Title: This time it's different
Chapter 8:It's not fair.
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. You can tell me which direction I should steer the story, it helps me keep interest! Also thoughts are in italics! All thoughts in bold italics are his conscious~
One week, one week had passed already. A week filled with sorrow, anger, distrust, and silence. I continued on with my charade, it started to become more of a habit. I just kept going to one class, then into another. It was totally different from when I first started here. There was virtually no one to talk to. The fun I had, the new people I met, the love that was blossoming with Cloud and I. It felt so real, like it was truly meant for me...not Squall. I didn't realize until I had sunk so deep in this act, I was losing myself. This wasn't the act of a loving brother. It was more of a selfish young man finally stepping out of his brother's shadow. I hadn't taken so long retrieving the diary because it was a hard task. It was more of me becoming intoxicated with this life. I had friends, friends that actually listened and cared. I had an uncle that pays more attention to his nephew than his own father. How selfish can you be to just give all this up?
I am as selfish as the person willing to take it away.
Beep, beep, beep!
I snap out of my daze looking over at the nightstand. The sun's rays were gleaming down on the clock. After a few moments I lean over and click it off. I had yet to fall asleep due to the anxiety eating away at me. Something was keeping me awake, the only thing now was to figure out if this was a good or bad thing.
It can't get any worse.
I was dreading Science lately. Shuyin was back in his own class and barely had time to talk. This was the same for Riku, although I didn't mind not seeing him. He was avoiding me since what happened a week ago. I told him; I forgive you. But deep down, I'm far from forgiving him...there's even a bit of resentment. Luckily when that resentment kicked in, so did my common sense. With Riku's interference or not, what did I think was supposed to happen? I was changing, I knew before it turned to this mess. I was no longer the Squall pieced together by Zack and Tidus's memory. I was turning into a green eyed monster. This isn't my life to toy with at all. Yet, I want nothing more than recreate this puzzle of a life. Instead of fitting pieces I've done nothing but make more.
I was making more problems for my brother.
No more games from the Sinclair twins. In fact I hadn't even seen them or Rude since the incident with...him. Roxas, Sora, and the others weren't even worth the headache if I were to explain all this. I had only one thing keeping me going for now; the voicemail. The recording left on the beat up phone Zack left me. As I was falling apart in this place, it was the only thing keeping me going. Well that and turning down all these hormonal college students. Rinoa had begun to get even bolder. She would grab a hold to me whenever she got the chance. No matter how much I told her I wasn't interested, she just doesn't get it.
I sigh and stand up, going over to my closet grabbing some clothes and heading off to the bath. After my morning ritual, I get dressed and dry my hair. A few knocks on the door froze me and I spare the clock a curious glance; 6:45 am. The knocks got louder and rapid creating an echo and annoying me.
I walk over to the door clearing my throat. "Whose there?" I ask.
"Obviously a guest, open up." The voice belonging to a man replies.
Who the heck?
I raise an eyebrow at the command and snort. "Who is this?" I ask again.
The man on the other side only knocks harsher. I roll my eyes and open the door with surprise. "Seifer, what are you doing here?"
The blonde only smirks in response pushing past me and inviting himself inside. I quickly shut the door watching him touch things on the shelves and walls. Of course I was right behind him to clean his mess. He had no problem ignoring my constant pestering about "why he was here?" and "what does he want?" He was perfectly content with rummaging through the dorm. Finally Seifer stopped digging around turns to me.
With his smirk fading, he starts to frowns closing in on me. "Listen, I'm not here because I want to be. This place is trashy and totally run down." He snidely remarks.
"The exits the same way you came in. I have no intention of straightening up for you. The majority of things in here don't even belong to me." I retort.
The blonde only nods taking a seat. "Didn't expect you too, just wanted to let you know. I'm kidding by the way; I know it's wrong time for a joke like that...sorry..." He says coolly as he puts his feet up on the coffee table.
"What do you want Seifer?"
"You haven't reported anything to me in over a week." He states simply.
I raise an eyebrow in confusion and cross my arms. "Yeah and why has that become a bother to you?" I ask.
"It's not a problem; it's more of a relief. But I don't like relaxing, something bad always happen when I do. If I even show a bit of weakness with my status someone will prey on it."
I roll my eyes and walk around the couch to face him. "So basically you've become paranoid that I haven't asked to stay after for a week? Listen. It's just college, what can you control? People are gonna drink, stay home, screw and do stupid things."
Seifer scratches the back of his head and huffs. "I know this; I don't care about idiots that won't make it in life. Just those that affect mine, which would be you at the moment Squall."
I uncross my arms and kneel down turning on the TV. An urgent news alert flashes on the screen and a blue haired woman appears. She was giving an update about a body that was found yesterday by a young man. Said man was hitch hiking when he found the body by a river. The deceased victim; was another young man. Had taken drugs and somehow fell into the river. The woman informed viewers it is currently under investigation. The T.V. Clicks off and I turn to see Seifer putting Noctic's remote down.
He looks into my eyes, and then abruptly stands up. "I know you don't want to see that story right now. Plus, I don't know how to act in a situation like this. So...I don't like this new wuss attitude of yours. I mean the original was no better. But at least you seemed a little more worth the risk. Now you're starting to make me think I was wrong for sticking my neck out for you." With a shrug he stands up.
"Sticking your neck out for me? Oh that's rich." I walk over to the door opening it. "If you were really sticking your neck out for me then maybe he-you know what? Forget it. I have a class to get to and I'm barely ready as it is."
He sighs sadly leaving out, but catches the door as I try to close it. "I don't know what you were sneaking around for, nor do I care. I'm more suspicious why you stopped. These last few days you've been acting like a zombie. If it's because of what happens then...you can talk to me. I've been through something like this before." He pushes the door open a bit more.
I frown and push against the door. "I don't need your pity or whatever you call this." I growl.
Seifer gives a surprised look before shaking his head in disbelief. "So this is who your really are. Glad to know Leonhart."
"I won't say it again Seifer, I don't need your pity or whatever the hell you think you're doing for me."
He lets go letting the door slam. "No you don't, and Cloud doesn't need yours either."
What, did Cloud tell Seifer?
"That's not for you to decide Seifer and it's definitely none of your business."
He gives a small huff from the other side and smacks his lips. "I'm genuinely sorry about what's happened. If this is your way of coping then I don't care! But I can't put my guard down even when something like this happens. You know Zack came back right? I don't know what you two are doing, but I'm watching you." He whispers.
Zack is back, how does Seifer know this?
I blink slowly letting Seifer's words sink in. A key jiggles on the other side of the door and I yank it open. It took a bit of tugging to pull him back in. He trips over my foot but catches himself. I grab his arm which felt abnormally heavy. The young man turns giving me a conflicted look. But to my shock, it isn't Seifer who stumbles in; it's Noctis. He straightens himself trying to process what just happened. Then he looks at me with confusion. I deflate hearing his chuckles; suddenly he pats me on my shoulder with his free hand. Seifer awkwardly pulls the hand away coughing a few times.
"Good to see you too. If you don't mind, I want to sit this stuff down." He jokes shaking the bags. "It's kinda heavy and this isn't helping."
I let go, pinching the bridge of my nose in embarrassment. "Sorry about that, need any help?"
"Nah, I got this. It's just a few nick knacks. So, what have you been up to since I've been gone?"
"You really want to know? I've been being bored out of my mind."
Noctis laughs and shakes his head. "I hear ya, story of my life. Literally just got back and I already hate college life again. Shit, speaking of which, I guess I'm off to class then."
I smile and grab my own bag. "That makes two of us." He smirks holding up a finger.
Noctis throws his bags on the couch and grabs his backpack. We locked the dorm and set off to class.
Science was over quickly, the tactics class breezed by as well. Jecht was absent for the first time ever. Auron didn't talk much the whole class. Instead he played a movie and kept to himself. It felt weird sitting in a class about tactics watching a kid's movie. I didn't question anything though I'd rather watch this then be half way beaten to death.
Anything's better than that.
"Squall wait for me! Hey Squally-Wally! Wait!"
Yuffie had been screaming my brother's name for what felt like hours before she actually made it to me. She was patting with her hands on her knees. With a few more deep breaths she stood straight and smiles.
I put a hand on my hip and raised a brow. "Yuffie is there any reason why you're basically trying to lure a mob here?"
I ask as she rolls her eyes.
"I was trying to get your attention, you were the one zoning out." She argues as she flips her hair.
"Well you have it, what can I do for you?"
Yuffie rolls her eyes while crossing her arms. "Really Squally, Rude much?"
"Sorry...I've had a long morning."
She wipes her eye pulling out a sheet of paper. "I know, sorry about that. Here I put myself on the line for this." she informs with a crack in her voice.
What does she mean 'I know?'
I take the paper opening it curiously. "The next semesters schedule! How?! It's not even time for this to be released." I say with utter amazement.
She puts a finger to her lips and widens her eyes. "Shh, do you want the whole school to hear? You're such a loud mouth! I could get expelled for doing this!" She stresses.
"Right, sorry. Thanks Yuffie, you've been a great help."
"Duh, I'm the best you've got!"
From a close distance someone clears their throat and we both turn. Roxas strolls over butting between us giving a light glare to Yuffie. The short haired girl only grins putting her hands on her hips. In return he does the same keeping his glare. I slowly back away from the stare down, only to be tugged by the two. I found out not even two weeks ago they are rivals. It was even awkward...er. I needed both of their help.
Roxas tugs harder glaring at her. "You the best, are you kidding me? Please, you shouldn't make silly jokes about things like that."
"Yeah, take your own advice." Yuffie snorts pulling back. "Maybe it'll teach you the difference between what I do and well the gossip you start."
"Guys cut it out, that's enough!" I stress finally breaking free.
"Fine, just make this idiot shut up. What did you say?" They yell in unison.
Yuffie sticks her tongue out and Roxas flips her off causing the two, to exchange fist. In no time a crowd had found their way over to the two. I was easily pushed away to the back as the students multiplied. The crowd cheered the fight on angering me. I fought through finally seeing Yuffie and Roxas duking it out. By jumping in I was able to pull Roxas away hoping Yuffie wouldn't attack him while he was being subdued. She didn't, in fact when I'd looked up she was being subdued as well by an over clothed student.
"Let me go Squall! I'll kill her for this!" Roxas yells causing Yuffie to scream.
Yuffie pulls but proves no match for the stranger's strength. "I'd like to see you TRY!" She yells in persistence.
To my surprise the crowds were clearing out and Roxas and Yuffie broke free fleeing as well. I turn to see Cid H and Gippal making their way over with another man. He was tall and wore a green suit. Compared to Cid H and Gippal, he actually looked like a teacher. When they finally made it to me I was on my feet dusting myself off. The whole place was clear, but I definitely felt like eyes were on me.
Cid H drops his cigarette and stomps on it. "What th' hell's goin' on here Leonhart?" He asks already knowing the answer.
"A fight."
"Fighting is a serious offense here." The new comer informs.
And yet there's a class about it.
Gippal rubs the back of his neck and smiles. "Well if you know who did it just tell us, we'll expel them and that'll be the end."
"What if I didn't see anything?" I ask.
The oldest of the group looks up and rolls his eyes at a building. "Th'n there's nuthin' we can do. Person'ly I don't give a' #%&$ bout it. $#% kids ain't gunna ruin lunch fer me." Cid H snaps to no one in particular.
"Yeah, I guess you're right if he didn't see anything we can go. Plus there's no one we can see to question. So I vote we just ignore this. I'm starving and I have a value mount to pick up." Gippal says with excitement.
"Well first we'll need his word, did you see anyone in specific? You're the president right, you wouldn't lie. So then, go on tell us." The man insists.
"I didn't see anyone, there was a big crowd and everything was happening to fast."
The new teacher stepped forward with a frown. "Are you sure you weren't fighting yourself? You're breathing sounds a bit heavy." Cid H puts a hand up looking me dead in the eyes.
"Are ya blind or somthin' Kain? If he were fightin' th'n wouldn't he'd been high tailin' it too? Sides' the kids already been through a lot dun ya know? "Cid H questions turning his eyes to Kain.
The man seems to consider this for a moment and nods. Cid H gives me a pat on the back and I snort. The three teachers thank me and head off for lunch. Not even a minute after they left half the crowd was back. They thanked me for 'not snitching' on any of them.
As if I remembered who they were.
As they cleared out three people remained; Yuffie, Roxas and the person who restrained Roxas. I could barely see their face. Whoever it was made a gesture for me to follow them as they dragged Yuffie and Roxas off with ease. I followed giving myself enough distance to run for help if needed. To my surprise the two didn't yell for help or anything. They let themselves be dragged along.
The mysterious person was lecturing them, but I was too far to make it out. Soon I was following them into a familiar building, then into more familiar room. It was Lighting's office. Yuffie and Roxas were thrown into chairs as the mysterious person striped the layers of clothing off.
"I can't believe you'd do something so stupid. Then you drag Leonhart in this when he's got other things going on. Aren't you ashamed of yourselves?!" Lighting growls leering at Roxas making him shrink.
"Yeah well she started it!"
"Liar! You're a liar!"
Lighting slams a hand on her desk guying them a venomous glare. "ENOUGH! I DON'T CARE WHO DID WHAT. DO IT AGAIN AND YOU'LL BE FIGHTING ME." She yells earning instant silence.
She points toward her door. "Get out, if I even hear you two are arguing ill personally teach you the meaning of pain then ill expel you." She threatens as they dash out.
What's got Lighting so worked up?
Taking a deep breath she leans back in her chair. She then sits up and starts typing. After a few minutes I clear my throat and she looks over with a bored look. Unsure of what to say I wait and so does she. After a moment she goes back to typing and I shift uncomfortably. Finally it dawned on me that maybe I too was meant to leave. But before I could stand the doors open and I turn to look straight ahead. There were a few steps then a deep huff to my left. Lighting's eyes snapped to attention on the intruder but soon softened as they took a seat. She even began to blush a little turning her attention towards them. I gave into my curiosity glancing in their direction. Who could be making Lighting flush like that?
It's...him; Lighting has a crush on him of all people?
Sephiroth sat quietly next to me. The older man was flipping through a file folder. His fingers soon slowed down and he pulls out a few sheets. Soon Lighting stopped the goo-goo eyes, and had given him her full attention.
Sephiroth tosses the sheets onto her desk and she frowns. "What is this?" She asks curiously.
"You've heard what happened with Jecht right?" He pushes the papers towards her. "He'll be taking a sudden leave; you'll be replacing him until he's ready to return."
"I heard he cancelled next semester, is it about what happened?"
Sephiroth taps the paper and sighs. "Once you read this, you'll know why. Auron has also requested time off. I'll be covering the class with you."
"I-It's just me and you?"
Sephiroth shakes his head and Lighting frowns. "Seifer has requested to help, and of course we need all the help we can get." He stands.
"You two are teaching Tactics now?" I ask curiously.
Sephiroth turns to me and nods. "Yes, but don't go telling everyone if you can help it. Are you doing ok Leonhart?" He asks.
"Yeah I guess? Um what-"
Ring, Ring!
Sephiroth phone rings and he gives Lighting a nod as he leaves totally ignoring me. I run a hand through my hair and sigh heavily.
"All the help we can get my foot. What were they thinking taking help from Seifer?" She mumbles as she fidgets with her nails.
Lighting grabs the paper reading it quickly. Her irritated look starts getting softer and softer. Soon she covers her face slapping them face down. I don't know what was going on, but I don't like it. I have never seen Lighting so emotional even if it was just a few moments. I clear my throat and she looks over in shock covering the papers. There was really no need seeing they were upside down. However the action made me wonder about them.
"Lighting is there something-
"I'm sorry about that Mr. Leonhart, you can go to class now." She shuffles and papers and puts them in the top drawer.
I raise an eyebrow in concern standing up. "I will, just as long as you tell me what that was all about."
"I know you're aware of the situation. If you want to take a few days off ill see to it you're excused." She stands escorting me to the door before I can talk. "Don't fall apart Squall, I know this is hard...it's hard for me too. It's not the first time it's happened to either of us. We have to be strong ok?"
"Ok?"
Without a reply she shut the door leaving me to stare it at blankly. Since I woke up this morning nothing but strange things have been happening to me. As much as I wanted to find out why, I shrug it off heading to the rest of my classes.
I couldn't help but feel irritated at all the stares and side glances I was getting today. Of course it was a normal thing for Squall, but today was different. I was getting any of the usual goofy smiles and seductive looks. I was getting sad and judgmental ones. It wouldn't have bugged me if I knew why, but no one spoke. Then I heard it, someone whispered Clouds name. Did the whole school know about what happened?
Riku wouldn't gossip about that...would he? Where's Zack when you need him?
I began to walk faster, bumping into people on the way to the dorm. This for some reason made the people start whispering more. I didn't want to admit it but it was scaring me. Just what did they know, and how much? Would Riku really betray Squall like that? I shook my head turning the corner to the dorm seeing the whole hall filled with flowers.
What the heck is going on?
I slowed down looking around seeing candles and notes. On the dorms door was a picture of a kindergarten class. I saw a younger version of my brother sitting next to a kid with a toothy grin. Confusion settled in and I was literally dumbfounded. I didn't know if this was a sick joke or not. I opened the door surprised to see the dorm full. Reno and Rude stood next to Axel and Riku. Sora, Roxas and Kadaj were crying on the floor along with Loz and Yazoo. I felt my heart clench in my chest as I lock eyes on Zack, Cloud and Noctis.
Cloud? Zack? What is everyone doing here?
I walk in closing the door, with a light click everyone looked up but said nothing. The only noise in the room was the T.V. I saw the same blue haired woman from earlier on the screen. In the corner of the screen a picture of Tidus smiling was displayed.
"That can't be...Tidus?"
In two seconds flat everyone bolted over to me and embraced me. The next story displayed on the screen and Noctis cut the T.V. Off. The dorm was filled with cries and sobs. My own tears came out as I finally realized what happened. Everyone but Zack let go and I hugged him back harder. The moment I let him go he bolted out the door and I followed. The tears never stopped either, still flowing down my face. I didn't bother respond to the numerous calls of my name coming from the dorm. I just kept running, following Zack into a Forrest. He started to slow down as we came to a sandy cliff.
I finally came to a stop a few feet away. "Zack."
"He was my best friend, how could he be gone?" Zack let out a scream falling to his knees. "It's not fair!"
I watched his display of emotion silently walking closer. He kneeled over punching the ground chiming back his tears. My heart was pumping so fast it felt as if it would explode at any second. I hadn't felt like this before, not ever. Not even when I found out aunt Raine died. It was too surreal to think Tidus was gone and wouldn't come back.
I kneeled down next to Zack putting a hand on his shoulder. "Zack, listen to me its Leon. You have to calm down; Tidus wouldn't want to see you like this." I say gently.
At that Zack pushes me away giving a glare. "Screw you! You didn't care anyway, you never cared." Zack spat through his grief.
I stood slowly shaking with disbelief. "How could you say that? After all I've been through, how could you Zack? I know your upset but do go using me as a scapegoat to vent your rage! I'm upset too, why wouldn't I be? He was my friend too!" He calmed down a bit, lightly hitting the ground a few more times.
"How so Squall? Really what is this act? I bet you didn't give a damn when he left! I bet you didn't even care about me!"
"Then you're wrong Zack, your wrong. I've been wondering where the hell you've been. How's life going with Tidus? I've been wondering because it's the only thing I can do."
Zack sniffs loudly looking into my eyes. "I know, I'm sorry...I just-just can't!"
I rub the back my neck in shame. "I know you don't mean it, but that doesn't mean its ok to say things like that." I take a seat on the sandy ground looking away from Zack.
Zack lets out a slow chuckle then gives me a nod. "If Tidus were here he'd kick my ass for saying all that."
"Me too, I don't think he'd let either of us off the hook."
"Zack, Why were you gone so long?" I ask.
Zack wipes his face with his sleeve nodding letting himself fall to his butt. "I went to visit Tidus, the visit turned into a vacation and before I knew it I had been there for a whole semester." He exclaims.
I chuckle shaking my head. "The whole school knows Zack, it wasn't exactly unnoticeable."
"Yeah well they can shove it, I knew they were spying on us." Zack whispers drawing in the dirt with his finger.
"I don't know if noticing missed classes is a form of spying. Wait you were with Tidus all this time?"
Zack shakes his head still looking at the ground. "I left about two weeks ago, he was still shaken about what happened, and I know he was still taking it rough. So long story short; he shooed me off. I stayed with a friend until they could bring me back here."
"They say he drank some chemical and jumped."
"What do you mean by 'still taking it rough?' and how'd you get there anyway?" I question in curiosity.
Zack turns to me with wide eyes then looks away in sadness. "That's right; you don't even know Tidus's mom committed suicide. She and Tidus picked me up, but during the whole time I stayed. She was always arguing with Jecht over the phone. If I could find the bastard I'd give him something to argue about. No, he doesn't even deserve that. I'd just ask was it worth it?" Zack stood up dusting his pants off offering me a hand.
I take it unsure what to say, so I stay silent. I ended up dusting myself off in sync with Zack. The sand found its way under my shirt and in my pockets as well. Zack laughs as a strong wind blows and covers us in a sandy mess. Unable to keep my glare at him I join in. It felt good to be around someone who wasn't conflicting with me. The bushes behind us tussled lightly as Noctis, Riku and Axel emerged. Zack and I looked their way with ready smiles. With a loud dramatic sniffle Riku rushes over hugging us and stepping back.
Zack barks out a laugh looking at their puppy eyes. "What's up with you three?"
Noctis puts an arm around me patting my head. "We freaked out because you ran to this cliff. You didn't even stop when we called you." He explains.
Axel plops on the ground as Cloud, Rude, Reno, Roxas and Sora appear. No words were said the rest of the night. Everyone went their separate ways when it got too late. That is except Cloud, he stayed talking to Zack all night. He stayed even after Zack and Noctis had gone to bed. He even talked to me, embraced me and reminisced with me. For once since the weeks of despair began, everything was calm. It was Tidus that wanted us to be together. He wanted us get along with one another. In the end it was Tidus who did just that.
Next time-Chapter 9 Tidus: Seeing Zack's trying to hold it all together. Leon decides to hold off on telling Zack the new information on the whereabouts of the diary. Instead Noctis, Riku, and Cloud join him in a little game of hooky, and go to Tidus's hometown. Instead of nice trip, he has stalkers, an angry father, and those darn raging hormones to deal with.