[A/N Wow! This chapter isn't too long but it took me forever! The last part is about before when they were in the orphanage… that's what Quistis dreamt about that night. =) I have already half of the next chapter so it shouldn't take me too long to have it done. Also, those readers who like the Quistis X Squall pairing, just a warning, I, myself, like Quistis X Seifer pairing more so this fanfic is very likely to end that way. And you guys will be hearing more about Rinoa later on! Like I said, it's probably going to end as a Quiefer.]

Chapter 4: Already Missing You

"I guess you're stuck with me now, Trepe."

Those were Seifer's words accompanied by the door of Cid's office closing… or slamming.

Angrily, I stomped out to the elevator as Ainna, the secretary waved meekly to us. Yes, I said 'us'. I was supposed to bring Seifer to his room. He knew the way. He was a student before. He didn't deserve the nice treatment. Slowly though, I calmed down.

"We've gotten touchy, haven't we Trepe?" Seifer said in a mocking voice. "Or shall I say, Instructor?"

Until then, I had stayed silent, hoping that if I stayed quiet he would too… But apparently, I had overestimated his abilities.

"Seifer…" I began as coldly as I could, "…as long as you are my student," Hyne, I prayed that wouldn't be long. "I suggest you act as I tell you to. I do have power over you and I can get you out of this Garden. So now, I say show some respect or just shut the hell up."

At first, he was a loss for words but he covered it up with a smirk and then said sarcastically, "Oh, Instructor can't take it anymore, can she? I think I can tell when you're getting desperate. Don't worry… I'll behave so you can keep your beloved license."

I ignored him and just focused on walking as quickly as I could.

Finally we reached his room, Room #189. Unfortunately, we were delayed by two trepies (Seifer had smirked and laughed when they left) and Xu.

Again, another delay. Seifer left his key with Ainna. We had to go back upstairs and down. For a while, I thought he had done it on purpose… another way to frustrate the Instructor.

On the way back down, we spotted yet again those two trepies. And they just had to ask me once more on the lessons we were going to take in class tomorrow.

When Seifer was finally inside his room, I checked the clock. It had only been around twenty minutes. I sighed inwardly.

"Okay, Seifer… Tomorrow you will have your lessons. Kindly check your schedule and see in which of my classes you will be in." I requested.

"Do I have to?" He said in a childish tone. It wouldn't have gotten me mad at all if I wasn't in such a hurry to get out of there and into my bed.

"Almasy, just get the damn schedule."

"Well… since you asked so nicely…" He told me sarcastically then he started to look through the papers Cid had given him.

It took him forever to find it and then he handed it to me and I checked out the schedule for the next day.

12:30- History (Instructor Quistis Trepe/Classroom 2H)

2:00- Guardian Forces (Instructor Quistis Trepe/Classroom 2H)

3:30- Advanced Battle Skills (Instructor Quistis Trepe/Classroom 2D)

4:30- Magic and Junctions (Instructor Quistis Trepe/Classroom 2D)

"You have the afternoon classes." As if he was listening. "Don't be late. Also, at 5:30, when your last class ends you'll have to stay in the classroom and so will I. We'll have our discussion then."

Seifer smirked once more. I don't understand why he always does that. I narrowed my eyes.

"And don't cause any trouble in class. Remember, I'll be watching closely and any sign of trouble I will report to Cid."

"Of course, Instructor. I'm sure I won't be any trouble." He grumbled. "Like I'm sure they'll all want me there." He added under his breath but I heard him. For a moment, I looked at him and saw something more than imaginary devil horns on his head.

"Don't be late then. I'll see you tomorrow." My tone was a bit gentler and he didn't reply.

I closed the door behind me and then I let out a breath.

I walked to my room. It was a bit far since he's a non-SeeD and I'm an Instructor… But I made it… almost. There was one more interruption. This time, a wanted one.

"Hi, Squall." I smiled at him.

Squall was standing a few feet away from my room. He turned around and waved. "I was looking for you. Where were you?"

"Cid's office… here… Cid's office… escorting Seifer…" I sighed.

"Seifer?"

"Yes, he's here already. And now, I'm his Instructor. No need for the applause." I muttered.

"Why are…-"

He didn't have to ask. I already knew what he wanted to know. "Cid assigned me the job of being his Instructor since no one else can 'handle' the job. I'd like to know why he thinks they can't and I can, seeing that I'm the one who lost her license already once before."

Squall looked troubled for a moment then put on a smile which looked forced to me. "I'm sure you can do it if anyone can, Quisty."

I didn't say anything more. No need to spread the news about the private lessons just then.

"Why were you looking for me before?" I asked Squall.

"Oh, well… it's nothing… It might be hard to get someone to replace me but if you want me here…"

I looked at Squall, completely confused. "What? You aren't making any sense…-"

"Oh." He began to talk again. "See there's this long-term mission happening in maybe a week's time and the Garden Council requested that I participate and supervise. We're going to be searching and guarding different towns for signs of Galbadia. There have been threats and word is that Galbadia is up to something again… And I was going to accept but I thought that I should ask you if you're okay with being alone for maybe… a few weeks? But then you told me about Seif-"

"No… No!" I smiled, or I kind of plastered one on my face. "Go. I'll be totally fine. I'm independent. I can handle some time without you."

Squall still looked hesitant so I added, "I can take care of things on my own. Besides, I'm only being Seifer's Instructor… No big deal. I promise. And Selphie, Irvine, Zell and Xu will be here…And since when did decide to start acting like a father?" I joked.

He gave a small laugh. "Fine. I know I can handle everything there and you can handle everything here… You'll be fine. I won't go crazy."

"Really?" I pushed.

"Nope…" He grinned. "Definitely not. But if that's what you want…"

I laughed. "I'm already missing you. But you'll be fine and so will I. It's only a few weeks. You deserve this! You are the commander after all."

He didn't say anything.

"Then it's decided. You'll go and I'll stay." I told him.

"Quisty…" He complained.

I shook my head and kissed him.

"That's that. Now go! I need some rest." I smiled.

He shook his head but then smiled as well. "'Night, Quisty…" He whispered.

Squall left and I opened the door to my room. I disappeared as well but before that I noticed a dark figure disappearing into his room. Room #189.

Dream-Flashback

I put my hand to the window and shivered. It was cold. It was drizzling outside. The rain just didn't stop. It didn't stop… I became frustrated with it and frowned.

I turned around and saw Squall sitting down in a corner of the room.

I moved to him slowly. "Squall…?"

He didn't say anything. Didn't even look up.

He still missed Ellone. She had left only a week before.

"Are you okay, Squall…?" I asked as I sat down next to him and looked into his poor face. I felt extreme sympathy for him.

He still didn't say anything. He wouldn't look at me. I hoped I wasn't making him feel worse.

"I know Ellone, isn't here, Squall… But I will be." I said finally as a last attempt. "I'll be here for you."
I stood up and walked away. I had only taken a few steps when I heard someone whimper behind me.

"Quisty…?"

"Yeah, Squall?" I turned around and this time saw him looking straight into my eyes.

"Sis' used to protect me… But… she isn't here now, is she?" He looked so frightened. I hated to say no.

I shook my head.

Still, he held my gaze. "Quisty…?"
"Yes, Squall?"
"I used to be afraid when there were storms like this… It's loud and dark…" He looked outside. "Ellone used to be with me on days like now… She held my hand…" He whispered. "But she isn't here anymore, huh?"
I took a few steps forward and sat down once more next to him. "No…" I whispered. "But I'm here for you, Squall." I took his hand gently.

He looked down. Then after a moment he said, "Thank yoo, Quisty… Yoo'll be there to help me next time when Sis' is still gone, right?"

Squall needed so much reassurance. He needed me to confirm everything. Right then, he was just a scared, insecure boy.

"Yes… I'll always be there to save you…"