Selphie's Friend
(Author's Note: Don't own nothing, I wouldn't be writing this if did would I? I would love to own Final Fantasy VIII but unfortunately I don't. Perhaps one day I'll work for Squaresoft, but right now, I'm sitting here thinking about my new fanfic and wallowing in self-pity. Rejection sucks... Written while listening to Tuuli, they are great. *sings* Too bad you've had your chance to make amends, I'm tired of rockstar boyfriends*stops when the mirror breaks* Damn... Time for Finch...)
Chapter One: Meeting Selphie's Friends
"Thanks for getting me that dormitory Selphie. It was really nice of you," I said, smiling at the little woman. She whooped and threw her arms around me. I was used to over-reactions from Selphie. It was normal for her to start screaming over tiny little things. She was vicious when she needed to be. How else would she have saved the world?
"S'ok. I'd do anything for my bestest ever friend in the whole wide world!" She replied pulling away. I blushed as my stomach rumbled. Selphie laughed and began to steer me into the cafeteria. I didn't protest. I hadn't had anything to eat, and I'd been travelling for at least nine hours. I'd never do that trip on an empty stomach again!
"Hey! Look, there's Squall and the gang! I'm going to introduce you!" Selphie squealed, pulling me out of the queue and over to the table they were all sitting around. The smell of pizza and hotdogs floated into my nose. I looked at the dinner ladies then sighed when none of them caught the eyes of a starving child. Instead I got to meet Selphie's friends, and I'll admit I was slightly nervous.
"Hi! Everyone this is Destiny, Destiny this is everyone. I'll leave it to them to introduce themselves. I'll get you some food, before you collapse," Selphie hurried into the queue. I sat down on one of the vacant chairs and nervously straightened out my top. I knew who all these people were of course, you couldn't go anywhere without seeing pictures of them. They were on all the Garden recruitment posters, and the campaign had worked. Now I was meeting them face to face and I was terrified.
"Hi, I'm Zell. Don't worry, Selphie's told us everything about you. Not that she had much bad stuff to dish out," The blonde guy said. I smiled and nodded my head. That was the exact Selphie thing to do. Tell everyone everything about you, so they knew what not to say. Yet, Selphie didn't know everything about me.
"I'm Irvine, pleased to meet you. Selphie failed to mention your beauty," The cowboy told me. I didn't blush but I coughed and looked into his eyes.
"Selphie told me all about you. I'll take that with a pinch of salt if you don't mind," I snapped. Irvine winked at the others and that made me even angrier with him. Selphie felt something for him and I was afraid he'd hurt her feelings. I didn't like Irvine, he was too much of a ladies man. He thought because he was a gunman he was James Bond. He'd better not mess with Selphie's heart too much.
"She's most definitely right. I'm Quistis. Son't mind Irvine, he's just a sad, sad guy. And he gets a sad kick out of girls and guns," Quistis joked. I smiled weakly. Yes, he was sad, I agreed. Irvine was a sad man. Yet if Selphie loved him, he'd better be nice to her.
"I'm Rinoa. I heard you like animals, could you help me train Angelo, he's running riot in Garden," Rinoa asked. I nodded. Angelo was a little bit old for training, but I supposed I could try. The last person around the table was Commander Squall Leonhart. The most famous of them all. He was handsome and he'd saved the world. He was also taken, which made most girls think of ways to get him to leave Rinoa. I had no such plans however. Squall wasn't my type. I knew that from a questionnaire I'd done once in 'Stars TV GUIDE'.
"I'm Squall Leonhart. Suppose you already know us anyway from magazines and the like..." He trailed off. I smiled, so he'd forgotten already.
"Actually we met in Trabia, remember? You said you'd never been able to get through it without Selphie and she nearly cried on my shoulder. I remember that, because after you went she practically told me all of you life story. Can you imagine Selphie spouting out all this stuff, half of which I didn't understand, about you guys?" I realised I was rambling and shut up. They all raised their eyebrows at each other smiling.
"Then you know about the T-Boarding incident?" Zell asked. I laughed, I knew about the T-Board incident. He'd T-Boarded into the women's restroom and Xu had been in there. I could imagine the embarrassment of that, as someone had done something similar in Trabia.
"Here, that's the last hotdog they have. I suppose you've all introduced yourselves. Seems like you've already got onto embarrassing stories, judging by the color of Zell's cheeks," Selphie said, put the plate down in front of me and sitting down. I ate and listened to Selphie talking about the Garden Festival. I saw the glazed expressions go across their faces.
"Selphie? Why don't you get that band... What are they called? Vault, that's it! They're really good, and they played at the memorial concert in Trabia... They play rock, but it has real meaning to it. They even wrote a song based on you. I had a word with them about that though. I told them you weren't dead yet, so they should really change the lyrics," I giggled as Selphie glowed. I knew that Selphie hadn't been able to get to the Trabia memorial concert and that we'd got in a Trabia band. I didn't want to mention that one of the men in the band was a guy who'd dated both me and Selphie, not good.
"Yeah, a band would be a really good idea. Then we can have that play that the drama group's doing on the second night. Of course, Squall has the final say..." Selphie looked at him pleadingly. I wondered if these were the Garden Festival Committee. If they were then I'd admit that I was skeptical that the whole thing would get off the ground. They lacked enthusiasm.
"You're in my seat," came a voice from behind me. I looked around and saw a very tall blonde haired man with a trench coat on. I checked the seat then looked back into his eyes defiantly. His eyes were jade, a lovely colour, and he had a nice face. Good for the eyes, a little like Commander Leonhart's.
"I don't see your name on it," I said. He looked slightly amused. I felt Selphie elbow me in the ribs. I looked at her, she was holding back laughter but there was a warning in her eyes.
"You don't know my name, so you can't know if I have my name on it," He replied. I stretched in a arrogant way. I didn't rate his tough guy act, it was used by cowards to hide their emotions from others. I had tried to use that before, but it didn't work for me. Not with a friend like Selphie anyway.
"Then tell me it, then I'll see if it's written here," I heard a snort of laughter from the other side of the table. I looked into the man's eyes again. His eyes darted across the table.
"Shut it Dincht, or I'll slice of that excuse for a hairstyle," He said, harshly. I felt rage. That wasn't fair, it wasn't him who was taking the piss. I'd have bring the attention back onto me, whoever this guy was. He should learn some manners.
"You are rude aren't you? In fact you're one of the rudest people I've ever met. Now tell me your name, and I'll find it on the chair," I said coldly. Selphie gave me another warning glance. I wondered why she was warning me. What could possibly be wrong with her? This guy was obviously part of her friendship group, but who was he?
"Seifer Almasy at your service," He said, bowing mockingly. I felt the ice pour into my stomach. Why hadn't Selphie mentioned him? She could have prepared me slightly for this. I leapt up out of the chair and ran out of the cafeteria. Leaning against the wall outside I just took deep breaths. I tried to think about something other than the conversation that had passed between me and that murderer. I saw Selphie and her friendship gang, including Seifer, walk through the doors to the cafeteria. She stopped in front of me, it was a nice awkward moment.
"Sorry I didn't tell you. I was scared that if I told you, that you'd have given up Garden. I was selfish, sorry," She apologised. I sighed, this was going to be tough.
"Selphie, that guy," I pointed at Seifer, who winced. "He killed my entire family and our entire friendship group. I've been through hell because the missiles were fired and struck Trabia. My mom, dad and my brother died in the explosion. And the rest, they died shortly after. You're right, I would have come here if you'd have told me he was here. But I guess I'll put up with him, since you're all I've got left anyway," I said. After the whole experience I just wanted to lie down and be with myself. I loved Selphie like a sister, but she had been selfish.
"Just don't hold it against Selphie. It's not her fault. I knew that there'd be trouble somewhere along the line if I returned," Seifer said. I couldn't even look at him. Instead I pushed myself up from the wall and began to walk to my dormitory. Before getting out of earshot I called back to Seifer.
"I don't blame Selphie. I blame you," Then I ran to my dormitory and slammed the door. Time for a cold shower and a full make-over.
* * * * *
So it was an hour later that I finally re-emerged from my dormitory. I went to Selphie's dormitory to apologise. I done the whole beauty thing. From face masks to hair highlighting. I'd highlighted my normal brown hair with bits of bright red and purple. It looked quite nice in my opinion, I was pleased that I'd learned to do things like that. I'd even thought about putting in my mood contacts, but in the end I decided on my specs, it would be too freaky for Selphie's if I changed my eye colour. Selphie was used to it, but it wasn't the normal thing to do.
I'd worn clear contacts on the way, as specs are slightly too fiddly when you are travelling. I hate the way they slip down you nose when you're reading on the train or on the boats. Also, I didn't know what people's reactions would be, but Quistis wore specs, so I guessed it was okay for me to do so too.
I knocked on Selphie's dormitory door. I heard some noises then Selphie answered. She looked guilty as hell. I assumed that she'd been doing something she shouldn't have been again. I waited for her to invite me in, but she didn't so I took a deep breath and began.
"Selphie I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost it with you. You know how close I was to my mom and pops though, I guess I could forgive Seifer, if he made an effort to be extra nice," I said. It was slightly rehearsed but I didn't care, and it seemed that Selphie didn't either because she stepped aside. Only then did I realise why she looked guilty, Seifer in her dormitory. If it hadn't been Seifer, I would have immediately thought that they'd been making out.
"Er, hi?" He said. I pursed my lips then a picture of my brother came into my head. A phrase he'd always said If someone does something wrong, and they're sorry, then forgive them Destiny. Give them a second chance, then you'll get one. I nodded, as though he'd just said it to me.
"Hi," I said, smiling. He relaxed and I sat down on Selphie's bed. I thought about my life in Garden now. I didn't know Seifer much, but I had a feeling he was the kind of guy I could have fun with, if I could ever get beyond the fact he killed my parents.
"We were just talking about you actually. We were wondering how to get you to forgive us, guess you've forgiven us both. Unless we have to get on our hands and knees and beg?" Selphie suggested. I giggled, but I wouldn't put anyone through that. Having your pride hurt made you bear grudges, I didn't want anyone to hate me.
"S'ok Selphie. I was wondering, have you heard from Shelly recently? Since our break up she's been trying to find some dirt on me to publish it in that horrible magazine of hers," I said casually. Selphie frowned and checked her answer machine. Seifer however looked at me sharply. I looked up, what had I said? Or was he one of those homophobic idiots?
"You're a lesbian?" He asked, surprise in his voice. I looked him directly in the eye.
"Bisexual," I replied. I was surprised to see him grinning at me. He leaned over and for a moment I thought he was ging to kiss me on the cheek. Selphie was still fiddling with her phone, her back to us. I was about to hit Seifer when he whispered something in my ear.
"So am I, but don't tell anyone. They'll go all freaked out with me. It's okay for girls to like girls here, but for guys to like guys it's degrading," He whispered. I nodded, I knew what he meant. I turned to whisper something back but he'd only move his head slightly so I ended up brushing his lips with mine. Then Selphie turned around. I was more embarrased that you can ever imagine.
"Doesn't seem like you're bothered about Shelly!" She said, giggling. I felt the blush work up my face. I didn't like Seifer in that way, he'd wiped out two thirds of Trabia, but that didn't matter to matchmaker Selphie.
"Selphie, I have a boyfriend," Seifer said quietly. Selphie looked at him sharply and I just grinned. So already Seifer had confessed. Didn't take much to get him to tell people.
"You what?" Selphie asked loudly.
"Nevermind... Just don't tell them, they'll have a field day at the press," Seifer stood up and prowled up. I smiled up at Selphie, she grinned back. Both of us had had the same idea.
(Author's Note: Don't own nothing, I wouldn't be writing this if did would I? I would love to own Final Fantasy VIII but unfortunately I don't. Perhaps one day I'll work for Squaresoft, but right now, I'm sitting here thinking about my new fanfic and wallowing in self-pity. Rejection sucks... Written while listening to Tuuli, they are great. *sings* Too bad you've had your chance to make amends, I'm tired of rockstar boyfriends*stops when the mirror breaks* Damn... Time for Finch...)
"Thanks for getting me that dormitory Selphie. It was really nice of you," I said, smiling at the little woman. She whooped and threw her arms around me. I was used to over-reactions from Selphie. It was normal for her to start screaming over tiny little things. She was vicious when she needed to be. How else would she have saved the world?
"S'ok. I'd do anything for my bestest ever friend in the whole wide world!" She replied pulling away. I blushed as my stomach rumbled. Selphie laughed and began to steer me into the cafeteria. I didn't protest. I hadn't had anything to eat, and I'd been travelling for at least nine hours. I'd never do that trip on an empty stomach again!
"Hey! Look, there's Squall and the gang! I'm going to introduce you!" Selphie squealed, pulling me out of the queue and over to the table they were all sitting around. The smell of pizza and hotdogs floated into my nose. I looked at the dinner ladies then sighed when none of them caught the eyes of a starving child. Instead I got to meet Selphie's friends, and I'll admit I was slightly nervous.
"Hi! Everyone this is Destiny, Destiny this is everyone. I'll leave it to them to introduce themselves. I'll get you some food, before you collapse," Selphie hurried into the queue. I sat down on one of the vacant chairs and nervously straightened out my top. I knew who all these people were of course, you couldn't go anywhere without seeing pictures of them. They were on all the Garden recruitment posters, and the campaign had worked. Now I was meeting them face to face and I was terrified.
"Hi, I'm Zell. Don't worry, Selphie's told us everything about you. Not that she had much bad stuff to dish out," The blonde guy said. I smiled and nodded my head. That was the exact Selphie thing to do. Tell everyone everything about you, so they knew what not to say. Yet, Selphie didn't know everything about me.
"I'm Irvine, pleased to meet you. Selphie failed to mention your beauty," The cowboy told me. I didn't blush but I coughed and looked into his eyes.
"Selphie told me all about you. I'll take that with a pinch of salt if you don't mind," I snapped. Irvine winked at the others and that made me even angrier with him. Selphie felt something for him and I was afraid he'd hurt her feelings. I didn't like Irvine, he was too much of a ladies man. He thought because he was a gunman he was James Bond. He'd better not mess with Selphie's heart too much.
"She's most definitely right. I'm Quistis. Son't mind Irvine, he's just a sad, sad guy. And he gets a sad kick out of girls and guns," Quistis joked. I smiled weakly. Yes, he was sad, I agreed. Irvine was a sad man. Yet if Selphie loved him, he'd better be nice to her.
"I'm Rinoa. I heard you like animals, could you help me train Angelo, he's running riot in Garden," Rinoa asked. I nodded. Angelo was a little bit old for training, but I supposed I could try. The last person around the table was Commander Squall Leonhart. The most famous of them all. He was handsome and he'd saved the world. He was also taken, which made most girls think of ways to get him to leave Rinoa. I had no such plans however. Squall wasn't my type. I knew that from a questionnaire I'd done once in 'Stars TV GUIDE'.
"I'm Squall Leonhart. Suppose you already know us anyway from magazines and the like..." He trailed off. I smiled, so he'd forgotten already.
"Actually we met in Trabia, remember? You said you'd never been able to get through it without Selphie and she nearly cried on my shoulder. I remember that, because after you went she practically told me all of you life story. Can you imagine Selphie spouting out all this stuff, half of which I didn't understand, about you guys?" I realised I was rambling and shut up. They all raised their eyebrows at each other smiling.
"Then you know about the T-Boarding incident?" Zell asked. I laughed, I knew about the T-Board incident. He'd T-Boarded into the women's restroom and Xu had been in there. I could imagine the embarrassment of that, as someone had done something similar in Trabia.
"Here, that's the last hotdog they have. I suppose you've all introduced yourselves. Seems like you've already got onto embarrassing stories, judging by the color of Zell's cheeks," Selphie said, put the plate down in front of me and sitting down. I ate and listened to Selphie talking about the Garden Festival. I saw the glazed expressions go across their faces.
"Selphie? Why don't you get that band... What are they called? Vault, that's it! They're really good, and they played at the memorial concert in Trabia... They play rock, but it has real meaning to it. They even wrote a song based on you. I had a word with them about that though. I told them you weren't dead yet, so they should really change the lyrics," I giggled as Selphie glowed. I knew that Selphie hadn't been able to get to the Trabia memorial concert and that we'd got in a Trabia band. I didn't want to mention that one of the men in the band was a guy who'd dated both me and Selphie, not good.
"Yeah, a band would be a really good idea. Then we can have that play that the drama group's doing on the second night. Of course, Squall has the final say..." Selphie looked at him pleadingly. I wondered if these were the Garden Festival Committee. If they were then I'd admit that I was skeptical that the whole thing would get off the ground. They lacked enthusiasm.
"You're in my seat," came a voice from behind me. I looked around and saw a very tall blonde haired man with a trench coat on. I checked the seat then looked back into his eyes defiantly. His eyes were jade, a lovely colour, and he had a nice face. Good for the eyes, a little like Commander Leonhart's.
"I don't see your name on it," I said. He looked slightly amused. I felt Selphie elbow me in the ribs. I looked at her, she was holding back laughter but there was a warning in her eyes.
"You don't know my name, so you can't know if I have my name on it," He replied. I stretched in a arrogant way. I didn't rate his tough guy act, it was used by cowards to hide their emotions from others. I had tried to use that before, but it didn't work for me. Not with a friend like Selphie anyway.
"Then tell me it, then I'll see if it's written here," I heard a snort of laughter from the other side of the table. I looked into the man's eyes again. His eyes darted across the table.
"Shut it Dincht, or I'll slice of that excuse for a hairstyle," He said, harshly. I felt rage. That wasn't fair, it wasn't him who was taking the piss. I'd have bring the attention back onto me, whoever this guy was. He should learn some manners.
"You are rude aren't you? In fact you're one of the rudest people I've ever met. Now tell me your name, and I'll find it on the chair," I said coldly. Selphie gave me another warning glance. I wondered why she was warning me. What could possibly be wrong with her? This guy was obviously part of her friendship group, but who was he?
"Seifer Almasy at your service," He said, bowing mockingly. I felt the ice pour into my stomach. Why hadn't Selphie mentioned him? She could have prepared me slightly for this. I leapt up out of the chair and ran out of the cafeteria. Leaning against the wall outside I just took deep breaths. I tried to think about something other than the conversation that had passed between me and that murderer. I saw Selphie and her friendship gang, including Seifer, walk through the doors to the cafeteria. She stopped in front of me, it was a nice awkward moment.
"Sorry I didn't tell you. I was scared that if I told you, that you'd have given up Garden. I was selfish, sorry," She apologised. I sighed, this was going to be tough.
"Selphie, that guy," I pointed at Seifer, who winced. "He killed my entire family and our entire friendship group. I've been through hell because the missiles were fired and struck Trabia. My mom, dad and my brother died in the explosion. And the rest, they died shortly after. You're right, I would have come here if you'd have told me he was here. But I guess I'll put up with him, since you're all I've got left anyway," I said. After the whole experience I just wanted to lie down and be with myself. I loved Selphie like a sister, but she had been selfish.
"Just don't hold it against Selphie. It's not her fault. I knew that there'd be trouble somewhere along the line if I returned," Seifer said. I couldn't even look at him. Instead I pushed myself up from the wall and began to walk to my dormitory. Before getting out of earshot I called back to Seifer.
"I don't blame Selphie. I blame you," Then I ran to my dormitory and slammed the door. Time for a cold shower and a full make-over.
* * * * *
So it was an hour later that I finally re-emerged from my dormitory. I went to Selphie's dormitory to apologise. I done the whole beauty thing. From face masks to hair highlighting. I'd highlighted my normal brown hair with bits of bright red and purple. It looked quite nice in my opinion, I was pleased that I'd learned to do things like that. I'd even thought about putting in my mood contacts, but in the end I decided on my specs, it would be too freaky for Selphie's if I changed my eye colour. Selphie was used to it, but it wasn't the normal thing to do.
I'd worn clear contacts on the way, as specs are slightly too fiddly when you are travelling. I hate the way they slip down you nose when you're reading on the train or on the boats. Also, I didn't know what people's reactions would be, but Quistis wore specs, so I guessed it was okay for me to do so too.
I knocked on Selphie's dormitory door. I heard some noises then Selphie answered. She looked guilty as hell. I assumed that she'd been doing something she shouldn't have been again. I waited for her to invite me in, but she didn't so I took a deep breath and began.
"Selphie I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost it with you. You know how close I was to my mom and pops though, I guess I could forgive Seifer, if he made an effort to be extra nice," I said. It was slightly rehearsed but I didn't care, and it seemed that Selphie didn't either because she stepped aside. Only then did I realise why she looked guilty, Seifer in her dormitory. If it hadn't been Seifer, I would have immediately thought that they'd been making out.
"Er, hi?" He said. I pursed my lips then a picture of my brother came into my head. A phrase he'd always said If someone does something wrong, and they're sorry, then forgive them Destiny. Give them a second chance, then you'll get one. I nodded, as though he'd just said it to me.
"Hi," I said, smiling. He relaxed and I sat down on Selphie's bed. I thought about my life in Garden now. I didn't know Seifer much, but I had a feeling he was the kind of guy I could have fun with, if I could ever get beyond the fact he killed my parents.
"We were just talking about you actually. We were wondering how to get you to forgive us, guess you've forgiven us both. Unless we have to get on our hands and knees and beg?" Selphie suggested. I giggled, but I wouldn't put anyone through that. Having your pride hurt made you bear grudges, I didn't want anyone to hate me.
"S'ok Selphie. I was wondering, have you heard from Shelly recently? Since our break up she's been trying to find some dirt on me to publish it in that horrible magazine of hers," I said casually. Selphie frowned and checked her answer machine. Seifer however looked at me sharply. I looked up, what had I said? Or was he one of those homophobic idiots?
"You're a lesbian?" He asked, surprise in his voice. I looked him directly in the eye.
"Bisexual," I replied. I was surprised to see him grinning at me. He leaned over and for a moment I thought he was ging to kiss me on the cheek. Selphie was still fiddling with her phone, her back to us. I was about to hit Seifer when he whispered something in my ear.
"So am I, but don't tell anyone. They'll go all freaked out with me. It's okay for girls to like girls here, but for guys to like guys it's degrading," He whispered. I nodded, I knew what he meant. I turned to whisper something back but he'd only move his head slightly so I ended up brushing his lips with mine. Then Selphie turned around. I was more embarrased that you can ever imagine.
"Doesn't seem like you're bothered about Shelly!" She said, giggling. I felt the blush work up my face. I didn't like Seifer in that way, he'd wiped out two thirds of Trabia, but that didn't matter to matchmaker Selphie.
"Selphie, I have a boyfriend," Seifer said quietly. Selphie looked at him sharply and I just grinned. So already Seifer had confessed. Didn't take much to get him to tell people.
"You what?" Selphie asked loudly.
"Nevermind... Just don't tell them, they'll have a field day at the press," Seifer stood up and prowled up. I smiled up at Selphie, she grinned back. Both of us had had the same idea.