Author's Note: Hark, plot! Best demonstrated with the utter lack of smut and slightly mild angst ahead. If something mild can be slight ::laughs::

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DISCLAIMER: Characters of Final Fantasy VIII are property of Squaresoft. NOT us.

Tainted Love

Chapter 2 - Changing Face

By Koorime and LaughingWolfGirl

Zell mumbled in his sleep, trying to shut out the fact that the sunlight was coming in and spilling over his face. He stuck his head under the pillow, but his stomach rebelled and growled loudly. That was one thing Zell never ignored, his stomach. Grudgingly, he dragged himself from bed, eyelids half open, trudging his feet across the floor rather than lifting them. He barely looked at anything as he stumbled into the bathroom. He was so tired, he had hardly slept, trying to work through what had really happened last night, what had gone on and he was no closer to any answers now then he had been last night.

What the hell had happened last night? He thought to himself. It was all innocent, first he was going to raid and get some food, hotdogs to be precise, then was caught by Seifer, who was going to report him… And in the elevator his wet dream came true. Well at least one of them anyways, or had started to... Why did Seifer stop him? What was going on? What had he done wrong? He couldn't figure out any answers to this, none at all. He replayed that scene over and over in his mind and still was stumped. He stripped down and got into his shower, running on autopilot and washing his hair until he realized that he had grabbed the shaving cream and was using that as shampoo.

Seifer stormed down the corridor of the dormitories, silently turning Quistis' instructions over in his mind...

// This morning we're taking a special training mission with the new additions of T-Rexaurs. I've managed to contact most of the students but I need you to tell the other guys //

The 'other guys' being Squall and Zell of course. Well peachy keen.

Unconsciously, his gloved hands played along the length of his vest as he neared Zell's dorm. The door stared back at him expectantly, Seifer scowled and punched the button for the intercom.

"Wake up, Dincht," he snapped.

Zell was in the middle of trying to get the shampoo out of his hair when he heard someone calling his name, but as the shower was going full blast he couldn't tell for sure. Slamming the shower door open, he pulled out one of a large towel and wrapped it around his waist. It covered reached as far as his knees while his trademark bangs clung to his shampoo-streaked face. He nearly slipped on the water that he was dripping everywhere in his haste to get to the door. As he reached it he realized that he was still drenched but could care less at the moment. He quickly opened the door, not expecting who was actually there - all words fled his mind. He stood there with his jaw hanging open, blue eyes wide and his hair dripping water and bubbles of shampoo.

Seifer arched a slender eyebrow at the sight before him. "Wet chicken. Didn' yer Ma ever tell ya it's rude ta keep someone waiting?" And t’fucken dress before you answered the door? But hell, he wasn't complaining.

Zell’s jaws snapped shut. "Yeah well I wasn't expectin' ya to be at my door. Was trying to shower and I ain't done, so whatcha want, Seifer?" he demanded belligerently, though his eyes were still showing hidden shadows of hurt.

Seifer took note of the defensive hunch of Zell's shoulders and on closer scrutiny could he make out the slight swell of the boy's eyelids. His looked down and took Zell's wrist in hand, noting the ugly purplish mark he had inflicted. Then just as abruptly, he dropped Zell's hand and looked the younger man in the eye as though the last few moments hadn't occurred.

"Quistis wants us in the Training Center at nine hundred hours." With that, he turned to leave, not waiting for a response.

Zell was swimming in utter confusion once more. What the hell was that about? He looked at his wrists and his eyes widened at the bruises. Zell watched Seifer's retreating back and felt himself getting angry, what the hell was wrong with the guy, blowing warm then cold… ? Zell stepped back and slammed his door, walking back into the bathroom to finish his shower, before screaming at the fact that all the hot water was gone and he was forced to finish his shower in cold. He quickly finished and dressed, then noticing the time, he cursed under his breath and left his room.

Zell stormed off towards the cafeteria, looking so very different from his usual normal hyper bounce. He stalked there, paying no attention to anyone around him.

Squall really hated early mornings. By now he was used to them, but that didn't mean he liked them any better. There was a rumour that Quistis was taking her class on a training mission today, at least that was something to look forward to. He was rudely jarred from his brooding as someone practically walked into him, sending him careening off to the side. Snarling angrily, he whirled. "Watch it, bitch," he spat, pausing only to catch a glimpse of that unmistakable tattoo. He cussed under his breath, deciding that Zell really wasn't worth his wrath.

Zell registered that he was being cussed at and turned with a snarl, seeing saw Squall he cut off his curse midstream. "Fuc... Dude… Oh man… Sorry didn't see ya there…" he said sheepishly.

Squall rolled his eyes. "Fucken look where you're going, Dincht." Man, Zell was as foolish as they claimed. The punk couldn't even walk straight.

Zell pulled back a bit, loosing whatever smile was on his face and turned without saying nothing, not wanting to get into it with Squall in the corridors. Hell, he was soo not in the mood to deal with anyone today.

Squall cast a look back over his shoulder at Zell's retreating form and snorted in disgust. What an idiot.

Zell was so willing to stick his fist in someone's face, but his rational side knew that wouldn't solve anything, though it would make him feel helluva lot better - but in the long run would only cause him more problems. He finally made it to the cafeteria and took a tray as he walked over to get his food and sat at a table, not paying attention to the food that he had grabbed. He sat there with his chin in his hand thinking about Seifer, still turning that puzzle over and over, trying to figure out what he wanted or if he wanted anything. He was probably seeing more into the situation then was actually there. He picked up his food and took a bite of his hotdog, then spit it out and looked down… He had gotten the tofu hotdogs... Nasty!

Seifer frowned and came to a halt at the junction of the main corridor and dormitories. Where in the hell was Squall? His dorm was empty...

As if on cue, he heard the familiar metallic clink of belts and heavy footsteps; Squall rounded the corner, coming up short as he saw Seifer. For a moment there was silence and then Seifer spoke.

"Hey."

Squall nodded. "..."

Seifer motioned with his hand, mind suddenly blank. Crap. "Uh..."

Squall's gaze narrowed to a glare. "You want something?"

The blond blinked rapidly, frowning in turn. What was he here for again... ?

"We're in the Training Center today, so..."

Squall brushed past him, not waiting for him to finish. "Yeah, I know."

Seifer blinked. He did? Oh. "Later then."

Squall stepped into his dorm, turning to fix Seifer with those dark eyes. "'N get a room next time. Some things aren't made for public viewing."

The door closed before Seifer could reply, realisation sinking in like a cold rain of dread. Holy fuck... Squall couldn't have seen them... Oh, fuck...!

Seifer groaned, a hand tangling through his hair as he turned to the main corridor. Fuck fuck fuck... With a low growl, he stormed into the busy corridor of early morning, the crowds parting before him like water.

Zell got up and threw his trash away. After that tofu disaster he so lost his appetite, not wanting to try for more, though the aftertaste that he was just… blech. He walked out of the cafeteria and headed over to the Training Center, walking with his hands inside his pockets, trying to not think of anything at all, just kicking a ball of paper around as he walked feeling depressed all of a sudden and not liking it one bit.

"Pick it up, chicken. Instructor's not gonna wait all day."

Zell could have groaned out loud hearing that particular voice... Why...? Why him...? Man...

"Yeah I will when I’m ready… Still got time to kill," he said without looking up at Seifer.

Seifer came up to Zell, arms hanging loosely by his sides. Where in the hell were Fuu and Raijin?

"You've still gotta prep and take attendance. They take note o' tardiness, y'know." Fuck, he was even starting to talk like Raijin. Where was the guy?

Zell bent down and picked up the paper. "No shit, tch... Fine… I’m going. Happy now?" he said sullenly.

Seifer made a sound at the back of his throat, watching as Zell discarded the paper in the nearest trash. He'd be happy once he found his DC and they could cut down a few local monsters. He needed the kill.

"Don't gimmie another reason to take you in," he called over his shoulder as he entered the Training Center.

Zell looked up at that last comment and nearly snarled… "Don't worry I won't." He stomped in behind Seifer, making sure he wasn't looking at Seifer's ass, nope not at all, he wouldn't do that.

Seifer snickered under his breath, feeling the moist air brush his skin as he entered the training grounds. Damn, that boy was funny. Looking around at the various cadets already there, he noticed Quistis speaking to a small cluster of students - the Trepies, no doubt. He spotted Squall leaning against one of the large, steel doors, staring away at nothing in particular. Gloved hands stuffed in the pockets of his bomber jacket, multiple belts crossed over his slim waist.

"Yo, Seifah!"

Seifer turned towards the familiar shout, grinning as Raijin ran over to him, Fujin following walking behind him. Her crimson eye darted to Leonhart then back to Seifer who didn't notice the subtle look cross her features.

Zell walked in and saw the other students. He looked over and seeing Squall, grimaced then once more looked at Seifer and turned away with a sigh to get ready for class; he would deal with this shit later.

Quistis clapped her hands for attention, the general murmur fell to silence. "Today we're practicing hand to hand with the new weapons you have each acquired. Work your way round the circuit in teams of 3 and meet back here in an hour. There has been a new installment of T-Rexaurs so watch out for those, however, you will be dealing mainly with Grats. I expect you all back here within the hour; move out!"

Seifer grinned at his companions, there was never any question of who would comprise their team. Nobody was breaking up the D.C. He cast a glance back at Dincht before nodding at his friends.

"Let's go."

Zell couldn't believe how his day was going... And it was still early, he nearly whined out loud at that thought, he didn't want to get stuck with "Mr. I-got-a-stick-up-my-ass". He saw a grat ahead and smiled, it was just right, he so wanted to kick some ass, and since he couldn’t do it to the ones that needed it, he would take it out on the grat. He ran over and began to wail on it with punches and kicks, feeling proud of himself when he took it down. Just as he was patting himself on the back he heard another sound from the bushes. Thinking it was another grat he took his fighting stance… His eyes grew huge when the head came through the bushes... attached to a huge ass body and roared at him. He froze with fear, a little too long. When he finally realized what needed to be done it was too late, the T-rexaur had him in it's clutches.

Fuu and Raijin exchanged a confused look as Seifer stopped walking again, looked around and then turned sharply to the left.

"… WHERE?" Fuujin asked finally.

Raijin ducked close to the woman, wary that Seifer would hear him. "Ya know, I think he's tryin' a'tail someone. We've only killed a few grats, I'da thought we'd a'been lookin' for em rexes, ya know?"

She nodded sternly, piercing eye boring into Seifer's back. This was not fun. They were wasting a perfect training session. Suddenly, a horrid shriek rang out and Seifer broke into a run. They quickly followed, breaking through the dense foliage and stopped short as they were faced with an enraged T-Rexaur looming over a fallen cadet.

"Zell... " Fuujin breathed.

Zell was hurting bad, he could feel several of his ribs were broken as was his left knee. He tried to concentrate through the pain to call up something, anything but it was too damn hard.

Fuujin reared her Sai, starting forward just as she saw Seifer brand Hyperion and charge in.

"Seifer, no! Don't go in alone!"

She swore under her breath as the gunblader did just that. She and Raijin moved forward, but were promptly knocked back by the beast's swinging tail.

Zell was able to get a handle on his thoughts, concentrating enough to summon Death, holding his palm to face the 'Rex while his other hand held his wrist steady. Once the summon was complete, the pain became too much and he blacked out.

Seifer fell back as the atmosphere around them thickened and darkness swept through on the wind; a hunched form rose from the shadows at the T-Rexaur's feet. Seifer gasped as he caught sight of the tall scythe, he pulled Zell away as the blade came down hard; the beast roared in pain, falling to the ground with a hard shudder. The light returned swiftly and the Reaper dissipated on the wind.

Seifer stared at the fallen T-Rexaur as Fuujin and Raijin rushed to him. The silver-haired woman dropped down beside him, hands lightly examining Zell's wounds.

"Sei, you alright, man?" Raijin asked, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. Seifer nodded dimly, turning Zell’s jaw up to see his face. Blood coursed over his temple, trickled from the corner of his mouth.

Fuujin met Seifer's gaze, her look was grave. "Can you carry him?"

Seifer quickly collected the martial artist in his arms and stood with Raijin's aid, they quickly made for the exit.

Zell started to wake up when he moaned, the pain enveloping him in waves. He felt himself being carried, but couldn't open his eyes for the life of him; they were too heavy. He laid his head against the chest, not caring who it was and just held his breath against the pain washing over him. He felt like he had been chewed up and spit out... Oh wait, he had. Zell could feel complete blackness taking over and he welcomed it with an open mind, his body going slack completely.

"Keep him awake," Fuujin ordered as they bolted through the large, metal doors. Quistis turned suddenly, alarm clear on her features as the DC rushed towards her with Seifer cradling Zell's battered form.

"What is this? What happened?" Quistis demanded, eyes scanning the martial artist. She reached out and aqua light danced on the air before enveloping Zell's form, the healing wind completed its work but the Instructor was still frowning. "Are you the rest of his party?"

Raijin blinked. "Nah, miss, there was no one else around."

Quistis' gaze was murderous. "His team deserted him?! Who were they?"

Fuujin cleared her throat. "INFIRMARY, INSTRUCTOR."

Quistis looked back at Fuujin, shaking her head as though to clear it. "Yes, that spell can only do so much... I need to come with you, but I can’t leave because the other students haven’t arrived.

Fuujin, could you make sure they all get back safely?"

Fuujin blinked, she almost looked taken aback but she quickly recovered.

“AFFIRMATIVE.”

Seifer shifted Zell's weight in his arms. "Instructor, I don't think that Zell had a party."

Quistis paused, assessing his words but then waved him off in direction of the exit. "We have to get him to Doctor Kadowaki. We'll discuss this later."

"SILLY BOY."

Seifer glanced at his first in command as she crossed her arms and stood as though guarding the entrance to the grounds. Quistis pulled him along, steering down the corridors and clearing a path for their injured.

He looked down at the charge in his arms, the bruises were still present and darkening rapidly; he shook his head.

"Stupid chicken."

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