Fruits of Chaos
Written by: Rain aka Gutterangel
Rated: PG-13/R boarderline
Genre: Romance/Drama
Warnings: Several pairing types (yaoi, yuri, hentai), lemons, mild language, spoilers.
Pairings (worth mentioning): IrvinexSquall, SeiferxSquall, IrvinexSelphie, QuistisxZell
Notes: I'm trying something new and Final Fantasy VIII is it. Um if you'll notice through out the fic, the chapter titles are named after JRock songs. So, in parenthesis, ( ), I'll be putting the JRock artists name beside the titles. "Fruits of Chaos" is done by Hyde and it kinda sums up the feel of the fic, though it isn't very angsty.
Disclaimer: I don't FFVIII nor do I own any of the songs I'll be mentioning.
x-x-x
Chapter One: Cape of Storms (Hyde)
Several months after the game takes place
If anyone had to visit the Balamb Garden, they would find it perfectly average. They would see the hustling and bustling of eager girls and boys that will soon become elite soliders for the time of war. All of which was watched over the careful eye of Squall Leonheart.
Squall was a reluctant leader since the beginning of his life. It couldn't be helped nor ignored. As a result, Squall embraced it, aiding his peers as a father would to his children. Though many of these "children" were close if not older than his ripe age of seventeen. Whatever the case may be, Squall's placement in the Garden has value and he refused to let his "family" down. Even if it meant putting his life on hold.
Though lately, the holding on his life has been taking its toll. Plenty capable of having a relationship, and with anyone he wished mind you, Squall had yet to progress in his love life. He has been questioned about it several times and each time it was always the same excuses...
"I don't have time."
"I'm not interested."
"Who would be attracted to me?"
"Can we talk about this later?"
Then again, there was one person in Squall's life that did just what was needed at the end of the day. He would slip in Squall's dorm early in the new day with a smile that tugged at the ends of perfectly kissable lips. A smile, Squall mentally noted, that could dazzle just about anybody.
Anyways, the real story begins in a cliche manner where it was just like any other day in Balamb Garden. The cafeteria was buzzing with hungry students. Though one in particular was causing a stir.
"Oh booyah! HOTDOGS!" Zell Dincht cheered as he took a massive bite into a mix of processed meant and every other condiment under the sun.
Selphie Tilimitt cocked a brow as she spooned frozen yogurt into her mouth, "Say, Zell..." she started to say as she swallowed, "isn't it ruining the hotdog if you add so many other things to it?"
Zell blinked, half of a hotdog poking out of his mouth. He gulped and pondered the question for a while before answering, "You know, Sel, I'm not so sure. I mean, hotdog building is like... an art. Putting just the right flavors together to create this massive phenomenon that you can blissfully enjoy for even just a moment." he wiped away a stray tear, "Gosh I'm such an artist." he sniffled and continued to enjoy is hotdog in silence.
A groan came from not only Selphie, but from the other occupants at the table. Squall and Quistis Trepe also rolled their eyes. Typical afternoon Squall though, sighing into his bottled water.
"So, how's Rinoa, Squall?" Selphie asked to change the atmosphere, "Did she send you another letter?"
Squall shook his head, "She hasn't sent me anything since she ran off with that guy from Timber."(1)
Ingenuous little Selphie had forgotten all about that and gasped, "Oh Squall I'm so sorry! I forgot!"
"Whatever." Squall shrugged. He didn't really care too much about Rinoa anymore. The big fallout they had less than a month ago changed both of their opinions on each other. It's less for me to worry about. Squall thought. Secretly, he wished it was the only thing he had to worry about.
x-x-x
Night came slumber and serenity. However, in Squall case, it brought fear. Sanity was forgotten under cotton bed sheets and all that could keep him company were the shadows and the moon. Squall hated waiting for his star to arrive. It took so long and he had nothing to keep himself busy.
Though, his star would arrive just in time, dazzling Squall with his smile. He would remove his shoes and socks before taking three steps into the room. He hung the jacket of his intructor's uniform on a nearby chair without a word. It was pure repeatition and Squall didn't mind.
On this particular night, the younger man didn't sit up in his bed. He remained laying down, his bare back facing the man who brought him so much peace at night.
A small sound of puzzlement came from the other man, sitting on the edge of the bed. He reached out, stroking Squall's chocolate locks, "Something on your mind?" he whispered, leaning over to plant a gentle kiss on Squall's forehead.
Squall sighed, rolling onto his stomach, "I'm just tense is all." he placed his arms at his sides.
Taking the hint, the other began running his hands over Squall's shoulders, releasing the stress from his lover.
A realived groan fell from Squall's lips as he closed his stormy eyes. He relaxed as the massage continued to make the aches fade away. Soft kisses were shortly added and Squall couldn't help but grin, "You're always trying to get something out of me."
"On the contrary," was a soft response, though laughter was mixed in as well, "I'm trying to get something in you."
Squall flipped himself over onto his back, staring up at his lover with half closed eyes, "Well then I suggest you do so, because I have a meeting with Nida at nine in the morning."
He recieved a gentle kiss, "Your wish is my command, Beautiful."
"Save your romance for the girls, Irvine." Squall smirked, running his hand through chestnut strands. Once again, all sanity was escaping him.
x-x-x
The next morning, Zell strolled casually into a classroom exactly one minute and twenty-three seconds before morning break was to begin. He ran a hand through his untamable hair and added some of his boyish charm into his step as he approached the chalkboard. He made sure not to hear the slight murmurs of the students, who all questioned what a SeeD was doing in their class.
Through gold-rimmed specs, Quistis glanced over at Zell almost surprisingly, "Good morning, Zell." she dismissed her students early, dropping the white dust back into it's tray. She flashed a disapproving look at several of her students that were gossiping about "Intructor Trepe's boyfriend."
"Aww let them talk. It's not like they'll stop just because you glare at them." Zell advised, "Who cares what they say? It's not like any of it's true."
Quistis sighed, "That's why I want them to stop. Rumors of the two of us would complicate things."
"Complicate things?" Zell asked, quirking a brow.
"Oh you know what I mean." Quistis groaned, brushing chalk dust off of her navy blue skirt. She watched the last student dawdle out of the room before looking at Zell again, "Hi." she added a small smile.
"Yo." Zell greeted, trying not to laugh. He acted as if he had just walked in, "So, how's the second change going?"
Quistis sat at her desk, picking up her red pen, "Intructing students half my age certainly gives me more confidence. Thank you."(2) she began to flip through an exam.
Zell shoved his hands in his pockets, "I'm sure it does." he agreed, biting his lip. Now was his chance, "So, uh, 'Tis (3)." Zell pulled up a random chair, sitting it in backwards in front of the oak desk.
A small 'tch' sound came from the instructor, "Must you act so casual all the time... and call me that name?" she marked a 'X' on an exam.
He shrugged, "Must you always act so rational?" he grinned as Quistis's cheeks turned a faint pink, "I knew it. You know what you're problem is, 'Tis? You some need fun!"
"Oh please." Quistis snapped, looking up at him, "If you're looking for fun, go chat with Selphie. She'll help you."
"This isn't about me. It's all you." he held out a gloved hand; his bare fingers exposed, "I'll make a deal with you. I'll show you real fun for one night. If you like it, great for you."
"What if I don't?"
Zell chuckled, "If you somehow don't like it, I'll promise to stop calling you 'Tis and I'll leave your boring life the way it is." he stuck out his bottom lip for a bigger effect, "Please?"
Still a bit skeptical, Quistis sighed and held out her hand in defeat, "When and where?"
Zell nearly exploded as they shook hands, "Friday at six in front of the Quad." he jumped out of the chair and hurried out the door, "Oh you will not be sorry!" he ran into the hall, where he celebrated in several victorious punches, "Booyah!"
Quistis, still sitting at her desk, turned the graded exam over, "What did I just do?"
x-x-x
"Any questions, don't hesitate to ask." Squall offered, saluting at young Nida to close their meeting.
"Sir!" Nida nodded before leaving the office.
Squall watched the navigator depart, sitting straight in his comfortable chair. The door opened and shut with a quiet swoosh before Squall sighed, "Tell me Xu..." he asked, glancing over at the girl with his chaotic eyes, "is that kid living a life outside of navigating our Garden around? We haven't had to move it for months now and he still acts like he has to stand up on the top floor all day." (4)
"Umm as a matter of fact, he's been known to sneak in and out of a young man's dorm from Class B in the middle of the night." Xu stated off handedly as she doodled little hearts on her clipboard.
Squall nodded, threading his fingers together under his chin, "Well, at least he's doing something productive."
Xu blinked out of surprise, "Umm Sir?"
"Sorry, bad joke."
"No, I was just going to ask if you were interested in Nida."
"Of course not." Squall replied, "Mixing business with pleasure is frowned upon in my book."
A sad smile spread across Xu's lips, "I see." she sighed as she appeared to be interested in a rip in the carpet.
The door opened with a swoosh and in walked Seifer Almasy.
"Leonheart, we need to talk."
"I'm sure we do." Squall groaned, waving at Xu to excuse herself. He watched her go and stood from his seat, "What a surprise. What can I do for you, Seifer?" he asked, looking perfectly disinterested."
"I was wondering what his leadership had planned at dusk?" Seifer mocked, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
Squall sighed, peering out the window at the shore, "If I approve a meeting between the two of us at the beach tonight, will you stop bugging me with your empty threats?"
Ever since Seifer had returned to Balamb Garden, he visited Squall every afternoon to challenge him to a match. Several months later, he had finally gotten what he wanted. "Perfect." he smirked, "Oh and Squall?" he said as he headed for the door, "Revive the lion for this fight, will you? This kitten you keep showing isn't going to get you very far with me." with that, he spun on his heels and walked right out in his usual pompous manner.
With gloved fingertips, Squall pinched the bridge of his nose, "Nothing can make this day go faster."
Blip!
"Squall, Instructor Kinneas is here to see you." Xu's voice came from the intercom on his desk, "Should I let him in or did you want a break." Squall could only imagine the grin on her face.
"Send him in, Xu."
Strutting in with his cleanly pressed uniform was Irvine Kinneas. His sparkling smile caught Squall's eye at once, "Hey, Leo."
He blushed faintly, sitting back in his seat, "You have a gunpowder smudge on your cheek." he sounded slightly amused.
Irvine laughed, reaching up to the opposite cheek, "Here?"
Shaking his head, Squall ushered him over, "I'll get it."
His jaw fell in a mocking behavior, "and ruin your white gloves?" he walked over anyways, laughing at his own joke.
"Shut it."
Irvine continued to smile, taking a seat on Squall's maple desk, "So, I just watched Seifer walk out. I thought you could use a quickie."
"Not in my office. Water?" ge offered an empty glass and a pitcher of the cool liquid.
"No thanks." Irvine shook his head, mahogany falling over his shoulders as he undid his ponytail, "ahh much better." he winked at Squall as he undid his jacket.
Seemingly unfazed, Squall removed his bleached glove; a simple part of his SeeD uniform. He wet his thumb and spread it over the smudge on his lover's jawline, effectively removing the powder's remains.
"Thanks, Precious." Irvine teased, leaning down to kiss Squall's temple. He grinned at the soft smile he recieved in response.
"One of these days, someone's going to walk in and shoot you." he almost said to himself.
A deep chuckle erupted from Irvine, "Who would shoot an unarmed man?"
"I doubt your unarmed." Squall replied, standing, "C'mon. Morning break ends in forty minutes. I'm sure that's enough time for you to satisfy yourself." he looked over his shoulder with a says all look in his eye.
"Oooh." Irvine slipped off the desk, joining Squall in front of the door, "What made you change your mind?"
Squall wouldn't say, but he knew the answer. Irvine had smiled and that was all Squall needed to see.
x-x-x
Though Irvine had a late afternoon class, Squall didn't return to his office all day. Instead, he stayed in bed, naked except for the lion around his neck. He continuously sighed and gazed out the window, watching clouds slowly drift and birds causing a ruckus as they flew by. It was sunset by the time Squall crawled out of bed and redressed. This time he wore the black attire that he had missed since his position as leader in Balamb. Sometime, Squall thought his position was bogus and Headmaster Cid gave it to him so he wouldn't have to do as much work as he used to. Whatever the reason, Squall was stuck with it and he had to live with it. Though, right now, his leadership didn't matter. Seifer was waiting and Squall had a fight to win.
He walked past the sleeping guard at the Garden gates and jogged the half a mile distance to the shore. His gunblade lightly hitting his leg as he went. When he got there, Seifer was nowhere in sight, so he decided to let his guard down and enjoy the veiw. The waves were calming as the moon's light laced them with a glowing trim, producing the only sound as they yawned in exhaustion of a busy day. The wind played tricks on the sand, causing it to rise and dance until it grew dizzy. Squall closed his eyes and inhaled the sea's air. He couldn't believe he chose this spot to battle.
"Gorgeous, isn't it?" Seifer startled the younger solider. He grinned, "Did I scare you? That's a rare treat."
"It's the only treat you'll be getting tonight, Seifer." Squall promised, pulling out his gunblade.
Surrendering hands were raised, "Whoa. Why the hostility? Is it so odd that I just wanted to talk?"
Rainy eyes narrowed, "It's never 'just wanting to talk' with you."
"Fine then." Seifer said, lifting his blade high, "Just remember that you asked for it."
"You confess to 'just wanting to talk' yet you bring your weapon?" Squall pointed out, charging at his rival.
With a grunt, Seifer pushed back against Squall's blade, "One can never be too careful."
The two broke apart, several sparks rising from the collision of steel. It was an endless cycle; attack, dodge, collide, break, etc. Over and over until they reached the point of fatique and even then some.
Finally, an exhausted Squall fell into the drifting waves, sand and salt mixing into his hair and skin. Seifer's blade was tickling his throat, making it even more difficult to catch his breath.
"What's so different, Leonheart?" Seifer asked, smirking down at his rival, "Did they tame the lion? Hmm Kitten?"
Squall pushed Seifer's weapon away, standing stiffly, "Don't think your words can effect me anymore, Seifer." he got back into stance, his side bruised and eyes squinting from the sand that layered over them.
The elder man laughed in a boarderline carefree way, "It's hard to treat you so seriously with you in such a mess." he dropped his weapon, advancing over to the SeeD.
"What are you doing?" Squall questioned, taking a few steps back. He knit his brow together, "Is this a trick, Seifer?"
"Why don't you call me Almasy?"
Squall keep his gunblade in position, "Where did that question come from?"
Seifer shrugged, removing his leather gloves, "Well, I'm always calling you Leonheart... or some variation of it and although you're my rival, you call me by my first name. Why is that?" he pocketed his gloves and while one hand lowered the weapon in Squall's hands, the other reached up to brush the sand from Squall's cheek. He almost laughed at how wide Squall's eyes had become.
"Stop that." he demanded, backing up again. He stumbled on the sinking shore and cursed under his breath. His boots were keeping his feet dry, but they didn't add much to his balance.
Realizing he wasn't going to get an answer, Seifer pushed up even closer to Squall, continuing his act in cleaning the sand off in spite. He leaned in sightly, whispering dangerously low into Squall's ear, "Do you know that the moon plays tricks on your skin? It gives it a pure glow and it's absolutely beautiful." he smiled slightly when Squall didn't look him in the eye, "I picked the night on purpose."
"Funny." Squall mumbled, only mild surprised now, "What if I had accepted on the night of a new moon?"
Seifer easily lifted Squall's chin with a finger, "Then I would've been out of luck." his green eyes plowing through Squall.
There were several feelings spilling out of Squall. That was several too many for him to handle. Terror, confusion, helplessness, and even some sense of comfort was exposed right in his gaze. What was Seifer trying to pull? Was he going to catch him off guard and then laugh at his gullibility?
Somehow their faces had gotten closer and Seifer's breath was tickling Squall's eyelashes. Suddenly, all panic was disappearing when it should be at max level. With arms already wrapped around him, Squall dropped his gunblade into the shallow water, snaking his arms around Seifer's neck. Squall had decided to do the most unimaginable thing. He surrendered. It was the one time he had ever thought of doing so and God was it beautiful. Just being held so tight and in such an enchanting location as well. Squall closed his eyes and let the sounds of the waters relax him. What had they been fighting over anyways?
Seifer surprised him, pulling away ever so slightly to lock their eyes together. Just when Squall thought that was all, Seifer whispered something Squall could barely hear before pressing their lips together. Though Squall could barely react. His mind was still processing what Seifer had said.
"I have a secret."
x-x-x
(1) Made up guy in a made up world. Rinoa doesn't show up very often in this fic. Sorry to disappoint you?
(2) Quistis stop being an instructor in the first disc when she "talked" to Squall in the secret spot. In the fic, she picks it up again but at a different age group.
(3) Not many nicknames you can make out of 'Quistis', can you?
(4) This is my fic and I say that they moved back to their location next to Balamb, darnit!
Whew! End of Chapter one! Nice, right? I just hope it's enough to get me back on the map. Well, comments welcome and I'll try to update soon!
Rain