Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Summer in Garden ❯ Chapter 1 ( Chapter 1 )

Title: Summer in Garden

Author: Yorda

Raiting: R

Status: WIP

Couple: Seifer/Squall

Warnings: Yaoi, Lemon, mild angst, mild fluff

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Square. I own nothing.

Summary: One year before the events of the game, Squall and Seifer spend the summer together at Garden, forcedly at first, but end up becoming each other's only friends for the one summer.

***Idle words from the author: Well, it's been over six months from my last SxS fic, so excuse me if I'm a bit rusty in this first chapter. At this point I only have the base frame of the plot in my head, so I have no idea how long this fic will become. It might be just a few chapters, but it might also become a long one. That's what happened with my previous SxS fic `Be Friendly' ^_^ Since most of the FFVIII fics take place after the events of the game, I decided to be deviant and set the fic one year before the beginning of FFVIII. Also, here where I live, we still have a cold, dark winter going on, but I'm already dreaming of the warm summertime, so I'm making it a summer fic ^^ Okay, I think that's enough rambling, though I doubt anyone even read this. Anyways, enjoy the fic and please, give feedback.***

Chapter 1

"Give up!" Seifer growled, pressing Squall down to the ground with Hyperion against the blade of Lion Heart. A single droplet of sweat dribbled down his temple. He was going to win this fight, he was sure of it. The blonde eyed his losing opponent with a cocky smirk on his lips, green eyes flashing with satisfaction. Squall's grey ones narrowed as he clenched his teeth and with a sudden use of anger-given strength, managed to get back on his feet.

"Never!" the younger boy hissed, using his Gunblade with skill. The smirk on Seifer's face disappeared and was replaced with shock.

"What the -" The blonde stumbled backwards and hit the slightly curving wall of the hallway. Gasps sounded from the surrounding crowd of students. With these two you never knew who was going to win. For the past minutes it had seemed the older boy would walk away as the winner, but now Seifer was suddenly on the losing end. The blonde eyed the people who were watching them and saw Squall lift Lion Heart above his head, preparing for a strike. A sudden fear of losing the fight in front of all these people filled his mind and instead of blocking the strike with Hyperion, he almost spontaneously raised his right hand.

"No! Don't you dare-" Squall cried out and Lion Heart hit the floor with a clang. He covered his face as red, hot flames flowed from Seifer's palm. The older boy had cheated to insure his winning. Again.

"Stop it! Immediately!" a female voice stood out from the buzzing crowd. Quistis managed to squeeze through the mass of students and came to stand in the circle where Seifer was basking in his victory. The only thing separating her from the rest of the students was her SeeD uniform. The young instructor gave Seifer a disapproving look but he payed no attention to this. Quistis' eyes then travelled to Squall, who was starting to recover from Seifer's fire spell. The brunette boy rubbed his eyes and bent down to pick up his Gunblade, shooting Seifer a murdering glare from under his brows.

"You two! Impossible! How many times is it now?" the blonde girl began her reprimand. "This must be the sixth time I catch you fighting in front of my classroom! I don't know what to do with you anymore..." She sighed, massaging her left temple, as if she was suffering from a headache. "I will have to punish you both."

Squall groaned silently, his accusing glare remaining on Seifer. `Why did I let him get to me...again! I should know better...just avoid him...' He rubbed his neck with a slightly shaky hand. The fight had been more fierce than usual and the heat wave of the approaching summer was showing its effects. Squall licked his lips, his heaving chest still rising rapidly. He needed a drink and the dark-fabric Garden uniform was feeling way too hot. Squall could see the older boy was exhausted as well. Seifer was doing a poor job hiding the trembling of the hand he held Hyperion with. Squall blinked his eyes as Seifer's voice suddenly broke the waiting silence in the hallway.

"Punish? You wanna put me in handcuffs, my dear instructor?" Seifer spoke with a mocking voice. This induced a burst of wary laughter from the surrounding students and brought a shade of red to Quistis' pale cheeks. Squall watched the situation, tasting blood on his tongue. He was annoyed by Seifer, but didn't want to interfere. Quistis could handle the arrogant bastard herself. It was not Squall's problem if Seifer chose to be an ass. The hallway was filled with waiting silence again. Everyone's gaze fixed on their instructor.

Quistis lowered her blushing face, knowing this wasn't how it was supposed to go. She had only just become an instructor some weeks ago and had yet to gain the respect of her pupils. The headmaster had told her it was very rare for her to have the licence at the age of seventeen. But Cid had had fate in her, even if most of the students in her class were the same age as she was. Seifer was such a case. He was also the one who showed the least respect towards her and used every opportunity he got to put her down.

"No handcuffs?" Seifer asked, faked disappointment in his tone of voice. "Well then, how about using that whip of yours, instructor? I hear you're a real expert; maybe a private lesson?" the blonde continued, his comments still creating silent snickering in the crowd of students. Squall could see Seifer was pleased with the situation he had created. The satisfied look on the blonde's face was enough to tell. Despite his irritation, Squall still remained silent. He glanced down at the hand he held his Gunblade with and noted it was bleeding.

`Great, another trip to the infirmary...thanks a lot, Almasy.' He cursed in his mind.

"Squall! Are you bleeding?" Quistis suddenly asked, noting the red on Squall's hand. She decided to ignore Seifer and made her way to the other boy. Seifer followed her with his gaze, feeling annoyed as he was suddenly no longer the center of attention. Quistis took Squall's hand in her own but the brunette boy snatched it back. He missed the hurt expression that quickly flashed on the girl's face.

"It's nothing..." Squall said, not wanting to give Seifer any more reason for mockery.

"No, I think you should see Dr. Kadowaki." Quistis insisted, her worried eyes travelling on Squall's body, looking for more injuries. "The rest of you, take your places in the classroom. Seifer, you're going straight to Headmaster Kramer, offer an apology and hear out your punishment. Squall will join you after going to the infirmary." The girl gave out her orders, trying to get Squall to show her the wound. The boy blinked his eyes nervously, leaning back from Quistis' touch.

"I told you, it's nothing..." Squall repeated, seeing Seifer walk towards them as the rest of the students slowly disappeared into the classroom. He watched the usual lop-sided smirk appear on the blonde's face and knew what was coming.

"Ouch, got a little papercut? Too bad, Squall." Seifer spoke, coming to stand before the younger boy. He straightened his back, bringing out his notable height. Wiping away the damp hair that had fallen on his face, Squall met Seifer's gaze. "Maybe next time it's your turn to be the winner...or not!"

"What do you mean...Seifer, you cheated. I would have won if you hand't played dirty again and used magic..." Squall spoke, his monotone voice showing no trace of the irritation he felt towards the blonde boy.

"What? You used magic inside Garden!?" Quistis exclaimed, her blue eyes focusing on Seifer again. Seifer parted his lips to say something in his defence but nothing came out.

"Why do you do this, Seifer? Why do you always have to break the rules? You were just made the head of the Disciplinary Committee and yet you terrorize the school yourself! How do you expect the younger students to obey the rules and behave themselves if you're such a bad example?"

"I'm popular, everyone in Garden likes me. And they'd better do what me and my posse order or else..." Seifer laughed, sounding carefree, even if he suddenly felt an uninvited sadness creep into his heart. Seifer didn't have a reputation in Garden because everyone liked him. Every student knew his name because they either feared or hated him. Even the instructors disliked him. Seifer knew this. He knew he only had two real friends: Raijin and Fujin. This was something he rarely admitted, even to himself.

"Seifer...don't you see this is exactly why you failed your SeeD exam last week. Your recless behaviour and inability to follow orders-"

"Yeah, yeah...save the lecture for someone who's actually interested, Trepe." The blonde interrupted, giving an audible yawn. This however, didn't keep the slight blush of embarrassment from appearing on Seifer's cheeks. He moved his gaze to Squall, raising his eyebrow as if expecting the younger boy to give him a mocking smile now that he knew Seifer had failed the SeeD exam. The smile never came. The look on Squall's face was blank as he met the blonde's eyes.

**********************

Seifer stood in the Headmaster's office, his eyes travelling around the room, refusing to meet Cid's. The room was silent, save the sound of Seifer's foot, tapping nervously against the lowered blade of Hyperion. He glanced at the headmaster as the man used a hankie to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

"The air conditioning; it's still broken...Norg was supposed to get it fixed..." Cid spoke, mostly to himself. It was almost unbearably hot in the room. The air felt heavy. Seifer licked his lips and lowered his face, shading it from the placid afternoon sun, shining through the windows.

"So, Seifer...we meet again." Cid finally spoke, pouring himself a glass of water. "Weren't you here just last week?" he inquired, eyeing his student through round glasses.

"That's right." Seifer answered casually and leaned against Hyperion. Cid shook his head took a gulp of the fresh water.

"Seifer...is it really necessary for us to have this same conversation every week?" he sighed, loosing his brown tie. Seifer's eyes lit up and the look on his face changed from dull to optimistic.

"No! I don't think it is. So, I can go now?" Seifer lift Hyperion to his shoulder and started towards the door.

"That's not what I meant. Get back here!" Cid spoke hurriedly from behind his desk and waited for Seifer to turn and face him again.

`Here comes the second reprimand today...and it's only been ten minutes from the last one!' Seifer groaned and walked to stand before Cid's desk.

"Seifer. It feels like I've told you this at least a dozen times, but judging from your behaviour, it just isn't enough!" The headmaster's tone of voice changed from amiable to firm, as did his eyes. "I've told you to leave the younger students alone, not to pick up fights, not to provoke anyone with insulting comments and to respect higher authorities. I'm getting constant complains from your fellow students, telling me you're misusing your position in the Disciplinary Committee, and even some of the Garden faculty has mentioned your indescreet behaviour. And leave that Squall Leonhart alone. Lately it seems you're doing nothing but picking fights with him!"

With this said, the man took a deep breath and loosened his tie again. A frown made his eyebrows knit together as he noticed the amused smile on Seifer's face.

"Seifer! I'm serious! Don't make the mistake of thinking there will be no consequences! You're like a son to me, but it won't always be just the usual lecture from me or one of the Garden faculty. Next time I may have to use drastic actions...Do you understand?" Cid asked, his usual soft tone of voice now back. Seifer lowered his face and by the looks of it, was actually taking his scolding seriously.

"Yeah...I mean yes, sir. I'm sorry for what happened today. Won't happen again." The blonde held his gaze down on the carpet.

"Good." Cid sounded pleased. "I've known you since you were little, Seifer. I still remember the day you arrived at our orphanage. I've watched you grow up, and I won't say that I'm not worried. But I know you're not a hopeless case. You're a good kid...you just need to...act less aggressive or something...Control your temper. Bullying isn't the only way of getting people's attention, you know..."

Seifer didn't answer, just blinked his eyes nervously. Cid noticed the obvious discomfort on Seifer's face and decided to change the topic. "So, do you have any plans for the summer? The holiday starts the day after tomorrow."

"No, not really...I think I'll stay here in Garden...Just like every other year." Seifer answered. "So you better fix the air conditioning! If this heat wave lasts through the summer, the Garden will be like a gicantic oven and we'll all be roasted beef by fall." Cid smiled at Seifer's comment and made a promise to fix the problem.

"I was just looking throught the student files and it seems Garden will be practically empty during the following months." Cid spoke.

"Everyone else is going home for the summer...they all have families to return to." Seifer commented, a hint of sadness and bittery in his voice.

`Raijin and Fu are going, too...and I'm stuck here! ...But so is Squall. He, too, always stays for the summer. I wonder what's his reason? Doesn't he have a family to return to?' Seifer's thoughts were interrupted when Cid spoke from behind his desk.

"Okay. I think that was it. Though I still haven't decided your punishment...Well I have to see Squall, too, so I guess I'll think of something afterwards. I'll let you both know when the time comes." Cid allowed Seifer to leave and told him to send Squall in.

Squall stepped out of the elevator and felt the bandage on his hand. He was met by Seifer who was coming out from the Headmaster's office. Squall stepped aside as the blonde walked into the elevator and banged on the button deck. Before the doors could slide close, Seifer raised one brow and gave Squall the trademark smile of his.

"Your turn. Enjoy the pop's reprimand." He laughed and gave a lazy wave with his hand. Squall rolled his eyes and watched the elevator doors close with a chime.

`Whatever...'

The brunette boy politely knocked on the door before entering. Once inside, he walked to stand in front of Cid's desk and stood there, his heels pressed together and eyes forward. Squall blinked as he noticed the amused smile on the headmaster's lips.

"At ease, Mr. Leonhart." Cid laughed.

"Y-yes, sir." Squall stammered and allowed himself to relax. He suddenly felt very awkward under Cid's observing eyes. The dark uniform he was wearing felt hot and uncomfortable. Squall sniffed his nose at the musty air of the room and waited for the man behind the oak desk to speak.

"So, Squall...Lately I've been seeing you, too, a lot; not just Seifer. Wasn't the last time only a week ago?" Cid began the conversation pretty much the same way he had with Seifer. Squall gave a nod in answer.

`But it's because of Seifer! He's the one always picking fights with me!' Squall wanted to say it aloud, but remained silent. To his surprise the headmaster already seemed to know how things really were.

"I know, I know. You want to tell me Seifer is the cause, don't you? That you wouldn't be here almost weekly if it wasn't for Seifer." Squall just blinked at the man's words and gave a hesitant nod. "Squall, you're one of my most promising young cadets and I have great expectations. I know you'll pass your exams and become a SeeD next year. You'll achieve great things in your life. I have no doubt about it. "

Cid stood up and walked to the opened window behind him. "Seifer however...he just failed the field exam again last week." Squall frowned, wondering why the headmaster was so openly telling him about a fellow student and his poor succes in school. "I still believe in him but..." Cid turned around to face Squall. "I'm very much aware of the fact that Seifer has some serious attitude problems. Both the students and the faculty have complained about this...I really don't know what to do with him..."

`So he knows Almasy is a sadistic nutcase who enjoys seeing other people get hot-tempered. What else is new? And why is he telling me all this? What's it got to do with me?...I'm not interested in solving Seifer's problems.'

"I know it's all about seeking attention." Cid spoke again, bringing Squall back from his thoughts.

"Seifer doesn't care if the reaction he gets is negative, as long as he gets noticed and is the center of the attention."

`So Seifer's your average bully. Is that what you're saying? And I still don't understand what all this has got to do with me?'

"My guess, Squall, is that one of the main reasons for Seifer's behaviour is a low self-esteem."

`What? You have got to be kidding me. The guy has an ego that touches the sky! And why is he telling me all this? Wasn't I supposed to offer my apology and receive a punishment... '

"Excuse me, sir, but all of that has nothing to do with me!" Squall finally spoke his thoughts aloud. Cid saw the confusion Squall wore on his face and sat down in his chair again.

"Well, Instructor Trepe tells me the constant fights between you and Seifer are becoming a real problem. She told me the two of you weren't friends to begin with. But during the past year the fighting has increased. Seifer is constantly picking fights with you, Squall...do you have any idea why?" Cid inquired, looking both serious and puzzled.

Squall took a moment to think, realizing the headmaster had a point. He and Seifer didn't used to fight this much. It had all happened during the past year. Squall was constantly the center of Seifer's bullying and their fights were getting more fierce.

"I guess...It might be because Seifer and I are the only Gunblade specialists in the whole Garden. Maybe he's jealous...or just thinks I'm the only worthy opponent for him." Squall reasoned. Cid didn't answer for some time and Squall wondered if he agreed. Finally the man gave a nod, rubbing his chin.

"True...That might be it..." Cid spoke, watching Squall from behind his round glasses. "Squall....how well do you remember your childhood?"

Squall was taken aback by the headmaster's question. `What?? ...The hell is he asking me a thing like that for?!' A feeling of uneasiness filled his whole being as the most painful memory from his childhood was suddenly on the surface.

"Sis..." Squall whispered, unintentionally speaking the name aloud.

"What?" Cid asked, not sure what he had heard.

Squall blinked his eyes, forcing the memory away. "Nothing....I mean, I remember growing up in an orphanage. But that's pretty much it. It was somewhere near this lighthouse...and there was this woman with long dark hair...she was like a mother to me. There was also a man...I don't really remember his face, just that he, too, was there. I remember I was never adopted. I think I was the only one. Actually, sir, I think most of my memories from time before Garden are all just fuzzy images. I remember arriving here though."

'I think that's when I met Seifer?'

Cid had remained silent the whole time, noticing Squall hadn't mentioned anything about Ellone and her leaving the orphanage. He was sure, however, that Squall remembered it. Cid was also surprised to learn that Squall had no memory of him. Seifer had no trouble remembering Cid, so he had assumed Squall, too, remembered him. The fact that the brunette boy had no memory of any of the other children from the orphanage didn't come as a surprise. Cid hadn't expected Squall to remember growing up with Seifer, or that the two of them used to be friends when Seifer first came to the orphanage. This, however, had changed when Ellone was forced to leave. Cid knew that losing her had had a huge effect on Squall mentally. He could tell the now sixteen year-old young man was still pretty mixed up.

The headmaster cleared his throat and finally spoke. "Squall, did you ever thought of the possibility that maybe Seifer is constantly bothering you and picking fights with you because that's the only way he'll get a reaction from you?"

"W-what? Sir, I'm not sure if I understand..." Squall was confused. "I try to do the best I can to avoid him...I don't do anything to provoke him! I don't talk to him, I usually never pay attention to his insults, I don't even look at him! Still he refuses to leave me alone and I remain his number one object of bullying..." Squall's voice was filled with frustration and the peculiar look on Cid's face was bothering him. He just wanted to offer the apology and get out of there.

"Maybe that's just the problem..." the headmaster muttered silently, but finally seemed to be ready to change the subject. He tapped at the keyboard in front of him and a little chime sounded from the monitor on his desk.

"I have the student files here, Squall. What are you plans for the summer? Staying in Garden as usual?"

Squall exhaled in relief, glad to know they weren't talking about his childhood or Seifer anymore.

He cleared his throat and straightened his back. "Yes, sir."

"Good, good. Not many are staying. Actually most of the dorms are already been emptied for the summer." The headmaster spoke and eyed the monitor screen in front of him. "Well now...About your punishment..." Cid turned his eyes away from the monitor and watched Squall with a pondering look on his flushed face.

"I want to make an apology for-" Squall began, but the headmaster just shook his head and smiled.

"No, no. I know Seifer is to blame here. No need for any official apology from you, Squall. I just hope that next time you two will find some other way to communicate than bashing the hell out of each other with Gunblades." Cid laughed. Squall merely rised an eyebrow.

`Does he actually think the guy is capable of communicating in any other way...'

Cid straightened his glasses and used another hankie on his forehead. "And during the summer, there's no need to be so formal, Squall. No need for the Garden uniform or anything. You can also use the Garden vehicles to go to Balamb town if you like, but remember to inform one of the faculty. Some areas of Garden will be off-limits and -" The headmaster realized Squall already knew all of this. The brunette boy was obviously starting to get bored and was probably lost in his own thoughts.

"Well then, Squall. Since you're staying here for the summer, you and Seifer will be able to carry out your punishment for all your fights lately, together." With this, the headmaster seemed to regain Squall's attention.

`He's staying, too!? Why can't he go see his family! Now he'll be a pain in my ass the whole summer...'

"I have yet to decide the punishment." Cid continued. "But don't worry, it won't be anything too severe. I want you two to enjoy your holiday...and these warm weathers." The man laughed again, leaning back in his chair.

`How can I enjoy anything with Seifer here...And is the headmaster actually gonna make us serve the punishment together?!' Squall felt the need to state out his opinion. "Sir, do you think it's a good idea to have us work together?"

"Actually, I do." Came Cid's reply. Squall blinked his eyes in disbelief. The headmaster noticed this and smiled. Squall waited for him to explain himself, but Cid seemed to be done with the subject. "Well, I'll let both of you know the details of the punishment during the following days. You're dismissed." Squall felt bewildered but started towards the door. As he was about the exit, Cid called after him.

"Remember, Squall. The more you ignore him, the harder he'll try. Try letting down your defences a bit..."

Squall stopped and turned around, but before he could say anything, the intercom on the headmaster's table chimed and took Cid's attention. Squall just shook his head and stepped out of the room.

Once outside the office, Squall let out a litany of silent curses. He opened the zipper of the jacket of his uniform and placed the loose hair, shading his eyes, behind his ear. The meeting with the hadmaster had been a strange one.

'Why did he act so...casually? And what was that last bit all about? Was he talking about Seifer again? Why do I feel like he wants me to help him get Seifer in control? No thanks. That guy is impossible! Besides, I don't want anything to do with other people's problems. And what does Cid know about my defences. Nothing! He thinks he knows his student, but he doesn't. And he's actually making me team up with Seifer! I'd much rather do the punishment alone. Doesn't the headmaster realize nothing good will come out of such arrangement...He can't actually think Seifer will suddenly start behaving himself and that no fighting will ensue...' Squall finished his monologue and stepped into the elevator, cursing his bad fortune, the heat wave and the summer he would have to spend in Garden with Seifer around as well.

To be continued...

**AN: And such was the first chapter of my fic. Feedback is much appreciated. Constructive criticism is somethingevery author wants. As I said before, it's been over six months from my last SxS fic, so I'm a bit rusty, but hopefully it will all change as I continue the fic. The first chapter was probably a bit boring, not much interaction between Seifer and Squall. But I promise I'll try to make this fic interesting and something special. And I do realize Seifer wasn't really this big a bully in the game, but this is the way I want to portray him in my fic. I also have no idea what the punishment for the two of the will be! ^_^**

-Yorda