AN: Thank you to those who have been kind enough to offer reviews. I was hoping for more with the last chapter, but i guese you take what you can get right? I hope this next chapter is better, though i believe it is still filled with some OOCness. Don't worry, i will try to get it down sooner or later. :-) Please Read and Review.
Rinoa had to drag herself out of her bed this morning, the thrill of being a new student at the Esthar Garden now long gone. Classes had started on a Thursday for whatever reason, making it that much harder to pull herself out of bed on a Friday. "Why did they have to make these beds feels so damn good if they expect us to get up this early?" Half asleep she slid off her pajamas and entered her private shower, a bonus for being in the A wing.
The warm water certainly didn't make the waking up process any easier as it gushed upon her without mercy though it did freshen her up. Quickly and quietly she dressed herself in her SeeD uniform once more and headed towards the room she had spent so much time in last night, hoping to catch this strange Squall before his classes start.
Her knocks were unanswered but she anticipated as much, thinking senior classman must have earlier hours. 'I wonder where he transferred in from. Oh! He may be in the cafeteria. It does feel a bit early for anyone to have class now. Hyne, if I can convince a senior classman to help me, I'll be that much closer to my goal. Don't worry guys, I haven't forgotten you.'
She ran down to the cafeteria to find it was still mostly empty, the majority of Garden still feeling too sleepy to even consider eating. She shrugged and decided to start the morning off right with a full breakfast. Today would be a busy day. She needed to decide upon her weapon of choice. Rinoa gave the cafeteria worker a half-hearted good morning and a near lop-sided smile on the side as she gathered a well balanced feast and made her way to the register
To her pleasant surprise the prices of the food had dropped, and considerably so. While the Garden did provide money for its students, it was nothing to brag about. 'Things are starting to look up.' She took a seat at one of the many empty tables and began eating her meal but it didn't take long for her to feel a little bored. Eating just wasn't as much fun when you're alone, even if nothing was being said. She sighed and looked around, absorbing her surroundings when she noticed him walk in and grab his own meal off the cafeteria line.
She instantly felt the need to wave him over and join her, but something told her he wouldn't respond well to that. She waited for him to find a suitable seat, which ended up keeping his back towards her as he sat far in the corner of the cafeteria. She stood up with her tray and approached Squall who seemed to be lost in thought. Feeling a little mischievous she tapped him on the right shoulder and sat down to his left while he was distracted. Comdr. Squall Leonhart, savior of the world, son of the President of Esthar, and arguably the strongest warrior on the planet, was ambushed by a tiny spunky woman.
"Morning!" she chirped.
'Dear god, does she have an off button?' he thought, only nodding to acknowledge her presence.
"Sleep well?" she enquired, but couldn't help but wonder why she actually cared.
Squall only shrugged, hoping that would keep her quiet. 'Why does she keep bothering me? Doesn't she realize if I wanted talk to someone I wouldn't have picked a seat in the far corner in an empty room!' and yet despite his thoughts, he didn't find himself asking her to leave nor be quiet.
"I slept well, those beds are so comfortable, much nicer than what I'm used to. Although I wish classes didn't start so early. I mean who could concentrate at this hour and expect to be awake the entire day? Oh well, I suppose its just one of those things you got to deal with no matter how much you dislike it. All part of being a SeeD I suppose. Oh and ya know what? I got to figure out what kind of weapon I want to specialize in soon. It's not exactly the easiest choice to make when you've never really fought before. Most of the new students never even touched a weapon before and now here we got to make a decision in just a few days! I'm told it's hard to change your mind later, but you already know that don't you?"
'Does she ever stop talking? If this is her sleepy I'm sure she could intimidate Selphie when fully awake.' Thought Squall who looked rather disinterested in the entire conversation. He continued to just sit there as she talked about anything and everything that happened to cross her mind, not even noticing he stayed long after his plate emptied. He didn't even notice the cafeteria fill out as the time for class quickly approached.
"And I really can't wait till this first week is over, then we can stop wearing these SeeD uniforms to class. They are nice and everything but not as comfortable as my own clothes. Oh crap! Look at the time. Classes will be starting in half an hour. Gotta run! I enjoyed this date too." She leaned over to give him a little pat on the cheek but failed miserably as Squall fell off his chair and onto the floor. The boisterous noise that echoed within the cafeteria swallowed up the mere clanging of just another clumsy fool falling off his chair.
"Very suave Squall" Her voice was drenched with sarcasm as she eyed the fellow student as if he were an incapable idiot. "Anyways, bye." She ran off out of the cafeteria and towards class, blushing like mad and masked her head between her hands. 'When did I suddenly become so bold and open with guys! Especially one who doesn't exactly do or say much. What's his problem anyways? Am I not good enough for his company? I'll show him! Oh well, I'll just keep talking till he decides to listen, that big meanie!'
A half-hour later Rinoa sat in her only class of the day, listening to everyone introduce themselves to one another. As they neared the last person, a messenger knocked on the classroom door and handed the instructor a note. Quistis read it several times trying to make sure she got the message right, she had. The signature on the bottom of it made it official. 'What's going on? It's not like Squall to do things like this…'
"Alright class, Listen up, I have some announcements to make. You can all leave afterwards" A round of applause broke through. "Settle down, settle down. Firstly, it seems that classes will be held one hour later in the day starting next week." An even louder round of cheers followed, along with the reverberation of cheers from other classes. "Also, it seems that many students have had problems deciding their weapon of choice. Because of this, several demonstrations will be held based on your last name. Room assignments and times will be posted outside. It is highly suggested you attend. Actual SeeDs will conduct the demonstrations. That is all"
Quistis had barely finished when the vast majority of her students ran out the door. Rinoa strolled out leisurely feeling much of her earlier tension lifted from her shoulders. 'Wow, I'll never call that power of the spoken word a farce again.' She smiled and nodded to her instructor who returned the gesture, and waited for the crowd outside to disperse before she found her room assignment for the weapon's demonstration. 'Hmm, it's in an hour from now. I guess ill just explore a little until the time arrives.'
Forty minutes later a very annoyed Squall was sitting in one of the demonstration rooms with a few caged bloodthirsty monsters. 'Why did this have to happen to me?' The instructor he had picked for the section had to suddenly return to his original Garden on official business. 'Just my luck'
A few minutes later the room started to fill with students who eyed the SeeD in front of them. Squall kept his back to them as much as possible, only wishing to lay out the assortment of weapons into place. He was about to begin when one particular student rushed in and politely pushed her way to the front to get the best possible view.
"Sorry! Sorry! I lost track of time and…Squall?' 'He's not an upperclassman, but an actual SeeD? But he is so young, then again so is Instructor Trepe. Perfect. This defiantly works in my favor.'
"Very good, my name is Squall and I will be demonstrating the weapons today, so listen up. I will be fast, concise, and I will not repeat myself." The majority of the girls swooned as he spoke, captivated by his deep voice and commanding presence, while most of the guys admired the scar on his face, an heirloom of battle.
"As I'm sure you all know, each weapon is synced up to the user that holds it. As you get stronger, so will your attacks. Each weapon has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's get started." His eyes darted around the room, never allowing itself to focus on any one person in particular. Especially her. She seemed so eager to learn with those big wide puppy-dog eyes and a smile he remembered from last night.
"First lets start off with the most basic weapon" He held up a pair of gloves and began his explanation. Rinoa was rather stunned at this sudden turn of events but willed herself to take notes. She had asked for some information, so she better make the most of it. Squall commented and demonstrated each weapon, using each one to kill a monster, making sure to tell every student they will have a time to examine and hold all but one weapon before the day is out.
"Finally that brings us to the Gunblade." For this, he pulled out his own personal gunblade and held it up for all to see. "This particular one is a very advanced model, a one of a kind." His voice almost had a sense of pride as he talked about it. The Lionhart glowed an icy blue light from within it, causing Rinoa to wonder if batteries were sold separately and giggle to herself.
"Arguably the most dangerous personal weapon available, it is recommended only for the most serious students who wish to get up close and personal to their opponents. Unlike the regular blade you saw before, the gunblade can fire a bullet when timed correctly resulting in increased damage. Now to demonstrate." He released the cages for 7 different monsters simultaneously much to the horror of the students, but their shock was quickly unjustified as the SeeD quickly dealt with all his opponents.
"As you can see it is a deadly weapon. This category requires special permission from your instructor, filling a release form, as well as the commander's approval. It is not likely there will be any gunblade candidates. You may now examine the weapons with the exception being my gunblade. I will not be taking any questions, so do not bother to try asking." His cold attitude had won over the rest of the girls who had failed to swoon earlier, however a few of the boys here were ticked at his cockiness.
His attitude had little to do with the cockiness that everyone else seemed to observe. He just didn't care. Who passed and who failed was not his concern. Only those who could handle matters on their own really deserved to graduate. If people came to hate them, let him. If they learned to fear him, it was for their betterment. If they learned to rely on themselves over anyone else, he could care less but rest assured they had learned something from their time at this garden.
Squall found a seat where he could observe the students handling the weapons, making sure no one would hurt themselves or anyone else for that matter. Like it or not, he was responsible. His concentration split as his mind began racing 'Why did I release so many gnats at once? Who was I trying to impress? Wait, I was trying to impress someone?' Squall Leonhart doesn't need to show of for anyone.
Completely lost in thought he soon forgot about watching over the students, and once again failed to notice the assault of a voluptuous raven-haired beauty. "You were really good you know."
"I told everyone not to bother talking to me." He stated while avoiding eye contact.
"Actually you told everyone not to bother asking you questions. I'm just talking to you for your amazing conversational skills" she replied facetiously, folding her arms snugly into themselves. "So you're an actual SeeD huh?" She was trying not to act impressed.
He didn't respond, he had said he wasn't answering any questions. "Oh right, my mistakes. You don't answer questions. Oh well. Ya know, you don't have to be so cold and serious all the time. It wouldn't kill you to smile every once in a while."
"I wouldn't want to risk it." 'Did I just make a joke?'
Coincidentally Rinoa just thought the same thing just before giggling out loud this time. 'Did he just make a joke?'
"You can be quite charming when you want to be."
"Whatever"
Soon their little conversation was noticed by a few of the girls, who didn't want to lose out on talking to someone like him! The two were soon surrounded by various students eager to get their two cents in, clearly making Squall uncomfortable, so he abused what little power he held in such a situation. "Dismissed!" He was able to clutch on to the distant mannerisms he had relied on so far despite her distracting presence.
The students quickly dispersed from the area, clearly afraid of the harshness easily found within his voice. Rinoa however was not going to be so easily intimidated. "Alright well, I guess I'll see you around then, right? Remember, I know where you live" One of Rinoa's classmates quickly bobbed her head into the door "Come on Rinoa, if you don't hurry, the cafeteria will be all out of hotdogs!"
"Coming!" her voice sang. She gave Squall a little smile and a wink, once again leaving the Comdr. dumbfounded. That alone was an especially difficult task.
Squall had obscured himself in his office to take care of administrative duties, but mostly to find some alone time having already spent way too much time both speaking and around people for his liking. He didn't bother hiding his annoyance when a slender blond woman barged into his door unannounced and took a seat without even being asked.
"So what's up Squall? What's with all the changes?" she asked while leaning forward.
Squall angrily put down his pen and shook his head. "You know, most people knock and come in only when announced."
"I'm different"
Squall muttered under his breath "no kidding"
"What was that?" Quistis asked bitterly though now arching an eyebrow.
"I said whatever. Now then, do you have any problems with the changes?" Amazing, he could be in charge and still be questioned on every decision he made.
Quistis now felt comfortable enough to lean back in her chair and respond in a friendlier manner "Actually no, by all means I think they were good decisions. I'm just surprised you were able to break away from your beloved routines."
Squall took quick offense to that statement. That in itself confused him, he wasn't supposed to care what other people thought. "What are you talking about? I'm not bound to anything, much less routine. You're the one who always called me the rebel, the lone wolf, remember?"
"Oh please Squall, you're the same guy that had the same daily routine every year at Garden when you were both a student and the commander. So sue me if I find it hard that you would change the cafeteria prices, delay class and hold these weapon education seminars."
"Aren't I the one who single-handedly changed the future? I think a few minor changes here or there wouldn't raise much alarm." This conversation was clearly a waste of his time.
Now it was Quistis who snapped back, "Hey, you had backup you know, we were more than just sideline cheerleaders. But don't you try and change the subject. What's going on?" She didn't bother to tell him to be honest. Squall never lied, that is when he spoke at least.
"None of your business." He picked up his pen and pretended to scan the documents that laid before him.
"You know I won't leave until you tell me." Squall just continued to fake reading.
"Fine, then I'll just have to keep guessing. Is it because of your rebellious nature?" she asked but only got an eye roll as a response. "Is it because you decided you really aren't a morning person?"
No response.
After several more guesses, Quistis quickly tired of the game as she felt like she was trying to have a conversation with a two year old that had a secret. Half-heartedly she said "Well I doubt it was because of a girl."
Was that a twitch? It was!
"Oh my god, it is isn't it! Who? Is it one of the instructors?" She had no delusions that it was her, having found out Squall's interest genuinely did not lie with her. Ever since she decided she would be a friend and sister to Squall no matter how much he didn't want anything to do with anyone. However the remarks did get Squall to speak up finally.
"Quistis, get out." There was no hint of the compassion found between friends, but the same gritted tone his fallen enemies heard.
"Oh no you don't, not until you tell me who! Man, who would have thought, the lone wolf himself made changes for a girl of all people!" The banter was quickly beginning to get on Squall's last nerve.
"Quistis, am I too going to have to relieve you of your duties so soon into the year?" He remembered how much it hurt her when she lost her instructor's license in Balamb Garden. No, it wasn't beneath him to revert to such tactics when it was in his favor.
"Ouch Squall, that was low. Fine but this matter isn't over, not by a long shot." Quistis stood up and quickly composed herself before heading towards the door, but she would have the last laugh. "You sly dog you!" She quickly exited the room and shut the door as the loud 'Thump!' of a thrown stapler was heard.
It was only when she had made her way to the elevator did the conversation actually dawn on her. It had been an actual two way conversation….kind of. Something or someone really had an affect on the commander, now she just had to find out who it was!
'Hmm' the instructor thought to herself, 'Now where was the Commander all day…'
Until the next update guys. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I had some fun writing it. I have more fun reading reviews :-)