~ Tragedy is life ~




"So? You're telling me Seifer and the Shadow Maker were partners?" Zell questioned.

All four of them had returned to the Garden, a victory party was awaiting them. Afterwards they all headed to the Quad for a late night discussion.

"Not exactly. Seifer was a minion of the Shadow Maker. That dragon was a gift to Seifer from the Shadow Maker to be used in extreme measures only." Quistis tucked her legs underneath her.

"But, why was Seifer after us?" Irvine asked, gesturing to himself and Zell.

"Um...I'm not too sure."

"Oh."

Quistis moved over as Squall joined the group and sat next to her.

"How come you didn't let me use Quezacotl Quisty?"

" That dragon was born from an embryo that helped it identify all magic used by an enemy in a battle. He knew you were preparing to summon Quezacotl and he changed his body's configuration so it would be able to
absorb lightning. It wasn't expecting an ice attack. That was its only weak point."

Zell nodded. "OK, thank you both for helping us out." He stood and stretched his arms above his head, and yawned.

"It's late, I think I'm going to go hit the sack."

Quistis and Squall nodded and stood too. Irvine followed suit, trailing after the blonde. He didn't seem to notice the look Quistis and Squall gave each other.

******

"Hey Zell! Wait up!"

Zell turned, noticing Irvine running up to him.

"Yeah?"

Irvine blushed and pulled Zell close to him until they were nose to nose. Zell gasped and stared intently into Irvine's deep blue eyes.

"I just wanted to say..."

"Yes?" Zell waited anxiously in anticipation.

"That I...that I lo..."

Zell nodded, urging Irvine on.

"I love you."

Zell glowed, pressing his lips to Irvine's in passionate fury.

"I love you too."

Irvine smiled, his hands grasping Zell's hips tightly, pulling him as close as their clothes would let them. He stroked Zell's cheek with such care that it took the sprite's breath away.

Irvine grinned and leaned close, trailing a path of small kisses from Zell's jaw to his ear where he whispered,

"I think a certain bed is calling us."

Zell laughed and nodded in agreement, they walked hand in hand towards Zell's dorm. Once inside, Irvine pressed Zell up to the wall, nibbling on the soft skin at his neck. Zell moaned and ran his hands over
Irvine's shoulders throwing back his head. Irvine shrugged out of his duster, tossing it to the floor, then pulling Zell's red shirt over his head. He leaned down and nipped at Zell's chest, rejoicing in the sweet, intoxicating flavor of
this small lightning sprite that he was about to call his own. Zell shuddered as he felt Irvine's soft hands at the button of his pants; the anticipation was practically killing him. Irvine pressed his face into Zell's finely toned stomach, breathing in the
innocence that was Zell.

Irvine unbuttoned Zell's pants, sliding them down muscled legs, when he stood up he looked down, grinning at the sight of the silk, blue boxers. He tugged on he waistband and dipped a hand inside, grasping Zell's erection. Zell cried out, but muffled it in Irvine's broad shoulder.

"Dear God, Irvine."

The expert fingers of the tall cowboy quickly shed the blue boxers, and just as Irvine lowered his head to claim right to Zell a brilliant flash filled the room.

"Huh?"