~*~*~*~ III – Someone Special ~*~*~*~
A/N: This chapter contains Shounen & Shoujo Ai, so please take that into consideration. I know that things seem to be going a teensy bit too fast, but remember that they knew the other guy's counterpart - with whom they've already developed strong friendships. Thank you to those who were kind enough to review, it is appreciated much more than you think ~_^
I will not be able to finish the story for the May 1rst deadline (today). This chapter turned out longer than I initially intended, and I have one more to post – the story just kind of took a life of its own. Sorry for the inconvenience, and I hope you'll enjoy the following.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seifer opened Quistis's journal and flipped through the first few pages, as they looked more like notes from meetings and a few comments and reminders. He was about to give up, thinking that only his girlfriend could be so clinical about her personal life, when he finally got to an interesting part which had happened about six months ago.
"He he he, this sounds good," he said to his counterpart and proceeded to read aloud.
~ Dear Journal, something very special happened yesterday night, as for the first time in my life I felt like a real woman. I shall cherish that memory for as long as I live, and dare to hope to know such joy and fulfillment again. I can't help but wonder why I deprived myself of such a simple, yet wonderful pleasure. I know now what I have been missing for so long, and my whole being sings at the mere thought of those moments of bliss. ~
Seifer grinned widely at Sofie, obviously pleased with himself as he deduced what that passage was about. The blonde woman still thought that it was wrong to pry into someone's intimate things, but Seifer was Quistis's girlfriend… er boyfriend after all and they shouldn't have secrets for each other. After clearing his throat, the tall man resumed his lecture.
~ I still feel it on my skin, his touch – sometimes gentle, sometimes demanding, always burning. I reached heaven countless times, and Oh my Hyne! What a feeling! I have never witnessed such 'savoir-faire', such expertise! It was amazing! It was incredible! It was out of this world! ~
Seifer's grin widened and he avidly read the rest.
~ It's was… it was indescribable, it was perfection incarnated, it was so MUCH better than what I have ever known with that inexperienced little boy, namely my so-called boyfriend Seifer Alma… ~
*WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!* Exclaimed the blond guy.
"Huh, maybe you should stop there." Offered Sofie with an amused smirk that enraged the man even further. He continued reading out loud, too angry to care that his counterpart would hear.
~ Now, lets talk about Seifer. I realize that I felt responsible for his mistakes, and only dated him out of a sentiment of pity. But then again, who wouldn't pity such a pathetic loser? Damn my maternal instincts! I really should kick him out of my life for good, he's a real 'big talker' if yah know what I mean: lots of noise, but very little under the hood ~
The ex-Knight was shaking from fury by now, and his face had turned an alarming beet-red. The fact that Sofie was laughing her head off did nothing to appease his ire. In a trembling voice he continued:
~ I won't do that to Seifer though, he's so emotionally weak and instable that he's sure to lose it completely. I would feel bad about hurting him anyway, and as long as he doesn't suspect about me and Laguna Loire I think I can cope…~
Seifer shouted, "LAGUNA LOIRE?!!! That's disgusting! The guy is old enough to be her father! Oh man, he's sooooooo dead!"
Sofie remarked, "Actually, I saw pictures of Mr.Loire and he is quite handso…"
*WHAT!!!!*
"Nothing." Replied the blonde woman muffling a chuckle, and gesturing to the man to go on.
Seifer realized that there was a big hole in the entries, as the next date was just the day before.
~ I don't know how much longer I can see my newest lover this way. In fact, now I have to hide from Seifer and Laguna, as I can't escape my needs and passion. They both think that I was at Galbadia Garden yesterday, but I lied and it pains me, for in fact I met Ward in Deling City…~
"WARD?????!!!!!!!!!!" shouted a now completely disturbed Seifer. A vein was pulsating madly on his forehead as he read more.
~ I don't know where this is going to lead, or even if it might destroy me. All I know is that the man might not be able to talk, but does he know how to treat a woman! Woo Hoo! Lets just say that I didn't get much sleep last night, and that I had to put a stop to it after the ninth time ~ [end of page]
"NINE TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Exploded our short-tempered friend, and then turned the page and read:
~ Yes, Seifer, nine times
You really bought that part about Laguna and Ward? I wanted to add Kiros too, but that would have been overdoing it. I hope that you had your lesson, mister!
And now listen well because I won't repeat this: If I EVER catch you reading my journal again your voice is going to go a few octaves higher! Kapish?
Don't forget that we're having dinner with Squall, Rinoa and their counterparts tonight so don't wear that old trench coat.
Love,
Quistis.
PS. Now be a good boy, put the book down and go get ready. ~
The blond man realized that he fallen for a very obvious prank, and at the expression on his face Sofie Almasy rolled on the floor holding her sides. Seifer had long left the room, when she finally managed to control her laugher enough to stand up. It should be noted that the incident was never brought up afterwards, no even in front of Quistis.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Raijin decided to go to the library, and check if the last installment of The Amazing Spider-Pupurun (the big hit of the year) had arrived. The place was deserted, and he couldn't find the pig-tailed library girl to help him out, so he looked by himself.
*Sob*
"Huh?" said our big friend in surprise.
*Sob*
"Someone here, yah know?" he inquired.
*Sob*
He was now sure he had heard something, and homed in on the sound. Hiding in a secluded part of the library, was Cristina Monica Reina Ema Antonia Maria Juanita Dolores Conchita Milagros Renata Francesca Manuela Angelica Veronica Marisol Consuelo crying disconsolately.
Raijin had a big heart, and he just couldn't stand seeing people crying. Furthermore, he liked Cristina Monica Reina Ema Antonia Maria Juanita Dolores Conchita Milagros Renata Francesca Manuela Angelica Veronica Marisol Consuelo, for she had always been really nice to him.
"Huh, Cristina Monica Reina Ema Angelica Maria Juanita Dolores Conchita Manuela Renata Francesca Milagros Antonia Veronica Marisol Consuelo, are yah all right, yah know?" he said, kneeling near the weeping girl.
"It's *sniff* Cristina Monica Reina Ema Antonia Maria Juanita *sniff* Dolores Conchita Milagros Renata Francesca Manuela Angelica Veronica Marisol Consuelo, not *sniff* Cristina Monica Reina Ema Angelica Maria Juanita Dolores Conchita *sniff* Manuela Renata Francesca Milagros Antonia Veronica Marisol Consuelo." [A/N: Ouch, my head! @_@]
"Ho, sorry, yah know." He apologized.
"Don't *sniff* worry, everybody makes that *sniff* mistake."
"Why are yah crying, yah know, is it because yah don't have a counterpart in the other Garden, yah know?"
"No, no es eso." [No, it's not that.]
"Is it because your name doesn't fit on your ID tag, yah know?"
"Eso tampoco." [That either.]
"Then what is it, yah know?"
"I *sniff* don't want to bother *sniff* you con mi problema." [Con mi problema = With my problem]
The big guy was at loss about to do, but then inspiration hit him, "Say, yah know, they have a Latino night at the Balamb Deli & Grill, yah know, so yah wanna go?"
This caught that young woman's interest, as she had been dying to go, "Si, me gustaría, pero it's impossible to get tickets." [Si, me gustaría, pero = Yes, I would love to, but]
"My uncle is the owner, yah know," explained Raijin proudly, "And he'll give us great seats, if we help out a little, yah know." - He was rewarded by one of the most radiant smiles he had ever seen, and helped her to her feet.
The library girl [A/N: if I write her name one more time, I'll go totally bonkers!] wiped the tears from her eyes, and accepted the invitation, "¡Si! Voy a ir contigo, muchas gracias Raijin." [Yes! I will go with you, thank you very much Raijin.]
In the end, they had a wonderful time and it was the beginning of a beautiful – and lively -relationship.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Bye sweetie," said Ms.Dincht to her son, "And Stephen, you are welcome here any time you want."
"Thank you Ma Dincht," called Stephen as he walked away with Zell, "Man, you're Mom sure is nice, she reminds me of Zelda's Daddy."
"Yeah, she is the best," agreed the blond guy, "And what she said goes for me too, mi casa es su casa." [My house is your house]
Both guys had been spending the day together, and become fast friends. Of course, they had met a few times during the past week, but never had time to truly get to know each other. The brown-haired guy was really grateful about how nice Zell had been with him, and hoped that they would hang out more. As they made their way back to their respective Gardens – Stephen's one was currently hiding near the Fire Cavern – the martial artist had similar thoughts, for he had never felt so at ease with anybody except Selphie before.
"Zell?" said Stephen, putting a hand on his companion's shoulder, "Can I ask you something, and if I'm prying just tell me so."
"Sure, wassup?" replied our friend.
"Well, huh, you have a… huh… someone special in your life right now?"
"Nah," answered the blond guy, "My girlfriend dumped me this morning, she wanted to go too fast for me."
"Girl…? Oh, sorry." Offered the spirited man.
"It's all right, I guess I need the time by myself."
"Listen, I know that we just met, but I feel like I've known you for a long time." Said Stephen, "And if you need to talk or anything, I want you to know that you can trust me."
Zell grinned, "Thanks, I appreciate."
As he was to resume walking, Zell didn't notice the puddle of Caterchipillar goo and his feet went from under him. Stephen tried to hold his companion, but fell on top of the blond guy and apologized, "Sorry, I was trying to help."
Zell didn't respond, he knew that he should either be amused or embarrassed by the situation, but he felt neither. He pushed a lock out his friend's striking emerald eyes, and was relieved when the other man didn't flinch at his touch. Somehow this didn't feel awkward, but in fact it felt… right. The martial artist, without even thinking, passed his hand through amazingly soft brown hair – he was glad that he hadn't put his combat gloves on for once.
Stephen had known and accepted who he was for a long time now, and sensed that his companion had to do the same. He just didn't want to go too far and scare the blond man, but he finally took a chance and lowered his face until their noses were nearly touching. When Zell didn't protest at the closeness, Stephen gently pressed his lips to his and felt the kiss being responded to.
Once they broke the embrace, the brown-haired man inquired softly, "Zell, you OK?"
"Yeah, I guess so." Replied the martial artist in a whisper, "I… well, I guess part of me always knew… but I…"
Stephen sat on the grass, and completed the thought, "But you were afraid of how others would respond."
Zell took a cross-legged position and said, "I don't know about your world, but here it's not totally accepted."
"It's the same from where I come from," replied the green-eyed guy, "Listen, you'll always meet ignorant and narrow-minded people, but that's their problem and not yours."
"I just don't know how my friends will take it when they find out."
"Don't worry," offered Stephen, putting a comforting hand on the blonde's shoulder, "Real friends want you to be happy, regardless of your lifestyle. I've been through the same thing as you, and all my friends were really supportive."
Zell smiled gratefully at his companion, "Well, I think that Selphie strongly suspected anyway. You think that it's why she asked me to show you around?"
Stephen laughed, "That's what I would have done."
"We still have more than an hour to go before dinnertime," remarked Zell, "Hey, you want to stay here and check for shapes in the clouds?"
"Sure." Agreed the spirited youth gratefully.
"And Stephen?" continued Zell.
"Yes?"
"Thank you…"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Quisto Trepe entered his dorm and sat in his favorite chair. He had spent most of his time with scientists from the other Garden, trying to figure out a way back home. Their observations had been sent to Esthar earlier that day, and so there was nothing to do until they received the results.
"Huh, Quisto?" tentatively inquired a familiar voice.
He looked up and greeted his girlfriend, "Yes, Zelda?"
"I, hum, can I talk to you?"
Zelda was obviously fretful, and the blond instructor wondered what had gotten into her again. He gave her an encouraging smile and offered, "Sure, come in."
"Well, it's like, you see…" said the tattooed woman while wriggling her hands, "We… I haven't seen much of you since we got into this Universe…"
"I know," replied Quisto, "I have just been very busy. We are trying to find a way to get back home, and there's just too much data to process."
"So, you… hum… you are not avoiding me?"
The Instructor's eyes shone with amusement, "What in the name of Hyna gave you that idea?"
"I… well… are you mad at me because of those little, friendly challenges I had with Zell?"
As a matter of fact, he knew about the incidents. He had even convinced the commanders of both Gardens to go easy on the two martial artists. Not a year ago, he would have come down hard on Zelda and her counterpart, but since dating her he had acquired a more tolerant perspective. She constantly reminded him that life was too precious, and too short to spend it worrying.
She was watching him expectantly, with an endearing pout on her lips – the one that melted his heart each and every time. Quisto wouldn't have fallen for such a display had it been someone else, for he was experienced when it came to people – especially students – trying to mollify him. But Zelda simply was an honest, demonstrative soul utterly incapable of any kind of deceptive behavior.
"Come here." He called to her gently. She gratefully sat on his lap and he embraced her tiny frame tightly, "Zelda, I am not mad at you. I just don't want you to get hurt."
"I know." She replied, kissing him tenderly.
"You're so cute," he said lovingly, tenderly caressing her pretty face, "Do you want to go to the beach, and have a picnic for dinner?"
"I'd love to!" she answered, her blue eyes sparkling with happiness, and then inquired, "Huh, can it be just you and me?"
"That was my intention."
Zelda kissed him again, and Quisto suddenly didn't care if they never went back to their own Universe or not. As long as he had her in his life, he knew that everything would be all right. Maybe when they would go to the beach, he would bring the little velvet box hidden in his drawer – maybe he would even gather the courage to give it to her…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sofie Almasy also had plans for that evening, as Fujin Kazeno had agreed to have dinner with her in Balamb. She had spent as much time as she could with the silver-haired woman, and it seemed to her that Fujin also enjoyed her company. Finally the time came to meet her 'date', and - with butterflies fluttering inside her stomach - she made her way to Garden's exit.
Fujin was waiting for her, dressed in jeans, sneakers and an ample white blouse. Sofie also remarked that the other woman was wearing a white bandana to hide her blind eye, instead of the eye patch.
'Well, she made an effort. This is encouraging' thought the blonde, smiling warmly. To Sofie's relief, Fujin responded with a tentative smile of her own.
They then took a car to their destination, and the trip proceeded in an uncomfortable silence. At the Balamb Café they were given a table with a view of the ocean, and well away from the other patrons. Sofie was really happy at the intimate setting and she addressed her companion.
"Fuji," she started and, noticing that the fair woman didn't mind the usage of that nickname, she continued, "This is a such great table, how did you manage to reserve it?"
"SEED PERKS"
Sofie smiled warmly and said, "Say, Fujo speaks loudly because he stutters, and I was wondering…"
"I st-stutter t-too." Replied Fujin with a pained expression.
"It's all right," offered the blonde, "I understand."
"P-people m-make fun."
"It's the same for Fujo, but I'll never make fun of you."
"T-Thank you…" replied the fair woman with a grateful smile.
Their drinks arrived and sensing that the ice was well broken, which hadn't been the case in the past few days, Sofie decided to learn more about her companion. "Fuu, do you have a boyfriend?"
"NEGATIVE"
"Please, you can talk normally with me," gently stated the blonde.
"All right."
"Isn't there anyone you like?" asked Sofie, looking at her companion intently.
Fujin stared for a long moment into the depths of her drink before replying, "Seifer."
"Oh, I'm sorry he's taken."
"Just f-friend n-nothing… more."
Sofie understood something, but she needed to make sure, "But wouldn't you like to be more than friends with him?"
"Not my t-type…"
"And what kind of man is your type?"
"NO MAN…"
Fujin turned a bright crimson shade, which was quite striking for someone so pale. The albino just started at her glass, realizing that she had said too much and unable to meet the other woman's eyes. She started slightly as she felt Sofie's warm hand on her arm, and looked up at the words the blonde uttered.
"Men are not my type either."
"R-really?"
Sofie gently stroked Fujin's face, and asked, "I would like to get to know you better, because I really like you Fuji."
The fair woman smiled widely, and it was all the answer that Sofie Almasy needed. There were no certainties of course, but when fate gives you a wonderful gift of possibilities and hope, you better grab it for all it's worth.
"You have a beautiful smile." Said the tall woman to her –now officially- date.
Fujin Kazeno would smile a lot more from that moment on.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Reno Heartilly was assaulted the second he entered his dorm.
"Qualla," he managed to say between kisses, "Cut it out." – but in fact he really didn't want her to comply with his demand.
The Commander hugged her husband tightly, "Reno, lets stay here tonight."
"We promised Squall and Rinoa to meet them and their friends, remember?"
"Whatever." She replied before claiming his lips once more, and then looking hopefully into his chocolate eyes.
He entangled his hand in her long dark hair, and remembered that time on garden's balcony, when she had initiated their first kiss. So much had happened since then, but one thing had remained the same… he still turned to mush when she gazed at him like that, making him lose himself in those beautiful blue-gray eyes.
"We'll just have dinner, and then we'll leave early," he offered half-heartedly, "How about that?"
"Whatever." She answered with a grin, but didn't let go of him.
"Qualla, you're making this really hard, you know." He complained with a laugh.
"Whatever."
There was an assured knock, and Reno reluctantly untangled himself from his wife's arms. There was a messenger at the door, and after a short exchange he turned to Qualla with a huge grin.
"What's up?" she inquired.
"Squall, Rinoa and the others wanted to know if we could postpone dinner to tomorrow."
"What did you reply?"
"That it was fine, so I guess we can stay here after all," and then Reno added, "If you give me a good reason of course."
In place of an answer, Qualla embraced and kissed him languorously. They didn't know why the two other couples had canceled the dinner, but supposed that they also had excellent reasons.
They did.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Q: What do all bad ideas have in common?
A: They seemed like a good idea at the time.
It was that adage that Irvine was pondering at the moment, as he realized what an awful idea it had been to make out with Rica Barjan. The temptation had proven too strong though, as Raijin's counterpart was incredibly gorgeous. She was tall and long-legged, with an amazing figure, soft dark skin and the most sumptuous lips he had ever kissed in his entire life.
She was also a gentle and trusting person, and had been really upset when she found out that Irvine already had a girlfriend. The poor woman had left crying her heart out after Selphie had surprised them, but not before angrily slapping the cowboy across the face. That was why it had taken him 30 minutes to go find the diminutive brunette, as he had been quite stunned by that whack.
"Why do Aw always mess thangs up like that?" He asked out loud.
"Because, yer a selfish bastard,a Me, Meself And Aw kinda guy."
Irvine sprang from his bed, on which he had been laying, and spotted Irma Kinneas in the entrance to his room. "Tha door was open, so Aw let meself in." She explained, "Hope, yah don't mind partner."
"Watcha want?" he asked rather bluntly.
"I have a question for yah," said Irma, tipped her cowgirl hat and continued, "Have ye ever asked yerself why ye can't stick with one gal?"
"Aw have…" answered the sharpshooter, sitting on the edge of his cot.
Irma closed the door, sat beside him and resumed, "Yah know, Aw think its because we haven't found tha perfect partner."
In fact, Irvine was pretty sure that he had found the perfect mate in Selphie. He berated himself once again for his lack of control, but he didn't suspect that destiny was about to give him one MAJOR lesson that he wouldn't soon forget.
"Say, Irvine," inquired the cowgirl, "Has anyone ever told yah to go f*ck yerself?"
"Yeah, more then once," replied our friend, "In fact, jest this mornin'…"
He didn't get to finish his sentence, as Irma shoot him a predatory smile and announced, "Well, partner, this is yer chance to comply to that."
"Me, Meself And Yah?" Said Irvine.
"Yah, Yerself And Aw." Responded Irma.
"Yah know that this is wrang on so many levels…" Remarked the sharpshooter.
"Yeah," agreed the cowgirl, "This is really wrang!"
And then they grinned devilishly at each other…
~*~*~*~
Q: What do all bad ideas have in common?
A: They seemed like a good idea at the time.
As our good friend Irvine will eventually find out…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: I didn't forget about Selphie and Fujo. I am saving them for the last chapter, which will be coming soon to a fanfiction.net near you.