Otherworld

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Genre: Drama/Romance

Classification: Epic

Rating: R

Pairings: Zell x Quistis, Zell x Squall

Warnings: AU, Alcohol Use, Drug Use, Language, Lemon

Disclaimer: The Final Fantasy VIII franchise is owned by Squaresoft

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AU. Zell is the lead singer for a rock band, but what happens when he becomes torn between the booze, the drugs, his bassist, and his drummer? [Zell x Quistis, Zell x Squall]

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Author's Notes: Alright, I'm sure no one will even read this, but I'll write the first chapter and hope at least one person is interested. This is a story I've been thinking about for a few weeks. It's basically a comeback for me, since an old story of mine, "Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number" had to be cancelled when two punks decided to flame every single chapter. I'm an emotional person, and so I couldn't handle that. I had to let it go. Well, here's hoping that someone will enjoy this. If so, please read and review.

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Ch. 01

Between The 1st And The 40th Drink

[Zell's P.O.V.]

"Uh, honey, bring it close to my. Uh, honey, bring it close to my lips, yeah."

The raving dance music pounded through the loud speakers, sending sound waves throughout the entire club. Horribly amazing flashes of baby blue, indigo, neon green, yellow, hot pink, and violet created little rainbow worlds as the eager youths danced on.

"It's gotta be big. It's gotta be big, I said."

I was sitting at the bar. Looking into my drink more than I was looking out at the dance floor. Bloody Mary. It was nice. Ever since I was thirteen, I'd been a bitch for these things. They were great. I could just keep drinking 'em. Sometimes it was hard to stop.

I let my eyes roll back into my head a little as I drew back, bringing the glass to my lips. I felt the strong, tangy beverage run down my throat. I basically chugged it, and then wiped my mouth with my forearm. Nice.

"Hey," I said, nodding at the bartender. "Another Bloody Mary, man."

"I think you've had enough," he told me.

"I'll know when I've fucking had enough," I blurted, rubbing a hand at my eyes, getting annoyed. I already had a bad temper, and when I was fucked up like this, it was only worse. "Just give me a fucking drink."

"I've got regulations," he replied, his voice a little wary.

"Fuck your regulations. Give me a fucking drink."

"I, I don't think you can take another drink."

"Look. If you don't give me a mother fucking drink right now, I will fucking break you down when you're not looking. I will grab your face and slam it into the fucking concrete. I am not playing."

"Alright, damn, cool it, cool it. I'll get you a Bloody Mary."

"Good."

With that, I slid my drink over him, folding my arms across my chest. I closed my eyes, writing in the whole club atmosphere. It was nice. I probably looked like a little bit of a raze boy. What, with the black t shirt, the neon orange fishnet long sleeve shirt, the baggy jeans, the layered belts, and all of the miscellaneous chains. I was decked out.

The bartender slid my drink back to me over the counter, and I caught it with a shaky hand. Man, had I really had enough? Was there a line to cross? If so, I'd probably crossed it long ago. So why should I slow up now?

I brought the glass to my lips, letting the alcoholic charged V8 move down my throat. The long techno remix twisted itself into a new song, something that was fairly familiar. Sounded like a remix of a song I'd heard a while back.

I let my gaze travel from the already near empty glass in my hand over to the dance floor. Even against the awfully brilliant flashing colors dancing throughout the room, I could make out the young people who were dancing wildly. Some were jumping up and down to the techno. Others were attempting to break dance. And some were just doing their own thing.

I saw Quistis doing her own thing. Man, she looked good. Even with that fucked up rainbow shit exploding against her, she looked good. Amazing, even. I couldn't help but stare. I saw her moving her hands through her shimmering blonde hair, shaking her hips to the smooth electronica beat. Of course my eyes drifted down to her tits. They were nice. She was showing some cleavage, too. Wearing a black spaghetti strap shirt with some weird graffiti writing on it. It looked great on her. My eyes trailed down to her hips. They looked nice. Hell, her entire bottom half looked just as good as her top half. That tight black skirt, those thin silver belts. Of course, her leather boots with those pin heels didn't hurt, either. Very sexy. I gave her full body a stare, watching the way she moved. The way her fingers trailed over the series of necklaces hanging around her neck. The way her hands seemed to run over every fine curve. I already had a boner. I was about to cream my pants. Taking this into consideration, I reluctantly looked away, staring back at the glass that was still in my hand.

Maybe I really did drink too much. Phew. I was kind of dizzy. Then again, it could've just been the loud ass music. And all of the colors flashing like crazy didn't help much, either. Rubbing my eyes with my hand, I pushed the glass away. I didn't want to make myself feel any worse.

I heard the bartender ask if I wanted a refill, and I just shook my head. I folded my arms across the counter, and rested my head. I breathed in.

"Get over it, Dincht," I told myself. "She's having fun. Can't take that away from her."

I craned my neck, pushing my head further into my folded arms. I closed my eyes.

Was it really a good idea to be here? I mean, I was far from innocent, but I didn't want to get too fucked up. I didn't want my band to get too out of hand. Oh, what did it matter? We were a fucking rock band. All rock bands did this occasionally. It's like, an unwritten law or something. I don't know. Maybe all of the alcohol had gotten to me. I wasn't making much sense anymore, not even to myself. With that thought hanging around, I let out a soft sigh. I just didn't know. It was kind of messy.

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[Quistis' P.O.V.]

I was surprised at myself. Normally, I wasn't much of a dancer. But all of the sudden, it came into me. I couldn't get enough of it. I'd been dancing for at least two hours, without a break. That normally wouldn't have been a big deal to hardcore clubbers, but I was wearing high heel boots. So, it was a pretty big deal to me. In fact, my feet were starting to hurt.

"I should probably call it a night," I murmured to myself.

I let my body follow up with the thought, eventually coming to a complete stop. I felt a little awkward, standing in the middle of the dance floor with all of those crazy rave boys and girls, throwing their hands high into the air, shaking their heads to the wild techno music. But that didn't really matter. My feet hurt, and I wasn't going to dance anymore.

I found myself a way out of the mess of dancers, stepping off of the dancing floor completely. I let out a relieved sigh. No more of that.

Adjusting my eyes to the psychotic colors that I hadn't really noticed before, I scanned the nearby bar, looking for an empty seat. Thank Hyne. There was an empty stool right there, beside a boy with spiky blonde hair. Hoping that it was Zell, I headed over to the seat and claimed it as my own.

I rubbed a hand through my hair, glancing at the watch on my wrist. It was almost 3:30 in the morning. I chewed on my lower lip, giving a sidelong glance to the boy sitting beside me. I could see the very beginnings of a certain exotic facial tattoo, and instantly knew it was Zell.

Smiling softly, I directed my attention to a voice that had sounded in front of me. It was the bartender.

"Ahem, can I get you anything?" he inquired.

"Oh, um," I began, hesitating for a moment. "Just a shot of vodka, with a lemon wedge."

"Comin' right up."

I nodded, glancing right back over at Zell. He looked as if he were asleep. I felt kind of bad for the poor guy. After all, he'd been at the bar for at least an hour and a half. He'd only danced for a song or two. I hope I hadn't kept him out longer than he wanted to. I rubbed at my forehead, sighing a little.

I felt something cool gliding into my free hand, and quickly looked down at it. It was a shot glass of vodka with a lemon wedge pushed down onto the rim.

I smiled for a thank you, and instantly grabbed the small glass, bringing it up to my mouth. I chugged it, as unladylike as it was. Instantly taken aback by the powerful flavor, I brought the lemon wedge into my mouth, squirting it's sour juices onto my tongue. After I swallowed the lemon juice, I pushed the empty glass away, setting the lemon wedge's remains in it.

I rubbed my shoulders, staring down at the counter.

"Are you okay?"

I looked up. It was the bartender again.

"I'm fine."

"You look like you're kind of upset."

"Oh, thanks for the concern, but I'm okay. Really."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Well, okay. By the way, do you know that guy?"

"What guy?"

"That guy."

He cocked his head a little to the side, signaling to my right. I glanced over, looking at Zell's slumped over form. I returned my gaze over to the bartender.

"Yes, I know him. Why?"

"He's been drinking for a long time."

"Damn. I'm sorry, I'm sure he started acting brash."

"A little bit. He wasn't too much of a problem."

"Well, I'm glad. Don't worry, I'll be taking him home. He'll be okay in the morning."

"Ha, I wouldn't be so sure about that."

"Hmm. Well, I'll get him home, anyway."

"Are you designated?"

"I'm not drunk."

"But you've been drinking, right?"

"Not very much."

"Sorry, I don't think that'd be a good idea. Is there anyone else here who could take you and your friend home?"

"Well, there's one guy. I don't know where he is, though."

"What's he look like?"

"Brown hair, a little messy. He's got a scar right between his eyes, it's a little bit faded. He was wearing a see through black shirt with, um, some black leather pants, I think."

"Oh, the dude with the gothic get up, huh? I think I remember him."

"He didn't get anything to drink, did he?"

"No, he just asked where the restrooms were."

"And when did he ask you this?"

"A little over an hour ago."

"With all due respect, I seriously doubt he's still in the restroom."

"Well, there's more to do in the restrooms here than just piss or shit."

"I see. And what's so amazing about the restrooms here?"

"It's not really amazing, lady. It's just sometimes they're used for, uh, you know. Sex, drugs, that kind of stuff."

"If that's true, why are you suggesting I get him to take me and my friend home? If he's high, wouldn't that be just as bad as if he were drunk? You know, I think I'll be fine. I really appreciate your concern, though."

"Look, just, I'm not saying that's what he did in there."

"I'm, well, it's late. And I really don't want you backtracking all over what you just told me. I'll get us back home, okay? Thanks."

Before the bartender could protest, I turned away, shaking Zell's shoulders. I ignored the bartender's rushed words, no matter how considerate they were. I finally shook Zell awake, bringing him out of his little nap.

"What's goin' on?" he asked, his voice kind of muffled as he rubbed his mouth with his forearm.

"We're going home," I replied. "Look, we need to find Squall. Do you know where he is?"

"Mmm. He, uh, um. Mmm, he said he was gonna go get something to eat at the McDonald's on the corner."

"When did he say this?"

"Not too long ago."

"Alright. Well, come on. Get up, get up. I'm surprised you even remember, Zell. You've had allot to drink."

"Yes, yes I have."

I supported Zell's weight with my shoulder, digging my heels into the floor as I stood up against him, holding him up. I gave him a sidelong glance, noticing the drunken look in his blue eyes. I couldn't help but smile a little bit, he was such a cutie. But I knew it was going to be a bitch having to drag him all the way to the McDonald's. But the sooner I started, the sooner I'd get him there.

"Come on, Zell. We're going to McDonald's. Come on, Zell, walk with me."

"What? I'm…not too hungry. If I got anything, I'd probably barf."

"Well, we've got to get Squall. He's the only one who isn't messed up."

"You don't seem to be too messed up."

"Yeah, but it could kick in any second. That's why we've got to hurry the fuck up."

Zell nodded into my hair, making the trip out of the club a little easier. I took advantage of this, and sped walk myself and him towards McDonald's.

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[Squall's P.O.V.]

Crazy. I'd never really eaten much of McDonald's until I joined Zell's band. I guess it was one of his favorites, right after hot dogs. I smiled a little, wiping my mouth with a napkin. It was kind of lonely, sitting in the corner, with the big beats from the nearby club obvious, even here. It reminded me that I wasn't allowed to have fun this time. Well, it was fair, I guess. We all took turns when we went out like this. It was for the best. And besides, Quistis never drank too much. She was always kind of a last resort in case Zell or I fucked up on our duty as the designated driver.

I sat back in my seat, looking up at the ceiling. Zell. Fucked up. Zell could fuck me up anytime he wanted. I don't know. It was fucking stupid, sure. I mean, he had the hots for Quistis, and she'd be stupid if she didn't' have the hots for him. Regardless, I couldn't interfere with that. Besides, I'm not even the right gender. Not that I'm too sure if my ass is all that different from a girl, but…

"Excuse me," I heard a female's voice.

I looked up, smiling meekly at a young employee with brown hair and emerald eyes.

"Yes?"

"Well, I noticed you'd come in from the club. Um, are you? Well, would it be safe for you to drive home?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I mean. I've been to the club a couple of times, and there's allot of stuff going on in there. You know, alcohol, drugs, stuff like that. Are you sober?"

"Yes, I'm sober."

"You're not stoned, are you?"

"No, I'm not."

"Good. 'Cause, like, if you are. You can totally tell me. I won't rat you out or anything. I'll even give you a ride to your place!"

"Thanks," I said, appreciating the gesture. "But, I'll manage. I'll be sure to think about it if me and my friends are in a bind, though."

"Cool! Um, the name's Selphie. Selphie Tilmitt."

She offered me a hand, which I politely shook.

"Squall Leonhart."

"Nice to meetcha!"

"Same here."

"So, like, man, you look really good. Like, you're not exhausted at all. Wearing those leather pants, I'm surprised you're not sweating like a pig!"

I laughed.

"Well, it's funny how things work out."

She nodded, smiling at me.

The door opened behind her, and we both looked to see who'd come in. Given, from the bunched up blonde heads, the wild rave clothes, and a certain wild tattoo, I knew it was Zell and Quistis. Selphie turned back and gave me a curious look. I nodded, telling her those were my friends without saying a thing. She smiled.

"Squall!" Quistis cried, practically dragging herself and Zell over to the table. "Squall, you have got to take us home! Zell's drunk, and my feet hurt!"

"Hmm, what're the magic words?"

"Fuck you, jerk," Zell cursed into Quistis' shoulder, clinging onto her as if his life depended on it.

With that single comment, I was instantly split into two different phases. I was a bit aroused by the fact that Zell had said, "Fuck you, jerk." Sure, he could fuck me anytime. Not that he ever would. But I also felt a little bad inside, a little sad. Watching Zell hold onto Quistis so tightly. That made me a little jealous. But that weak little smile never came off my face.

"Whatever," I said, standing up.

I signaled to Selphie with my hands, and then signaled to my blonde friends.

"Selphie, meet Zell and Quistis. Zell and Quistis, meet Selphie."

"Hello Selphie," Quistis greeted, smiling as she adjusted her weight under Zell.

"Yo," Zell said.

"Hey, guys!" Selphie cheered, running a hand through her brown hair. "Okay, you know what? I'd love to stay and bullshit with you guys, but I know you need to get home. It's late. So, maybe I'll catch you guys later?"

"Sure," I replied, smiling at Selphie. "In fact, you know, it's pretty strange, Selphie. You're not like most people. You're not freaking out in the presence of a rock band."

Selphie blushed, nodding meekly.

"Hehe, well, that's just me, I guess!"

By the extreme flush of red that painted her face, I knew she was embarrassed. She had just been trying to keep it cool to impress us. It was actually kind of cute.

"Okay, well, I think giving you our number would be out of the picture, but, I don't think this is the last you've seen of us."

"Would you shut the fuck up?!" Zell screamed, nearly collapsing over Quistis. "We want to go home!"

"Sorry," I said, nodding. "Okay, Selphie. Well, we'll catch you later."

"Bye!"

With that, I helped Quistis out by raising my shoulder up on the other side of Zell, supporting him between the two of us. It would be a bitch getting him to the car. After all, we'd parked at a parking lot that was three blocks away.

Sighing to myself, we trekked out of McDonald's and into the night, trying to keep Zell from falling flat on his face. After all, he was our lead singer. Couldn't deal with him having a black eye on that pretty face of his.

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Author's Notes: Okay, I'm sorry if it's really stupid or something. I really am trying with this story, though. I really want to make something of it. I have high expectations for it, but it's difficult to continue if I don't know that someone is actually reading it. So, please, read and review. I promise I will review one of your stories, and I always stick to my word. All you've got to do is read and review this story. It would mean so much to me. Thank you.