Author's Note: This is the untold story of Final Fantasy VIII so don't expect this story to follow the game's storyline exactly.Some characters may seemdifferent. And, as always, reviews are appreciated.


Squall lowered his head into his hands, the wound throbbing behind the white gauze. Damn Seifer. He frowned, dropping his hands from his face. How long had Dr. Kadowaki lectured him? And it hadn't even been his fault! Seifer was the one determined to fight him every time they were within sight of each other.

Sighing heavily, he stretched out on the small bed and dropped his head onto the stiff pillow. Why did he have to wait for Instructor Quistis? He knew his way from the infirmary to his class and it wasn't like he was going to pass out again. Squall winced as embarrassment rushed through him. Why the Hell had he passed out in front of Seifer?

He'd never live it down. Everyone in Garden would know by the time he was released. What would Seifer say when he saw him? He definitely wouldn't apologize. No, he would gloat and rub the weakness he had seen in Squall's face.

Another frown creased Squall's face as he lightly touched his fingers to the bandage. Had Seifer really carried him back to Garden? Why would he? The Seifer he knew should have laughed and left him to die, but instead he had carried him back through forests and plains crawling with monsters. It didn't make sense.

His frown deepened as the feeling of being watched pushed aside all other thoughts. He turned his head slightly and saw the unfamiliar girl watching him through the window. Who was she? Squall's eyes narrowed as the girl turned to leave. Why did he feel as if he knew her?

He sat up, intending to call out to her, but remained silent as the door swooshed opened. Instructor Quistis stepped into the room, shaking her head as the bright eyes drifted across his face and landed on the thick bandage.

"I can't say that I'm surprised. It seems everyday one of you is in here. I won't ask why or tell you not to fight anymore. It's pointless to repeat myself and to continue hearing excuses."

Squall glanced away, keeping silent. She was trying to push him, using tactics similar to Seifer's, only instead of her motives being a mystery the way Seifer's were, he knew what she wanted. She had a crush on him. Even if he didn't flirt or date like Seifer, he wasn't stupid. She had been watching him for over a year.

"Class should be starting now. Do you feel well enough to attend?" she asked, breaking the silence that fallen between them.

"I'm fine." Squall swung his legs over the side of the bed and started toward the door. A hand closed around his wrist, stopping him.

"You know, you don't have to always fight everyone who cares about you."

"Whatever," he mumbled, pulling free and stepping out of the infirmary.

"I feel like I'm finally beginning to understand you. You run from anything that would make you feel weak. I guess in your mind forming connections with people…."

"I thought class was starting," he interrupted. She sighed, watching his retreating back as he made his way quickly down the hallway.

Squall stepped into the elevator, arms crossing over his chest as she stepped in beside him. The door slid shut as the motor hummed and the elevator began to rise. He stared forward as he felt her eyes land on him. Why did everyone expect so much from him? He just wanted to do his duties and be left alone.

"One day you'll have to lean on someone else for support."

Squall quickly stepped out of the elevator as the door slid open, retreating into the classroom. His eyes drifted across the room to where Seifer sat and found the jade eyes watching him intently. He averted his gaze and slid into his seat, ignoring the other boy sitting abreast of him.

Quistis moved to the front of the class and stood behind her podium, already launching into her lecture. Squall lowered his head into his hands, elbows landing firmly on the desk as his eyes closed. A fist slammed into the desk beside him, jerking his gaze around.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Almasy?" Quistis asked, pausing.

"No, dear Instructor," Seifer replied, a cocky grin spreading across his lips.

"Then control yourself so that other students may benefit from my lecture, even if you are not interested," she said before continuing.

Squall glanced at Seifer, puzzled when Seifer turned slightly in his seat to face him. "Well?" he whispered, leaning toward Squall.

"What?"

"Nothing to say?"

"Not to you."

"Not to anyone, unless I'm mistaken," Seifer retorted. He sighed suddenly and looked down as he mumbled almost reluctantly, "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Squall stiffened, eyes narrowing. "It wasn't an accident."

"I didn't say it was. I don't know why I struck you."

"Whatever," Squall said, turning away.

"I'm trying to apologize, all right? The least you could do is treat me like I exist," Seifer whispered angrily.

"You're playing a game."

"Maybe I'm not. Have you ever thought about that? No, you're always too busy ignoring everyone to wonder why they do the things they do."

"What?" Squall demanded, whirling to face Seifer.

"Am I interrupting your conversation? Would you like me to wait so that you can finish?" Quistis asked, all eyes in the classroom landing on the two cadets sitting in the back.

Squall flushed, ducking his head and hastily shaking it while Seifer answered, "Actually, yes, you are, and I would appreciate it if you would allow me to finish."

"That's enough, Mr. Almasy. You are dismissed. There's no reason for you to stay where you obviously don't want to be."

"Thank you for being so considerate, Instructor," Seifer said, standing quickly. He paused beside Squall and murmured,"We need to talk. Meet me in the cafeteria after she's finished."

Squall stared at Seifer's back as he crossed the classroom and disappeared through the door. He couldn't be serious, right?

"Mr. Leonhart, I need to speak with you after class," Quistis added before continuing with her lecture.

A soft groan escaped his lips as Squall dropped his head once more into his hands.