. I just kinda sat there with my head down and resting on the desk. I studied everyone in the room.
Jason and his buddies were in their little corner sniggering and laughing stupidly. Some kid was showing off magic and accidentally lit his bag on fire. Two boys were sitting in a corner playing Triple Triad. And Rinoa was right in front of me surrounded by her usual mass of friends. They were all talking about some chick flick they saw over the weekend. Rinoa looked a little bored because she didn't go to the movie and had no idea what they were talking about.
Rinoa turned and met my gaze.
My reflexes could have easily avoided looking at her, yet...I didn't do it. Why? I didn't know, all I knew was that at that moment, my world stood still for just a second. I just kept looking straight into those big brown eyes that seemed to hypnotize me. Then as quickly as it had come, that strange feeling was gone. It was like someone suddenly jacked up the volume because everything came rushing back to me.
I swear that in all my life, all the fights I've been in, and all the experiences I've had. Nothing, NOTHING, made me feel that way before.
"Good morning class" Quistis had entered.
I snapped out of my trance and began taking notes (Galbadia's rise to power). But subconsciously I kept thinking of that moment. Why? Why did she make me feel this way? Why her? Haven't I had my share of girlfriends? Why didn't any of them make me feel this way before? Do I even like Rinoa? Why should I care?
My head was almost spinning. I may look like I know a lot about a lot of things but once you stray into that dangerous zone where you're dealing with members of the opposite sex, then I'm screwed. I've learned how to manipulate people to my needs by making them happy. Words are powerful and when used properly can grant you many rewards, charm was one of the things they taught me at Galbadia Garden. I had no problem getting girls to fawn all over me. But deep down inside I knew that I didn't care about any of them. I'm actually clueless about all this lovey dovey stuff.
It was almost the end of the class and Quistis stopped us early.
"Okay, I guess most of you already know this but for those who don't, the annual SeeD banquet is coming up this Friday. You must all wear your formal clothes that were part of the shopping list sent to each of you at the beginning of term. Oh and one more thing, instructors cannot be asked to the ball this year." she added the last part with a small grin.
Four days, I had four days to go get my formal clothes. No problem. I can get my shopping done in four minutes, four days is overkill. I started to leave the classroom.
"Squall can I see you for a second please?" Quistis said.
"Uhh yeah sure." I responded. What did she want with me?
"Squall, I know you're new here and you've never been to the banquet. There are a few things you have to know about the banquet that I doubt anyone has told you yet." she said.
How did she know nobody told me yet?
"Okay, tell me then." I gave a short laugh. She made it sound like my life depended on this information or something. I looked at her and saw that she was looking at me with an extremely serious look. It can't be that bad...right?
"Squall, you have to have some formal clothes." no prob got it covered "you have to arrive at the Quad at 8 o' clock sharp." I can set my metasite to remind me "And you have to have a partner." ...a....p-partner?
"W-why do I need a partner? I can go to the bathroom by myself." okay, the joke wasn't very good but I needed to break the tension a little.
"It's a dinner and DANCE dummy. You can't dance by yourself!"
Uh-oh
"Oh...well I don't HAVE to dance right?" she just looked at me with a slightly sad look like she felt sorry for me.
"Right?" I asked again. "Tough luck Squall...find yourself a partner by Friday or we'll either find one for you or kick you out of Garden." she said.
"What??? Kick me outta Garden?! Why?! It's just a dance!" I exclaimed.
"Well, not really. This banquet is a big thing here at Balamb Garden. Officials from the other continents will be coming to this too. This is an extremely important event because we want to show the presidents of the other states how good our Garden is and we want everyone to be there. Plus, without going to the banquet, you're not a SeeD."
Ah crap. Guess I've got to go.
"Okay then, I'll find myself a partner..." I said darkly.
"Good, now you can go enjoy the rest of your recess." she said.
Who was I going to ask to go to the banquet with me? Surely everyone has dates by now. Everybody already knew it was coming so I guess they would have asked people to go with them by now. Besides, who did I want to ask? Well, the little voice in my head kept whispering "You know perfectly well who you'd LIKE to ask hehe". Rinoa was very pretty, a very good fighter, and also (unfortunately) very popular and well liked by everyone. Some guy like Jason would've taken her by now. I hung my head and headed for the cafeteria where I promised I'd meet Irvine.
Irvine was hanging around a couple of the other high ranked SeeDs. As usual he was the center of attention. I just kinda hung around waiting for him to finish making whatever smart-ass comment he was gonna make. When he was done, I approached him.
"You're late!" he said.
"Yeah I know, Quistis was chewing me out about going to this banquet thing on Friday."
He had a grin plastered all over his face and I knew whatever he had planned couldn't be good.
"Why do you want to see me here again? I mean, you could just talk to me when we get home." I asked even though I didn't want to know the answer.
"Well, as you already know about the banquet...then we won't waste any time..." he said evilly.
Crap. Does he think he's helping me?
"Squall, you need help man. And I'm gonna help you. Trust me, you don't know how lucky you are."
"Yeah, I bet I don't" I replied sarcastically.
"You see Rinoa over there?" what? Does he think I'm blind? "Yeah"
"Everybody knows there's a 'thing' going on between you two" he had his perverted look on again "and she doesn't have a partner for the banquet yet." he shot a wink at me.
She doesn't have a partner yet?
"No no no, I'll just get Quistis to pair me up with someone..." I said. To tell the truth I was just shy.
"Come on Squall, you've got to do this! Trust me, you don't want Quistis to pair you up with someone because all the good ones will be taken!"
Good ones??? Man, this guy WAS perverted!
"I don't care."
"Yes you do, now go or I'll suspend you from the Garden."
"Bull, you don't have that kind of privilege."
"Yes I do." he flashed a badge at me. But my metasite eyes could see clearly that it was just his driver's license.
"Nice try."
"Well, Quistis DOES have the privilege and I'm sure she would help me out in a case like this."
"Fine, then go to Quistis."
"No need, she's already here." Irvine said.
Quistis was entering the cafeteria as if right on cue.
"Go Squall, or I'll suspend you and you'll have to go back to Galbadia." she said with deadly venom dripping from her voice.
I sighed and approached Rinoa feeling as if I'd rather fight ten Raijins at once than face this dreadful task. It wouldn't even be so bad if Rinoa was alone. But I guess Irvine and Quistis wanted to see me ask her and get turned down. Their little joke probably...
"Uhhh Rinoa?" I said
All of her friends turned and faced me. I was controlling myself. Controlling myself so that I wouldn't suddenly whip out Lionheart and turn all her friends into hamburger meat because they kept giggling. Why do girls giggle like that anyways? Is it really that funny? "Yes Squall?" she was smiling but (fortunately) not giggling.
"W-wanna go to the banquet with me?" oh Hyne, that was the worst feeling I ever had in my life...the complete opposite of the feeling I got when I looked into her eyes that morning.
Giggling should be a crime damn it!
"Sure!" she said. She sure looked happy. That was not the reaction I expected since my way of asking her out was anything but smooth. But as much as I hated it, I'd achieved what I wanted.
Maybe I should thank Irvine and Quistis...
AN: OK, this chapter was put together from real life experiences by me =P Just like Squall, I'm not great at this lovey dovey stuff so give me some advice please! Thanks!
AN: So sorry everybody, I've been so horribly busy with exams this week that I couldn't find time to update. Thank you all for the reviews of the last chapter. Here's chapter 15, enjoy!
Chapter 15: A threat worse than death Squall's POV
"Where is he? Where is he?"
"Over there! Quick!"
"Oh my gosh! He is SO CUTE!!!"
Damn, I knew it'd be coming. Sometimes having excellent hearing isn't such a good thing...but for some reason, it doesn't bother me as much as before. I don't really care anymore.
Things have already brightened up. People have found out about my metasite identity for roughly a week now and so far, it's been pretty good...aside from girlish comments such as those I just heard. Turns out metasites aren't such a big deal around here. They still have their own groups of friends and such unlike in Galbadia where metasites hung out with metasites and that was that.
However, metasites only show up at break times such as recess and lunch. I've only seen a few of them and I only know one of them personally. His name is Zell, Rinoa introduced me. Zell is hyperactive and people tell me he's the crappiest fighter out of all the metasites in the Garden. I've never seen him fight but judging by the way he handles his hormones, he can't be that good. Still, I've only spoken to Zell twice because most of the time he's out somewhere training with the rest of the metasites.
This particular morning, I was heading to my first class when I caught sight of Rinoa walking alone. My eyes focused and I could see every detail on her angelic face.
"Checkin' Rinoa out again?"
Irvine had "skillfully" snuck up on me. He likes to try to surprise me, it's a little game of his. Of course, if he could sneak up on me then I'd probably commit suicide out of shame. I noticed him coming about 5 minutes ago, I just didn't say anything.
"Nah, I'm not a perv like you." I countered. Actually, I had no idea how he knew I was watching Rinoa. Maybe it's just his own perverted instincts.
"Bullshit, everybody knows you guys are hopelessly in LOOOO-" what an idiot! He literally screamed that out! I stopped him by getting him into a light headlock.
"Shaddup Irvine!" I hissed. "Al-right...le..t.....go!" he choked.
I let him go and he straightened his jacket a little. He looked around to make sure nobody noticed. Lucky for me, Rinoa was almost at the classroom and didn't hear Irvine's loud exclamation.
"Why are you here anyways?" I asked. Irvine didn't hang around the first two levels of the Garden very often. Since he's the highest ranking SeeD here, he's usually off on missions or up in the headmaster's office.
"What? Aren't you glad to see me?" he laughed "I'm just messing around here, nothing much to do. Cid basically let me off the hook today."
"Oh, well I'm going to class. Later." I said.
"Hey, meet me in the Caf at recess, kay?" he said. He didn't even wait for a response and went walking off in the opposite direction.
I entered Quistis' classroom and took my seat across from Rinoa. Quistis wasn't there yet so everybody was talking and fooling around...everyone except me. I just kinda sat there with my head down and resting on the desk. I studied everyone in the room.
Jason and his buddies were in their little corner sniggering and laughing stupidly. Some kid was showing off magic and accidentally lit his bag on fire. Two boys were sitting in a corner playing Triple Triad. And Rinoa was right in front of me surrounded by her usual mass of friends. They were all talking about some chick flick they saw over the weekend. Rinoa looked a little bored because she didn't go to the movie and had no idea what they were talking about.
Rinoa turned and met my gaze.
My reflexes could have easily avoided looking at her, yet...I didn't do it. Why? I didn't know, all I knew was that at that moment, my world stood still for just a second. I just kept looking straight into those big brown eyes that seemed to hypnotize me. Then as quickly as it had come, that strange feeling was gone. It was like someone suddenly jacked up the volume because everything came rushing back to me.
I swear that in all my life, all the fights I've been in, and all the experiences I've had. Nothing, NOTHING, made me feel that way before.
"Good morning class" Quistis had entered.
I snapped out of my trance and began taking notes (Galbadia's rise to power). But subconsciously I kept thinking of that moment. Why? Why did she make me feel this way? Why her? Haven't I had my share of girlfriends? Why didn't any of them make me feel this way before? Do I even like Rinoa? Why should I care?
My head was almost spinning. I may look like I know a lot about a lot of things but once you stray into that dangerous zone where you're dealing with members of the opposite sex, then I'm screwed. I've learned how to manipulate people to my needs by making them happy. Words are powerful and when used properly can grant you many rewards, charm was one of the things they taught me at Galbadia Garden. I had no problem getting girls to fawn all over me. But deep down inside I knew that I didn't care about any of them. I'm actually clueless about all this lovey dovey stuff.
It was almost the end of the class and Quistis stopped us early.
"Okay, I guess most of you already know this but for those who don't, the annual SeeD banquet is coming up this Friday. You must all wear your formal clothes that were part of the shopping list sent to each of you at the beginning of term. Oh and one more thing, instructors cannot be asked to the ball this year." she added the last part with a small grin.
Four days, I had four days to go get my formal clothes. No problem. I can get my shopping done in four minutes, four days is overkill. I started to leave the classroom.
"Squall can I see you for a second please?" Quistis said.
"Uhh yeah sure." I responded. What did she want with me?
"Squall, I know you're new here and you've never been to the banquet. There are a few things you have to know about the banquet that I doubt anyone has told you yet." she said.
How did she know nobody told me yet?
"Okay, tell me then." I gave a short laugh. She made it sound like my life depended on this information or something. I looked at her and saw that she was looking at me with an extremely serious look. It can't be that bad...right?
"Squall, you have to have some formal clothes." no prob got it covered "you have to arrive at the Quad at 8 o' clock sharp." I can set my metasite to remind me "And you have to have a partner." ...a....p-partner?
"W-why do I need a partner? I can go to the bathroom by myself." okay, the joke wasn't very good but I needed to break the tension a little.
"It's a dinner and DANCE dummy. You can't dance by yourself!"
Uh-oh
"Oh...well I don't HAVE to dance right?" she just looked at me with a slightly sad look like she felt sorry for me.
"Right?" I asked again. "Tough luck Squall...find yourself a partner by Friday or we'll either find one for you or kick you out of Garden." she said.
"What??? Kick me outta Garden?! Why?! It's just a dance!" I exclaimed.
"Well, not really. This banquet is a big thing here at Balamb Garden. Officials from the other continents will be coming to this too. This is an extremely important event because we want to show the presidents of the other states how good our Garden is and we want everyone to be there. Plus, without going to the banquet, you're not a SeeD."
Ah crap. Guess I've got to go.
"Okay then, I'll find myself a partner..." I said darkly.
"Good, now you can go enjoy the rest of your recess." she said.
Who was I going to ask to go to the banquet with me? Surely everyone has dates by now. Everybody already knew it was coming so I guess they would have asked people to go with them by now. Besides, who did I want to ask? Well, the little voice in my head kept whispering "You know perfectly well who you'd LIKE to ask hehe". Rinoa was very pretty, a very good fighter, and also (unfortunately) very popular and well liked by everyone. Some guy like Jason would've taken her by now. I hung my head and headed for the cafeteria where I promised I'd meet Irvine.
Irvine was hanging around a couple of the other high ranked SeeDs. As usual he was the center of attention. I just kinda hung around waiting for him to finish making whatever smart-ass comment he was gonna make. When he was done, I approached him.
"You're late!" he said.
"Yeah I know, Quistis was chewing me out about going to this banquet thing on Friday."
He had a grin plastered all over his face and I knew whatever he had planned couldn't be good.
"Why do you want to see me here again? I mean, you could just talk to me when we get home." I asked even though I didn't want to know the answer.
"Well, as you already know about the banquet...then we won't waste any time..." he said evilly.
Crap. Does he think he's helping me?
"Squall, you need help man. And I'm gonna help you. Trust me, you don't know how lucky you are."
"Yeah, I bet I don't" I replied sarcastically.
"You see Rinoa over there?" what? Does he think I'm blind? "Yeah"
"Everybody knows there's a 'thing' going on between you two" he had his perverted look on again "and she doesn't have a partner for the banquet yet." he shot a wink at me.
She doesn't have a partner yet?
"No no no, I'll just get Quistis to pair me up with someone..." I said. To tell the truth I was just shy.
"Come on Squall, you've got to do this! Trust me, you don't want Quistis to pair you up with someone because all the good ones will be taken!"
Good ones??? Man, this guy WAS perverted!
"I don't care."
"Yes you do, now go or I'll suspend you from the Garden."
"Bull, you don't have that kind of privilege."
"Yes I do." he flashed a badge at me. But my metasite eyes could see clearly that it was just his driver's license.
"Nice try."
"Well, Quistis DOES have the privilege and I'm sure she would help me out in a case like this."
"Fine, then go to Quistis."
"No need, she's already here." Irvine said.
Quistis was entering the cafeteria as if right on cue.
"Go Squall, or I'll suspend you and you'll have to go back to Galbadia." she said with deadly venom dripping from her voice.
I sighed and approached Rinoa feeling as if I'd rather fight ten Raijins at once than face this dreadful task. It wouldn't even be so bad if Rinoa was alone. But I guess Irvine and Quistis wanted to see me ask her and get turned down. Their little joke probably...
"Uhhh Rinoa?" I said
All of her friends turned and faced me. I was controlling myself. Controlling myself so that I wouldn't suddenly whip out Lionheart and turn all her friends into hamburger meat because they kept giggling. Why do girls giggle like that anyways? Is it really that funny? "Yes Squall?" she was smiling but (fortunately) not giggling.
"W-wanna go to the banquet with me?" oh Hyne, that was the worst feeling I ever had in my life...the complete opposite of the feeling I got when I looked into her eyes that morning.
Giggling should be a crime damn it!
"Sure!" she said. She sure looked happy. That was not the reaction I expected since my way of asking her out was anything but smooth. But as much as I hated it, I'd achieved what I wanted.
Maybe I should thank Irvine and Quistis...
AN: OK, this chapter was put together from real life experiences by me =P Just like Squall, I'm not great at this lovey dovey stuff so give me some advice please! Thanks!