Chapter 2 – Moving Right Along

Moving toward the back of the Library he came to Classics section. He picked up a book of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. Then moving on he grabbed two books of poetry and sat down at a table. After reading for a bit he made his decision. Okay, I'm not sure which play I want, but I can definitely use these two poetry books. He began to head toward the front only to turn around and grab another book featuring famous plays. Good. Satisfied with his selection, he walked to the front desk and presented the girl with his ID card. The pig-tailed girl didn't even bat an eye at Squall's new look, save for a slight blush that spread across her pale cheeks.

"Uh there you are, they're due back in two weeks time, you may call to check them out for an additional three days but after that you must come in to renew them if you wish."

Squall gave a slight nod, before grabbing the books and heading for the elevator. Once inside, he pressed the door close button but was stopped when a voice called out 'Hold.'

Xu rushed forward in and thanked Squall for waiting.

Glancing over she was eager to take in Squall's profile, as she had heard about his shocking new look from Quistis that morning. Hm, he does look nice but it's a bit unprofessional for someone considered the Commander of Garden. Cid will probably flip.

Her gaze then zeroed in on the books he held in his hands.

Funny, I never thought he'd be the type interested in poetry. Careful Xu don't start making assumption about people you barely know. It'll only make an…

Her thoughts were interrupted as the elevator came to a gentle stop and Squall stepped off the elevator.

Heading into his office, he found a box waiting for him sitting on his desk. Dropping the books in a chair off to the side, he quickly opened the box and looked over the clothes he bought from Slash & Burn located in Estar. Picking up the two pairs of bondage pants, he liked the red pair's strap best with the two red bands that attached firmly around his knees and the strap clipped onto them giving the illusion that he had little movement. However the black pair were just as nice, the straps hung from the waist and criss-crossed before attaching to the back of his knees.

A small grin graced his features as his eyes took in the alluring and provocative clothes. Things are certainly well under the way. All I need to do now is finish up some last minute work and I can focus on putting everything together. Picking up the different shirts, he marveled at their feel and quickly picked which pieces would be best to wear when he approached everyone. Finally, he picked up the straight jacket. It was similar to a real straight jacket but it could be worn a simple jacket with locks instead of zippers.

Putting his package away, he set to work on filling out forms and other documents concerning Garden.

Just as he was finishing up his work, someone knocked softly on his door.

"Enter"

The knob turned and Rinoa stepped in and walked forward to give him the usual greeting of a small peck on the lips, when she stopped dead in her tracks after taking in his form.

"How are you doing sweetie?"

"Fine."

"That's good, I like your hair honey. It's different but looks great on you." She continued to gush about his hair, before she finally continued her original greeting. Leaning over the desk, she planted her hand on either side of her and inclined her head to give him a rather sensual kiss. Pulling away, she walked around the desk and behind him to run hands through his soft locks, she purred in satisfaction as opposed to Squall's hidden dismay. This wasn't part of the plan but I can use this to my advantage.

Before Rinoa could go any further in her attempts at seduction, another person knocked on his door. "Tell them to come back later." He gaze her a look that left no room for argument.

"Come in."

Mrs. Dincht walked into Squall office and smiled softly at the couple. Her eyes were twinkling with amusement.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"No, Rinoa was just leaving."

Rinoa's eyes widen and she pouted softly before walking briskly out the office. She had to resist the urge to slam the door.

Zell's mother laughed softly at the young women's thinly veiled anger, before taking a seat in front of Squall's desk.

"Hello sweetie, honey child."

"Hi, I wasn't expecting you."

"Oh I know, my little Zelly took me out to lunch in Dollet of all places, and he wanted to show me around Garden a bit before heading back to town. Anyway, while I was there I found this cute little boutique that had magnetic earrings and other piercing. I remember you mentioned wanting to completely throw your friends for a loop and thought it would be interesting if you used these. You can pretend that you've always had them." Reaching into her purse she produced a small bag and handed it to him.

Squall was flabbergasted. It looks if she's having more fun with this than I am.

"Uh thank you, I don't know what to say."

"It's quite all right dear, helping you and my Zelly out every once in a while gives me purpose and reason to keep going."

Standing up she began to leave. "Now remember don't be a stranger."

Squall stood up as well. "I'll walk you to Zell's room."

"You don't have to dear, I can do it myself."

"No, it's quite all right." Besides it can help with my plans.

Squall walked down the hall arm and arm with Mrs. Dincht. Soon the hyperactive blonde came into view and slide to a stop a few feet away from the pair.

"Whoa, uh hey Ma, I didn't know you went to go visit Squall. I would have gone with you."

"Thanks okay honey, I was just saying hello."

"Yes, Ma Dincht is really nice."

Flashing a fanged smile, "Yeah she's the best!"

"Well come dear, it's time to go."

"Bye Squall."

Squall just watched the pair leave, before turning on his heel and heading back to his office to pick up his package and books.

Placing the book on a table in the living room, Squall laid the clothes out on a bed and proceeded to try them on. Grabbing the black pants first he was relieved that the fit was similar to his usual leather attire. Looking at his choice of shirts, he picked up the sleeveless fishnet shirt with bondage cuffs. Walking over to the full-length mirror he took a look at himself.

It's different, that's for sure. I don't really feel comfortable showing so much skin. However, it's not too bad, it could be worse. I kind of like it, I'll have to use this one for Quistsy, or maybe the other fishnet shirt. Hm, knowing her tastes this is guaranteed to achieve the desired effect. Wait, I can't forget the cocker. Reaching down he snapped it onto his neck. Not that completes the look, I want.

He continued to try on the different items that he purchased and mixed and matched until he found the best combination for everything except the red pants. Looking at them, he decided to try something different. Reaching into his closet he pulled out very long white oxford shirt, and a cropped black schoolboy's jacket with a Griever symbol on the back.

I practically forgot I had this thing. I bought this and then I found the black leather jacket and jeans. The rest was history. Stepping back in front of the mirror with the red bondage pants, oxford shirt hanging loosely and the jacket buttoned up and the black collar firmly around his neck. Grimacing slightly, he grasped the collar of the shirt and pulled it out from underneath of the jacket. A small smirk graced him features and a small chuckle escaped his lips. Now that's how Squall 'Iori Yagami' Leonhart should look. Striking a pose, his left hand rested on his hip, while his right hand ran through his black and red hair to stop on his forehead. Now to practice the laugh. All unstable men have a disturbing laugh. The smirk grew larger before he began to chuckle softly which increased in volume till it was a deep booming maniacal laugh. Stopping suddenly, he looked in the mirror at the figure before him. Oh yeah, they'll never know what hit them.

AN: If you would like to see exactly what Squall bought in this chapter, please check out my website under, fanfiction, ffviii, celebrity skin section. The link is in my profile.