Title: This time it's different
Chapter 1: It's Squall NOT Leon! *updated*
Author: Jaehero
Pairings: LxC, RxS, Alot more to come!
Warnings: romance, humor, OOC-ness (I mean a lot)
Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts and its characters, nor any Final Fantasies and their characters.
Note: I am a new writer so feel free to help me along with grammar. I kinda get lazy with it and end up making run-on sentences. You can tell me which direction I should steer the story, it helps me keep interest! Also thoughts are in italics!
Spotlight thanks~
E. Rayne- thank you so much I hope this makes it better! But if you see anything off to PM and thank you again-J
It's been nearly three hours since I left my hometown and finally arrived at Garden city on the bus. I was already bored, and lonely. Upon entrance of the city, I found it to be quite a wind down. No busy street walkers, no horns beeping every five seconds, but it did have neck-breakingly huge buildings. It was a quiet city, or so I thought but definitely nothing I was used to, but surely something I couldn't get used to.
The bus came to a stop and the driver gave a smile. "Welcome to Garden city, everyone please make sure you have all of your belongings, and enjoy the new school year." The middle aged driver says proudly.
The bus station was busy; of course it seemed like a normal thing in any place. As soon as the bus's doors opens people began going from one bus to the next, in a hurry to who knows where. I move out of my seat, then out the door ignoring the gasps, and swooning idiots in front of me. I bent down to grab my bags, and then put my headphones on. No matter where I went it was always like this; unwanted attention, and noise. After a few moments of peaceful walking I made it to the university. Not like I could miss the big sign reading: GARDEN UNIVERSITY.
The place was impressive; the buildings were silver and blue. They all look mostly made of glass and metal. It had a futuristic feel to it. A smirk starts forming on my face as I glaze around the huge campus. It was even better than I thought, no wonder Squall never wanted to leave. I quickly mask my excitement when a finger taps my shoulder firmly.
I turn to face an old man. "You lost?" he asks.
He wore a long sleeve navy blue shirt and pants to match. It was only 1pm but he looked very worn out. His wrinkled skin was covered in age spots here and there. To put it bluntly he looked tired, but his demeanor was far from it. His voice gave off an enthusiastic tone despite his appearance. Thanks to him clearing his throat and adjusting his glasses, I was able to finally break free from staring, though a little embarrassed.
"Yeah I'm here for the placement test. Um...I'm lost." I tell him.
He taps his chin looking me up and down. "Ah, so you're one of the new students? I am headmaster Cid here to welcome you all…But where are the others?" he asks.
"I came alone."
After a brief silence, the man adjusts his glasses again. His stare so intense, I feel like my skin was crawling; now it was my turn to clear my throat, which I did. He simply scratches his head before putting his hand on my shoulder, to which I quickly but politely take off.
"Alright you've humored me, enough with the game Leonhart. I'm not switching any class of yours, that's not fair to the other students around here. Now follow me." He bellows.
I arch an eyebrow but keep quiet.
Why not? Not like Squall's gonna meet me here.
I adjust the bag on my shoulder following the man. I notice the buildings getting even bigger than before. It seems every one of them was towering everything and one, as if they were ants. Some busy student's rush past on their electronic devices, or talking to one another. Making my way past the crowd, I feel a faint jealously and animosity toward them. But I shouldn't, and it's wrong, but I couldn't help it. As Cid kept talking, I turn to see a guy's reddish eyes clash with my own. He gave me a smirk as he disappeared into the crowd.
What was that all about?
I'd bump into the older man which causes him to gasp. "Ah! It's almost time to start the introductions for the New Year. We still need a new president and ever since Zell stepped down and all." I made my way to his side as he continued his rambles.
A loud bell sounds and everyone ran to an enormous building in the center of campus. The huge crowd separated me from the old man, and soon the grounds were empty.
…Great.
I walk over to the nearest set of stairs which belonged to one of the smaller buildings, if that were even possible here. I sat down, dropped my bag, and leaned back. It was calm for those first few moments, and then a ball rolled over to me. It was blue and white not like anyone I've seen, and on cue a blond guy ran over stopping a good distance from me.
"Hey! Squall! I knew you'd be back! You mind kicking the ball over?" the blond yells.
He had short spikey hair, wore weird clothes, and was smiling like a child who was in a candy store. He starts doing stretches and pretending to kick something. I instantly stared back at him with such disbelief, he knew my big brother, so this guy couldn't be bad right?
"Hey, Earth to Squall? We're in the middle of a game here! Hey I know you should join us everyone will be so happy!" He yells.
The blond starts to hum as I stood, and soon got in a defensive stance probably to catch the ball.
I pick the ball up staring into it. "It's Leon" I mumble.
"WHAT?" he yells back.
I start to get a bit frustrated with the guys loudness, but I couldn't complain the whole campus is empty.
I roll my eyes as I throw the ball to his feet, he caught it of course. "I said my name is Leon, I'm Squall's little brother. Don't you notice the difference?" I ask.
My confidence fades as the guy's eyes went wide and he ran off. A dull throbbing of hurt in my chest starts to get stronger, and more potent, as a gentle breeze sweep through the area.
I pinch the bridge of my nose as I sigh. "Great Leonhart your first chance at a new friend and you blow it."
No use whining, he's gone so whatever I guess.
I took my headphones out again; ready to drown out the world once more. That was until I caught a glimpse of blond. But this time a black blur put me in a headlock, the unknown man squeezes me, till I threw him off.
The raven haired man began doing a dance on the ground. "I can't believe your back buddy! Finally I thought you were gonna miss senior year!" yells the raven haired man.
He gave a pout as Tidus ran over and whispers in his ear and soon after the dark haired man forms an "O" with his mouth. A few moments past and the black haired man finally got up and stuck a hand out to me, and I hesitantly shake it.
"Hey, So Tidus told me your Squall's younger brother?" The raven haired man asks.
So the blond guy's name was Tidus, the two wore matching grins and a knowing look. There's no way with their attitude, that they could ever befriend my brother. But there are many things that puzzle me about Squall. His secrecy and mysteriousness recently proves that.
Zack got super close causing me to jump back, he laughs. "You're new here huh?" the raven haired man asks.
"Why would you even ask if you know the answer?" I snap.
I let out a grunt to which both put on smiles, Tidus went off to get the weird ball while Zack took a seat and continues.
"I'm Zack a junior, Tidus is a sophomore! Nice to meet ya! So! I'm thinking we should all head to the auditorium. If I'm correct the old man should be done with his speech by now, and he's actually presenting the stuff for the new semester, and the freshman and other new students."
After I answer with silence, I had a full view of Zack's long black spikey hair bouncing about as he grabs me. I feel another hand assuming Tidus' tug me along; soon I realize the two were dragging me the direction of the auditorium.
It wouldn't be too bad to make friends with my brothers friends.
I clear my throat and they look back at me. "So how do you two know my brother?" I ask.
His jaw drops as he gave me a look of disbelief. "Who doesn't? Everyone in school is after him, he has his own fan club and everything!" Tidus announces.
"He has his own fan club?" I mimic.
Zack nods furiously. "Speaking of which you guys look like twins. It would be easy to confuse you two." Zack says slowly.
"We are. It was getting a bit annoying to be confused for him. So I grew my hair but that didn't help much I see."
Zack switches the hand gripping me, right hand for his left soon he was facing me. "This school has a lot of them, I'm not surprised. But for Squall to have a brother that one is an exception! Whoa! Oh and be careful it was Tidus who found you, and not his fan club." Zack finishes his sentence with a shudder.
I try to capture everything the hyper man said, but only caught the end. A fan club huh? With that reaction, he's obviously had some issues with that. As did I, sometimes I would get suspended just for 'starting' riots in the schools. Why do others have to suffer because people are so dumb? I look to Tidus whose grin looks like it was super glued to his face.
I snap a finger at him, hopefully getting his attention. "Can you…I don't know turn down the happiness? It's getting a bit creepy" I say wanting to be nice to the hyper teen.
The blond only laughs, smiling more if that were possible. The other rolls his eyes at the display, and then stops me, while pushing us back a little. With the action Tidus followed suit, he made us take yet another step back. A few moments later, three older looking men walk into the court yard. The first had long silver hair pulled into a pony tail with black glasses on, and wore a black and white suit. From his looks he was an intellectual of high class.
He stops looking behind himself. "Looks like the coast is clear." he announces.
A second man with short blond hair emerges dragging his feet along. He had a scar across his face; it looked like a mirror of my own. I had gotten mine from an accident thanks to a swing set and Squall. I wonder where this man had gotten his. I unconsciously ran a finger across it, and continue to examine him. He wore a black suit as well but had a white trench coat over it. To tell the truth he didn't really look rude, but the moment he gave a smirk, I knew that was a lie.
The blond gave a snort and rolls his eyes. "What are your panties in a bunch for? We knew it would be clear; the announcements have started...wonder if that boy came back? It would sure be a dull year if he didn't...I bet-" the blond yawns not caring to finish his sentence.
The silver haired man only gives a light glare before turning away from him with a "humph." the two were on different wave lengths which confused me. How could they even stand being next to each other? I look to Zack and Tidus for a second; I had a change of heart. I guess you can get use to people with time...It must have taken a looong time.
A raspy laugh comes from the side building, he soon joins them. He was the last of their group, he also looks the oldest. He had raven black hair, and a red headband keeping the wild hair out of his face. Which the hair was an understatement, the man looked wild himself. He was on a college campus…with shorts, accessories, no shirt on, and a huge tattoo covering his torso.
"We all know he doesn't have the balls to go. He'll be back...he knows we know, he can't leave." The wild man began chuckle.
That must have pissed the silver haired man off, because he was gritting his teeth. "He knows too you fool!" the silver haired man spat.
Tidus made a disgusted face, a change which surprised me. I was nearly getting use to the dumb happy looks. The older one burst out laughing yet again, as the other two smirks and starts to walk away. I had obviously missed something there; the exchange was quick and definitely strange. Three men that looked like they would have nothing to do with each other, just happen to be taking a walk together?
This place is weird.
Zack let out a huge breath of air, and the two resume dragging me out and heading back to the auditorium.
I tug on my arm getting Zack's attention. "Can I ask what that was about?"
Zack throws me an 'are you kidding me?' look. "They're the three who got your brother to run away from this place. Why do you think I was so happy I saw you earlier? Squall's been putting up with their crap for years, this year he said he would leave, he said he wouldn't come back. Each one of them has a bad record with us...even though they are professors." Zack sighed.
I froze for a second, my heart thumping slowly as I pulled the two to a stop.
"Squall ran away?" I ask.
Tidus rubs the back of his neck and gives me a puppy dog look. "It must be hard for you, even after everything. You must have thought he was kidding as well?"
I ignore the gentleness of his voice feeling betrayed. "Wait what, why did you tell me sooner? I didn't know anything about this, Squall's gone?"
Zack raises an eyebrow. "Wait you don't know? He's your brother why wouldn't tell you?" he asks, making my world crash with simple words.
"Why wouldn't he? Your family…family looks out for family. I wish I could say that but it isn't true." he says sadly while he gives me a sad almost pained look then sighs.
"I'm kinda thinking the same thing right now." I mumble.
I thought about it, but came up with nothing. Come to think of it I haven't spoken to him in years. In fact the last time we had a talk was when he became a freshmen; that was three years ago. I knew he loved the place but I never knew he was being bullied, and by teachers too! Why didn't anyone ask for help? Why didn't he tell me? I feel my skin boil, a bit sick at the new knowledge. What was Squall so afraid of telling that he wouldn't let anyone know?
I took a deep breath alternating looks between the two. "If they are teachers we can just report them and problem solved show me the way, I'll follow." I state as I starts to walk away.
Zack did a double take and starts making wild gestures. "This is college, what good would telling on them do? These teachers have been here longer then we have been alive. Squall already tried all that stuff and nothing's happened. If you were to try, I know they would have a plan of retaliation." Zack's words stops me when I turn back he wore a frustrated look.
I scratch my head and stare at him. "What do you know?" I ask.
"Nothing…I don't know anything that would want to make him leave." Zack huffs in defeat.
I let out a frustrated noise and glare. "I'm getting nowhere with you, at least do know who are they? Do you know what they did to him?"
Tidus finally jumps in rubbing his arm. "Sorry bud, like we said, we don't know." He mumbles.
"Aren't you his friends? How the hell don't you know?" I snap.
Zack balls his fist looking down. "Our relationship with Squall is complicated. We had a few classes and spoke a few times but it never went past that." He rakes his fingers through his hair with a sigh.
"What you mean to say is you're not even Squall's friends." I add.
The raven haired man seemed to take offense to that. I was expecting a comeback but he only looked away as Tidus pulled us to the side. I wanted to walk away but I didn't, I wanted to know what happened. Zack signals Tidus to go keep watch, and within seconds; Zack and I were alone.
I rub my temples taking a seat on the ground. "So you're telling me you don't know anything? That sounds pretty funny to me. Why worry if you don't know anything?"
Zack was on edge; he wanted to reveal something, he also wanted to hide something. "I can tell you what I overheard." he pleads giving me determined eyes.
"I don't listen to gossip that's just the truth butchered." I snort.
"I heard this from your brother himself. You can decide for yourself if it's valuable information or not. You know what fine; you can hear it from his mouth then." Zack pulls out a cellphone.
It was sort of on the beat up side. It definitely looks like it was in places it had no business in. With a few clicks and finger swipes he hums in victory. He clicks a message then passes me the phone which I put to my ear. At first I heard rumbling and static but surely a voice starts to become clearer.
"Riku…I can't do this, I have to go. I can't be here anymore."
It had been so long since I had heard my brother's voice, it was almost like it was a strangers. This voice was definitely my big brother's, of course it was; it sounded like my own.
"W-what are you saying man? Don't say stuff like that, it's gonna be our last year."
"Those things are precious to me, how could I let him take them?" Squall yells.
The phone starts too static then stops. "Take what, who did?" The other person asked in confusion.
"Those three professors, they had no reason. Everything's in there…my-dian #sf"
His what?
I look to Zack slightly removing the phone from my ear. He only shook his head placing the phone back on my ear. As the static and rumbles clears up once again and I could make the voices out.
"It's not done yet it'll start to make sense soon. Maybe you'll know what he's talking about." Squall says in a sarcastic tone.
"You're really gonna go with this? I don't believe you Squall, not for a damn diary!"
"It's more than a diary, it's my life and if they have it he will expose it."
"I'll help you get it back then."
"You know the rule here Riku; your acceptance will be on the line. That is far worse than anything I have in there; I don't want to put my friend in danger. Let's just forget about it, I can start over someplace new."
"I don't care about that! I just don't want you to leave this place, j-just cool down man it'll be alright." Riku sputters.
"Like there's gonna be a happy ending for you losers! haha!" another voice butts in.
"waht slfjns $sl...-zifnzkiso#$z;dfm! Squall's already lnkfzp^&#!"
"So you're gonna runaway? ksdebi#awu? cowards." another voice interlopes.
Too many voices at once, what the heck is happening?
A few chairs scoot out and the phone sounds like it was being wrestled for. There were yells every few seconds and thuds, most likely a fight. It got really quiet, and then I could hear faint whimpers in the background and a light gasp.
"This happened because of me! I did this- ldsfi#% Squall!"
Zack snatches his phone away cutting it off trembling just a bit. It was confusing and I didn't understand what happened toward the end. He let out a deep sigh and looks at me waiting for my response. At first nothing came out, I was stunned. My brother the guy who has a heart of ice; broken so easily for a diary? I took the cellphone and only giving it a lingering stare then I look at Zack.
"What's with all those voices?" I ask.
Zack shakes head. "I don't know I assume they were in an open room and people just let themselves in." he replies with a shrug.
"I'm not gonna ask why this is on your phone but good job getting this taped. This is perfect evidence, Let me borrow this and I'll get his stuff back."
He lets out a loud 'Ha' as he circles me "Good luck trying to get something back that's not yours here. Theirs a policy that forbids asking for other people's property, it's considered stealing." He came to a stop eyeing the ground.
"That's bull shit! Not even with this I can't get his damn diary?"
"Weren't you listening, in the recording he claims his diary already gone. So that didn't even when his diary was taken they would debate that with ease. And about you just asking for it, it's still considered stealing." Zack grits out.
I roll my eyes, sick of the run around. "And I'm guessing you have proof on that?"
To my surprise he grins. "Yes I do in fact; it's been the rule here since they made the place like centuries ago. Apparently something happened years ago when Cosmos was Head Advisor."
"Not Cid? Who's Cosmos? What happened?" I ask.
Zack grimaces and takes a long shaky breath. "A sister got her siblings phone, the younger one was so curious and decided she needed to know. She felt her sister was blowing whatever was in the phone out of proportion. But the older one thought different, the two fought and chased until they were on the roof. They fell and boom, after that Cid was appointed. As for Cosmos she was imprisoned for releasing the item that caused the death." The room went silent for a minute.
I nod to myself before deicide to speak up. "Well that's proof I can't do anything right there."
Zack made a frustrated noise but calms himself down. At this point He was just pissing me off. He was running me in circles and I didn't know how much more I could take. He took his backpack off, then pulls out a few papers showing them to me. There was in his hand Squall's acceptance letter, application and transcripts along with a written bio.
I raise an eyebrow at the papers, and then I gave him a curious look. "Why do you have this stuff?" I ask.
He took a deep breath advancing toward me. "That's not the point; kick my ass later if you want. I just wanted to show you proof."
I look at the papers scanning through each page. I found my mother's name, father and even my uncle Laguna's. He was right I was nowhere to be found on the papers.
"Squall never told anyone about you. Not even on his college application does it say anything about a sibling. Hell his birth certificate doesn't even declare he has a twin. His things are here too…in his dorm. Whatever was in that diary was that powerful to just make him up and leave everything?" Zack informs.
"This seems too convenient to me" I snort.
"Maybe it was for him...maybe he knew he would need you."
I stretch a bit feeling my muscles tightening from the tenseness. "Whatever let's get go finish this facade. I just need to ask the teachers to give it back right?" I yawn.
The raven haired man began to pout. "Squall-"
I twitch throwing a glare at him. "Leon" I grit out.
"Ok Leon you're moving way to fast, just listen for a second. Only the teacher who took the item can release it and in Squall's case he says teachers. You wouldn't even know who to ask."
"Neither do you." I retort.
He threw his hands in the air. "But Squall does!" with a sigh he calls Tidus back in.
"Listen you don't have to even pretend for long, all you're doing is taking his place till you get his diary back. You won't be affected by anything they say so it'll be easy for you rather then Squall." Zack implies as Tidus finally makes it back.
I tilt my head at him. "What are you saying?" I say in a low voice.
"That you could be Squall, You can fix this whole mess and things will be back normal!" Zack encourages with a gleam in his eyes.
My eyes widen as I step back. "He's a grown man and it's really not my problem. I don't understand why you care so much." I growl.
"Listen I just told you because I thought YOU would care. I was wrong I see, your just gonna give up too?" Zack scuffs getting ready to go but I stop him with a hand on his shoulder.
I snatch my brother's papers from him as he gave a laugh of disbelief. I put them in the bag, slowly giving my eyes a chance to catch a glimpse of one. It was my brother's acceptance photo he looked so happy. A peace of me broke a bit; he was my brother after all. Even if we never talk, even though you didn't say anything Squall. Maybe there was something in that book I need to know as well. Like why we haven't had contact for over three years. if I fix this up he'll start to open up to me more.
"Why do you care?" I ask.
He smacks his lips and looks back at me. "Why waste my breath?" Zack retorts.
"Because I think that's something Squall would do."
Zack's face nearly splits as he and Tidus let out an excited yell. I cover my ears giving them a glare. Tidus shoved a few papers at me all the papers and a map of the campus.
I guess I benefit from this, not like I can't understand Zack anyway.
I did a mental recap of what I did know. Squall's diary was taken by teachers and he needed permission from each teacher to get it back. I can't get it back due to the most asinine rule I ever heard. Whatever is in that diary is so confidential he rather just skipped town altogether since he couldn't get it back. As dumb as that sounds he really did take off. Squall left all his information here and I'm not addressed in any letter, form, or way. I haven't even been listed in the registry yet since I haven't taken my placement test.
"So who are the teachers?" I ask.
Zack looks up at the ceiling a bit humming. "Well I can say those teachers we dodged earlier are main suspects. Sephiroth's the silver haired one. Seifer the blond and the dark haired one is-"
"Jecht he's my…dad, father, my old man." Tidus adds in cutting Zack off.
I nod my head slowly before I turn my gaze to Tidus. "Why can't you tell you dad to just give it back?"
Tidus puts his head down "Me and my dad aren't on speaking terms…because of him my mom isn't here." His eyes water up nearly spilling out as he sniffs loudly.
Tidus sure knew how to make someone feel like an ass. Zack shuns him, and to my disbelief the blonde's sadness is instantly cured. The frown was replaced with his trademark grin.
"Where can I find the guy in the voice recording?" I ask.
We sat there for a few moments and a thought crosses my mind. If Squall is gone and we look the same I could take his place. Then I'd find out what was wrong. Then I'd just be doing what Zack said in the beginning, there was no way around that fact. Because no matter how hard I thought about it, it was the only logical thing I could do. I knew they wanted to help but this is something I should handle myself.
Squall you owe me for this.
"Listen only you guys have seen me so far and know I'm not Squall." the duo glances at each other with a grin.
"Listen...I'm gonna pretend to be my brother. It's not because you want me too it's for Squall. I'll make sure to find a way to get his stuff back and find out why they took it!" I growl lowly.
Zack fist pumps the air. "We're gonna help you too! I'm not missing a chance to get Sephiroth back." Zack encourages.
Tidus grins and gave me a hug. "I'll take care of my old man; I can't sit back and do nothing for another year."
I look down at Tidus, he slowly backs off. "So you wanted payback? My brother's misfortune was a perfect way to fit in, is that it?" I ask feeling a bit ticked off.
His eyes went wide as he gapes. "What the hell? Don't put words in our mouth! Maybe it seems that way but they really is all for Squall" Tidus yells tears starting to form again.
I groan trying to ignore the blond. "Sorry but in this type of situation how am I supposed to trust anyone?"
I took the phone out of my pocket reconsidering the whole thing. I was giving in so easily. But the curiosity of not knowing what happened was eating away at me. Zack being adamant once again grabs the phone and plays the message over. Once it finished I felt a bit more in tune to their plan. When I tried to return the phone he pushes it back giving me a smile.
"Keep it if you're gonna lose motivation so easily. We don't have anything to hide, but your brother did." Zack says giving me a hesitant look.
I rub the back of my neck. "Sorry."
"It's Ok Le-Squall! But wait Zack something's not right about him."
It didn't take the girly squeals from the duo to tell me they we're up to something. Zack and Tidus force me into a nearby building, dragging me down the hall till we reached an empty room. Tidus began searching violently around the room, after pulling out a few drawers he reached in pulling out a pair of scissors. My eyes widening in horror as my hand grasp my chocolate locks. They wouldn't dare think of doing that.
"Hey you were the one we suggested it, Squall's hair is pretty short you know." Tidus informs.
I stop Zack, trying to search for any signs him being dubious or reason to distrust him. I couldn't his face full of hope, determination and a hint of hindrance. But there was no sign of trickery. He had showed me the proof, he had wanted to help, and I didn't want my brother to suffer. I slowly released my hair giving him a nod. Seeing Tidus clumsily flip the scissors and snip at the air, Zack cradles his own long black spikes.
"Maybe I should do it; I was forced into Miss Ashe's cosmetology class." Zack says while he gently grabs the scissors from Tidus
I gave him a look, and he rolled his eyes, as I reluctantly let him cut through the thick locks. After a few more moments Tidus finds a broom, and starts to sweeps away the hair and trashing it.
This is horrible, why would I let them do this. Breathe Leon, breathe it's for Squall's sake!
Tidus beams as he admires Zack's handiwork. "He looks just like him now!" the blond exclaims.
"It helps that I do know what I'm doing Tidy-Widy"
Tidus sticks his tongue out at Zack and we all pitch in to help finish picking everything up. After deciding we cleaned the place up we all heading to our destination, hopefully with no more distractions.
The door opens with a tug from Tidus, everyone inside giving me the unwanted eyes and silence. Meekly I walk around and spot a silver haired guy, he mouths 'over here' at me and I decide; better than nothing.
"Late as usual Zack and Tidus I hope you won't cause anymore interruptions. There are consequences for students who can't behave." Cid warns.
"We promise!" they yell back.
He must have not seen me come in with them.
The two threw the older man a quick grin as they quickly disappeared within the crowded room. As I got closer the silver haired guy extends out a hand, he beckons for me to take a seat which I did. Then he shot me a sideways glance while passing a pamphlet.
The silver hair youth folds his arms behind his back. "Geez what took so long for you to find me? You almost had me going when you said you weren't coming back, I was really sad."
"OH…sorry about that, I changed my mind; it was pretty dumb for me to say that." I yawn.
"No big, but learn to let someone in on the revelation. Somewhere deep inside I knew you weren't going to do that. I'm glad you got over that thing, now we can focus on bigger things right? It's hard to believe we're seniors." He gave a light snort as he laughs.
Squall you told that to everyone but me.
"So, I see you do like to jump in and out of cliques Squall. You impress me if you can't stand Yuffie how the heck are you putting up with them" he asks pointing to Tidus and Zack.
"...It's the final year, decided I'd do something out of character right? Besides they are more fun than they look."
He turns, his eyebrow arching with the movement. "Maybe I should get to know them too then, well?" he asks.
"Well, what?" I ask.
"Aren't you going to say welcome back, hi or anything? We've been friend for three years and you're gonna be cold to me the last one?" he pouts.
The silver haired guy lazily looks around the stage, and pretends as if he was on the elder on the stage. After a five minutes into the lecture. He turns to me and raises an eyebrow.
This is Squall's friend. I don't want him to lose any close friends by being suspicious. This guy might be able to help me find the connection between Squall, and those three guys. Maybe he can help me find Riku, but I don't even know his name. What should I say?
"Fine, hey ready to-lets have fun this year?" I finish embarrassed.
There was a brief silence between us, and then we both let out a snort, trying to hold the laughter in. "Um…should I ask about the sarcasm? I can see Rinoa, heck even Yuffie, but me!? I'm your best bud" he whispers in a harsh but playful tone.
"Sorry I didn't expect to say that stuff either. How about I make it up for you and tattoo your name on my arm?" I suggest.
Hopefully he'll fall for it.
I slightly saw them trying to catch a glimpse of the right of the stage. Most likely someone he knew was coming out soon.
"Are you really Squall?" He asks with a serious face.
I roll my eyes at him trying to play the role. "Who else am I?" I ask.
"Yup that's the Squall I know. But if your serious, you don't have to worry about putting Riku's awesome on your arm, you can just tattoo my face on your back." he says laughing a bit.
So he's Riku!
"I think I will stay ink free after that idea…Riku. So about last year I-"
A loud buzz of the microphone gets our attention. Shyly a blushing blond boy walks onto the stage. My heart stops, my mouth dries and our eyes lock or so I thought. He began to look all around the room.
He's cute.
All these feelings I shun people for over using, or for that matter even expressing about me. I felt them digging and ripping into me to surface and pour out. But I have the right don't I? After being harassed all these years over feelings of others, I have to right to pursue my own.
What am I thinking? Squall comes first.
The shy blond fixes the microphone with the headmasters help. He backs away slowly scratching his head earning swooning and aww's from the cute pose. He turns his back away from the crowd, probably hiding his embarrassment. A few moments later the headmaster gives a big grin and calls him over. He turns around to look up at the crowds of people, face flushed, and biting his bottom lip. I felt waves of emotion swirl around in my mind. I was trying hard for them not to reach other places. Squall comes first...Right?
"S-sorry I'm Cloud strife, a sophomore and I am running for Class Vice president thank you. I-I will now read the new students list." he mumbles softly.
This is college why are there class representatives?
Girly giggles full the room instantly. I briefly look around at the other students. They nearly had hearts in their eyes, a ping of jealously started to flare inside of me. I had half the mind to tell them to shut up, that's if the headmasters hand hadn't slapped against the podium.
"That's enough young ladies! You can finish now." Cid commands.
Riku snaps a finger in front of my face and I turn giving him a miffed look.
"Don't put on your ice prince act with me, I'm still here Leonhart." he gives an innocent look after I glare at him.
"Finally I have your attention. I know that there is a part in you that thinks that Strife kid only gets cuter. It's like every time I see him. Only thing that sucks is there's not a person in this room who isn't after him." Riku swoons; with a glint in his eyes.
I lick my suddenly dry lips. "I can see why." I breathe out.
"Sure you do...everyone knows Tidus and Zack and well you of course aren't after him."
"Me? Y-yeah of course! I'm not, of course I wouldn't. What about you then? You just don't know a lot about a person for no reason right?" I ask hoping to get a scandalized look.
The statement was instead answered with a smirk and an even bigger glint in his eyes. I unconsciously alternate looks between the silver haired youth, and the blond beauty.
"I did say there's not a person in this room who isn't after him. In fact I was thinking of asking him-"
Quickly I decide to take action, not wanting to drag my charade out. That and there was no way I could play the straight guy while we were on a subject about a really cute one.
"That's nice and all but I don't have time for this, Riku I really need to ask you something." I stated firmly.
"What's gotten into you?" he asks with a look of confusion on his face.
I pinch the bridge of my nose as I look away. "Ah, sorry it was nothing, just tired!" I reply quickly.
Oh that's right I have to stop being so pushy.
"We'll it's been fun, I really am glad to see you Squall" he yawns as I give a light growl.
"It's Leo-Ah!" I quickly cover my mouth.
I almost blew my own cover! That's right I'm Squall NOT Leon.
By the time I look back up Riku was gone. Obviously knowing Cloud was done and that meant Cid talking…again. The crowd on stage disappeared and despite his protests the rest of the auditorium. The doors opened, and the students stormed out. Some were happy, and others tired, and more were mopping and already hating the new school year.
Next time-Chapter 2-1 Laguna: It's a rainy day in garden, must be love or something. At Laguna's house it's a race for love and the thrill of the ride!