Chapter 7 – Trumping Instructor Trepe

Quistis sat on her sofa while grading several assignments. She was glad that she held off on giving her students an extra essay. Idly she looked up at the wall clock to her left. 9:02 pm on a Friday night and I'm stuck her checking papers. It's not quite the most ideal activity. "I wish I was doing something else. At the least somewhere else…" Sighing softly she turned her returned her gaze to the last two papers in the pile. Miss Summers is doing quite well but it's seem Mr. Avalrez is once again in danger of failing. I'll recommend him to a tutor, he'll never make SeeD with these grades. Setting the papers down on the wooden coffee table, she rubbed her eyes and glanced at the clock once more. 9:20 I have a long night ahead of me and only my thoughts to keep me company.

Standing up, she began to clean the apartment in an attempt to starve off the impending boredom. As she placed the graded papers into a folder, she noticed a doodle that she had taken from a student earlier that evening, sticking out of her briefcase. She didn't bother to look at it when she took the drawing and admonished her student for not playing attention in class. She placed the paper on the table and went to the kitchen to get some lemonade and candied yams. She enjoyed the odd yet satisfying combination of sweetness and the mouth puckering sourness of the lemonade.

Once she returned to the couch, she picked up the drawing again and finally took a look at it. It was a drawing of a dog in a straight jacket, written around it were a series of words. "Lying in your arms, so close together, didn't know just what I had. Now I toss and turn, because I'm without you. How I'm missing you so bad. Where was my head? Where was my heart? Now I cry alone in the dark…." She trailed off she continued reading the lyrics to song. It sounded vaguely familiar, but she couldn't place it. At the corner of picture, she saw the initials R.S. "whose initials are R.S? Royce? No that's Banner. Oh it's not important. Ending that brief tangent. She picked up the dish and ate in relative silence. As she ate and drank, her gaze settled on the picture once more. I wonder why they chose a straight jacket? Suddenly a memory of an event that happened a mere two or three days ago found its way back to her immediate thoughts.

flash back

Quistis stood patiently in the secret area inside the training center. Once again she was waiting for Squall. Well, he asked me this time, I suppose it's all right. She rubbed her hands subconsciously along her arms, remembering Squall's seemingly cold and indifferent attitude toward her when she reached out to him. She didn't have much time to dwell on that line of thinking, as Squall appeared in the room, shutting the heavy metal door behind him.

He walked in and took a seat against the back area of the room. He placed his elbows on his knees and grasped his head in his hands for a moment. When I started this, I had only intended on getting everyone back, but now it seems that I'm mixing in personal truths along with my new persona. The lines are blurring more and more. I guess it's not so bad, maybe I'm 'finding' myself now. Though I thought I all ready knew myself, but I guess I didn't. This experience is making me realize things about myself that I thought were better left buried. One of those buried feelings is surfacing today. A part of me wants to be with Quistis but another part rather go it alone. Will I deny myself, to save myself? Or am I condemning myself by denying myself? He shook his head and took a deep breath. I don't know what to do, but I know what I want…

Quistis took the time to study her long time friend/student. She knew that he was lost in thought, engaging in no doubt a rather lengthy debate with himself. While allowing him his time, she took in his latest ensemble. Once again he sported the black bondage pants, however he wore a different top today. The black top or jacket looked like it was fashioned after a straight jacket of all things. She could see a small lock sticking from the collar of the shirt. I wonder if he can make it like a real straight jacket. Her eyes roamed over his still form and noticed latches on the sides of the arms that suggested that the jacket could be used similar to a real one, which intrigued her greatly.

Once his resolve was set, he stood up and faced the women that he had been a part of his life for so long, yet never really took the chance to truly known. Cocking his head to the side, he threw his black and red hair out of his face, allowing him a better look at her. She must have just come from class, she's still wearing her uniform.

"I guess you're wondering why I asked you here?"

"The thought has crossed my mind from time to time."

"Yes, the last time we were here, I proved myself worthy of being called the ice prince." He flashed a small unsettling smile that was full of self-depreciation mixed with a hint of another emotion. It was gone too fast for her to really analyze it. He once again was his stoic self.

"I must admit, I was… hurt by your words, but I forgave you long ago."

His hair fell back in her face effectively covering his eyes. "I didn't ask for forgiveness."

She was a bit shocked on the inside, but she kept a mask of indifference for all outward appearances. She began to retort to the statement, but was stopped, as he moved forward so that their bodies were a few inches apart. "You shouldn't have forgiven me. I don't deserve it."

She tried to look into the young man's eyes, but the curtain of hair that shadowed him seem like a impenetrable barrier between them. I'll have to thread carefully, or he's bound to withdraw into himself.

"Did you come her to discuss the merits or lack there of, for moral grievances that are better left in the past or something else?" Her toned softened as she noticed the slight tensing of his body from her previous words. "I all ready forgave you, you never had to ask." Impulsively she reached out and placed a hand on his shoulders.

Squall head shot up and unveiled his stormy gray and blues and that churned with emotions to Quistis.

"You're right, I came here to discuss us."

"What about us?"

He took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. He grasped her hand in his and met her gaze.

"I've been waiting to do this, but I couldn't and wouldn't with Rinoa still in the picture. I knew we wouldn't work out, but I chose to never pursue another while all ready engaged in a relationship. Truthfully, I expect you to slap me or worse and send me on my way. I'll accept it." He once again flashed the smile from earlier. "However, I hope you can look past our 'moral grievances of the past' and give me a chance."

Letting go of her hand, he took a step back, and allowed her some space.

The young woman was completely floored by the admission. I haven't felt this drained since fighting Diablos. Does he expect to make a decision now? He better not expect me to run into his arms like a giddy schoolgirl. He knew my feelings and yet he acts now. Wait, I shouldn't let the past cloud my future. Though I'll need time.

"Well Squall, I won't hurt you, though I'm sorely tempted to exact some kind of punishment upon you. I'd rather think about your proposal. You do understand it's a lot to take in. Give me some time to think and I'll let you know."

He nodded his head once, and turned his back to her to look out over the railing. "Thank you, for forgiving me." He then turned and walked out of the room.

end flash back

Even though I asked for time, I had all ready decided to give Squall a chance. Though there's nothing wrong with making his sweat a little. Snapping out her thoughts, she realized there was a light knocking at her door. She quickly took her dishes into the kitchen before going to answer the door.

She was quite surprised when she came face to face to the subject of her thoughts. She gasped softly as she took in his appearance. He was wearing tight black leather pants with red stars along the legs. He had on a sleeveless fishnet shirt with straps that extended from the shoulders to black cuff on his wrist. He stood in the entryway and placed his hand on the doorway and looked the Instructor up and down, as she wore a pair of blue camouflage lounge pants and a gray garden t-shirt. He flashed her a mysterious smile, before entering the room. The lines continue to blur. I guess things are in grayscale now. I know I want to be with Quistis but I have to finish what I started…I guess I'll just have to mix business with pleasure. I doubt she'll be too upset later; after all, I'm being truthful with her.

He stalked forward in one fluid motion and shut the door with a light kick of his foot and with his left hand he quickly locked it. Their eyes met, and he held her gaze as he advanced toward her.

Quistis was slightly startled but more or less intrigued by Squall's strange behavior. She had no inclination that he would harm her.

Closing the gap between them, he wrapped his long arms around her frame and hugged her to him before relaxing his grip and resting his hands on her hips. Noticing her lack of movement in regards to her wanting him to stop, he took the initiative to continue. He leaned his head in and took in her alluring scent. His hair brushed her neck and face as he nuzzled her lightly. Pulling his head away from her, he gently blew on her left ear, causing her breathing to hitch and her small frame to shiver softly in his grip. Instinctively her arms wrapped around him as well. She ran her nails up and down the back of Squall's thin shirt, tickling the skin, causing him to growl softly.

He pulled away and looked into her eyes. He lofted one eyebrow in a silent question, and a seductive smile graced his lips, before using his hand to incline her head. He took note of her wide eyes, similar to being a deer caught in headlights and something he couldn't really identify. Inching forward, there lips met in their first kiss. Moments later they briefly pulled apart. He backed her up against a wall and continued his delicate assault.

Squall ran his hands lightly against her arms while he continued to nuzzle against her. Feeling daring, he grasped her hands and brought them above her head and held them against the wall with his hands. He studied her for a moment, making sure that he didn't overstep his boundaries. I have to be careful, I don't want to scare her off permanently. Finding no real hint of an argument, he leaned in and gave her a soul-searing kiss upon the lips once more. Using his other hand, he stroked her hair lovingly in his grasp before letting his fingers slide softly down the nape of her neck. Once he removed his hands, he placed gentle kisses along her collarbone and along neck before he met her lips once more. He then removed his grip from her hands and took a step back. He looked at her a moment before flashing a mischievous smile. He ran a hand threw his wild hair, before stalking forward in a similar manner and whispering in her ear. "A hint of things to come." She made a move to speak, but he placed a finger between their lips and leaned forward once more as if to kiss her. Dropping his hand, he backed away, unlocked the door and left.

Hearing the door click shut, Quistis brought a trembling hand to her lips. "Oh my, what just happened here?" Through out the whole escapade, her brain seemed to be out to lunch. Now that she was once again alone, her mental faculties returned. Squall Leonhart seduced me…That's not possible! But it did happen. If he had taken it any further. I don't know what I've would've done. She tried to ignore the small voice in her head that whispered and echoed her true thoughts and feeling on the matter. No, I didn't enjoy in the very least. I most certainly do not wish to engage in such activities with HIM of all people. Once again the voice spoke in hushed tones about dominance and submission. Her thoughts took on an indignant tone. I submit to no one… Thankfully the annoyingly truthful voice didn't respond. Sighing in relief she locked her door and decided to go to bed early tonight. She went through her nightly ritual of turning off brushing her hair, teeth and turning off the lights, before climbing into bed.

As she lay on her navy blue satin sheets, she willed herself to sleep, however as she drifted along the calming seas of slumber the voice spoke one last time. We don't submit to anyone except Squall, of course he doesn't get to have all the fun…Groaning quietly in her sleep, she turned over and drifted off to sleep. However, her dreams were filled with images of a certain black and red haired SeeD.

The next morning Squall woke up early and dressed in his standard Iori gear. Which consisted of the red bondage pants, white oxford shirt, jacket and collar. Making his way to the cafeteria for breakfast, he took a detour to the faculty living quarters and left a single red rose in front of Quistis' door. Grinning widely to himself, he continued to his original destination. Grabbing a bowl of cereal and red apple, he sat down at their usual table and awaited his friends' arrival.

All too soon, his friends arrived; Quistis was noticeably a few minutes later than usual as she approached the table. The small rose wasn't with her, but that fact didn't affect Squall. As she approached he stood up from his seat and met her a few feet away from the table. Smiling wanly, he hooked his arm with hers and led her to the table, where he pulled out the chair for her in a classic act of chivalry. Quistis tolerated the special attention but was every watchful of straying hands, after last night's stunt she wasn't quite sure of her unofficial boyfriend. Lovers more like it…She ignored the offhanded thought and focused on eating the small breakfast that Selphie had grabbed her while she was in line.

When they reached the table, Selphie's eyes were practically sparkling. "Aw that's so cute, what have you guys been up to huh?"

Squall just shrugged his shoulders, while Quistis froze for a moment before continuing to pill her orange. "Nothing, can't two friends be courteous to one another?"

"There's nothing wrong with be nice but I'd say you two have something going on. It's evident in the way you're acting."

"Irvine, I commend you're analytical skills but you seem to be off center today."

Selphie gave her blond haired friend a look that screamed, 'we'll talk later,' before turning to Irvine in order to get him off her case. "Why don't you do anything like that for me huh?"

The cowboy just put a hand to his face and sighed softly.

"Face it bud, you walked right into that one."

Squall just continued to act oblivious to the subject of conversation while eating his breakfast. Time to have a bit more fun.

"Quistis, could you hand me a napkin?"

Her blue eyes widen and then narrowed, as she mentally dissected the words to make sure there was no thinly veiled innuendos beneath the simple request. Satisfied that there were none, she handed it to him. When their fingers lightly touched, a faint blush spread across her cheeks and she stared accusingly at Squall. However, the young man seemed ignorant of her gaze and continued to eat his apple in peace.

Unbeknownst to the two, Irvine was still watching their movement closely. I know there's something going on between those two and this whole situation seems weird. I just can't place my finger on it, but I'll figure it out sooner or later.

Setting down the apple momentarily, Squall addressed the table. "I'm sure you guys remember my last play?"

Various mummers of acknowledgement were heard.

"Well I was thinking on putting another play."

Zell was the first to speak. "Oh I think that'll be great, you're last one was a big success. What's it going to be about? Is it one man again?"

"Oh it's about a little bit of everything. Friendship, betrayal, love, lust."

Upon hearing love and lust, Quistis turned her head to gauge Squall's demeanor. He calmly took a bite out of his apple and didn't display any outward signs of change.

Selphie smiled on the outside; internally she was a bit worried about the show Squall would put on. "Oh that's okay Squall you don't have to put on another play. You did an excellent job last time, you deserve a break."

Oh no Selphie you're not getting rid of me that easily.

"It's no problem I want to do it. Besides I'll have a partner this time, Seifer. Well I have to go now, I'll be in my office if you need me."

Standing up, he dumped his tray and left his friends to discuss Squall's latest request for a play.

"Oh guys, I don't know whether to be happy or worry."

"Cheer up Selph, the crowd loved it last time."

"But Zeeellllll, this is different. His plays are bizarre; I mean bleeding hearts and trees that turned black. Not to mention the whole Angelo killing him thing."

"Maybe he was just showing his creative side?"

"Face it partner, this is a one sided battle."

"Tch fine, but I liked it and there's definitely nothing wrong with Squall."

The three friends looked at the martial artist for a moment.

"Zell sweetie, no one said anything was wrong with him."

He gulped nervously at Quistis' questioning glance.

"I was just saying…"

Irvine decided to jump in and save his friend from trying to weasel his way out of a rock and hard place. "Okay, we're not here to discuss Squall's behavior, that can wait. I mean it's not like he's been acting weird lately except maybe a change in dress."

The other three SeeDs suddenly found their hair, nails and wall of profound interest at the cowboy's words.

If you only knew what he did last night.

Tch, he wouldn't be saying that if Squall was trying to steal your Mom and piercing himself in your bathroom.

How can he say that, or did he completely disregard that play? Guys are so dense!

"You're right. We can't sit here talking about Squall behind his back. Asking Seifer if he's noticed anything may work. For all that macho man bravado, I believe those two are quite close."

"That's a good idea Quistis, why don't you ask him? He wouldn't really talk to Zell and well I don't know him that well."

"It's okay, I'll do it. You and Irvine both transferred here and besides he was my student." Now I just have to find him and get a straight answer out of him. I have a feeling this will be like pulling teeth.

AN:Okay, that's chapter 7. What better way to rattle the Instructor than by doing the one thing she least expected from the Ice Prince? I guess I'd like to say that you've probably noticed that Squall's behaviour in getting revenge seems to get a bit crazier with everyone chapter. Of course, that was the intention to get to a point where his friends really question his actions and can't easilybrushthem off as being harmless. So hang in there! There's a total of 12 chapters, we're almost done. Just remember when you reach the top there's no where else but down.

BTW Next update will be 2 chapters!
Also, thank you to everyone who reads this, even my fellow lurkers, and reviews. waves Thanks for adding me to your favorites and such, it makes me feel special.

FloralBlackMoon: I'm glad you liked it. :D

SsKnight: Sorry about the cringe factor but Squall has to distance himself from his natural persona for the hybrid to work. That's why they're fake, so it's nothing permanent. Though, I'm glad you liked the Squall and Zell interactions. Thanks for the applause as well. :D

Squall-1-1: Yep, it's the girls up next.

Daniel Wesley Rydell: Hm, interesting challenge. I just may take you up on that offer but that would have to be ina one-shot companion fic to this one. Right now, everything is pretty much planned out.

Zer0 Touma: kicks out another chapter

Emerald-Latias: Thanks for checking my spelling and such. I'm glad you liked the Quistis resisting part. The reason why I had Squall get pierced was just another way for me to distance him from Squall and make him closer to the hybrid form. Also it serves to help distance him from his friends. As far as Rinoa was concerned, he was going to break up with her before the prank, it was just an opportune moment.