Disclaimer: Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to SquareSoft.
No profit being made here. If you sue me, you will get exactly nothing,
although I'll gladly give up my ratty bunny slippers.
Warning: This story contains boys kissing boys, boys dreaming about boys and boys doin'it with boys. Thus, if you don't like YAOI, back off! This ain't ya story, y'hear?
Author's Note: I'm hoping I uploaded the stories properly, this time. ^_^; Please keep the reviews coming, babies. They are the bread and butter of us miserable authors, y'know? E-mails are also very much welcome!
*winks *
It seems my plot bunnies and muses want Zell to talk next. Who am I to disobey?
The characters may be a bit OOC. Makes them more fun, that way, I think.
Zell's point of view
Chapter 2: Freedom is fun…..Or is it?
The sun shone down unrelentingly from the clear blue sky. The sky itself was cloudless, leaving an unrestricted view into the heavens. If I were bird, today would be a great day to fly. I stood looking out the window in my room, not really seeing anything, just kinda in a state of suspended animation, just existing.
It's been exactly a week since I made the decision to leave Garden, maybe forever. Officially, I was on vacation-Cid thought he was convincing in his long speech about how much Garden needed me, what a good example I was to the new recruits, how the younger students wanted to be like me, what a good instructor I was, yada yada yada.
Bullshit.
For one thing, * anybody * that wanted to be a SeeD willingly, had to have lost all their marbles. What was so glamorous about being a mercenary, for fuck's sake? Did they think we * enjoyed * killing people? Did they think we did this for fun? And anyone who wanted to be like a messed up motherfucker like me had to be crazier than Ultimecia. Man, it made me wonder what kind of people were occupying this planet, baby.
It wasn't as if I wanted to be a SeeD. Yeah, I had wanted to be a soldier just like my grandpa. Being in ground zero sure cured me of the romantic shit that had been floating around in my fucked up head in a hurry. It's not like I really had a choice in the end.
When I told my grandpa I wanted to be like him, at the age of five, he had looked at me with those wise, old eyes of his, and shook his head sadly at me saying, "Zell, my dear boy, you will surpass me in a big way-but not in a good one." I had never understood his statement, until the year we all got entangled in the Sorceress War. That was a fucked up year, by all accounts. Maybe it was a good year, all things considering. Almasy disappeared. That was the only saving grace of the year that was called the "Year of The Sorceress"
I * had * surpassed my grandfather-in a very big, bad way.
So, here I was, Zell Dincht, hometown hero, SeeD, combat specialist, Garden Instructor (currently on vacation, mind you), martial arts master, assassin extraordinaire, and lovelorn idiot, just calmly looking out the window.
What, you didn't know I was an assassin?
It's not something I'm really proud of, you know. I have the skills, and I'm sorry to say I've used them a number of times. Plenty of times.
Before I officially took my SeeD test, I had been on a number of covert missions. I have skills that many, many people covet, want and need. Or at least think they need.
I've seen stuff and done stuff many of those poor kiddies in Garden and my hometown could never dream of. Don't let that unassuming, goofy look of Cid fool you. He's extremely ruthless, and if he discovered a skill any of his students had and it was useful, he exploited it. He acts like a dumb fuck, but he's not. The guy is married to Sorceress Edea, after all. He took the plan to assassinate his * wife *, calmly. The guy is ice, baby.
Fuck. The word just reminded me of my own iceberg, Squall. I sighed. The guy really brings out feelings in me that I'd rather not have, y'know. It's not like I wanted to fall in love with the bastard. Now he's marrying the resident airhead. I really don't doubt Rinoa is intelligent, honestly. She just doesn't act like it, y'know. She is all wrong for Squall. Fucking wrong. I laugh mirthlessly to myself. Yeah, right. As if I was the right one.
I turned away from the window and start to practice on my punching bag. Physical activity seemed to lessen the depression I was battling. At least, if I concentrated on my katas, I didn't need to think about the mess that was Squall and Rinoa's impending marriage. I snorted indignantly. Those two were an emotional accident waiting to happen. As badass as I was, and as much in love as I was in with Mr. Polar Icecaps, I really don't want to be at the scene of the accident. I 'm a bit squeamish.
Gomen daze, baby. I can't stand the sight of blood.
"Zell-baby!" Ma called up the stairs-and you wonder where I got the lingo.
"Yeah, Ma! What's up?" I yelled back.
"Phone for you! A Mr. Calderone!" Ma answered.
"I'll be right down!" I yelled again. I grabbed a towel from the linen closet in my room, and quickly wiped myself down. I debated on whether I should take a shower or not. Oh well, I'll decide later.
Why don't I have a phone in my room? I hate the sound of the phone ringing. I love to sleep, and being jolted out of a lovely nap * is * not my idea of a good time. I prefer the answering machine or Ma pick it up. But I had to take this call. It was important. It was my real-estate agent. This kid is getting outta Balamb. Waaay outta Balamb
I jumped down the stairs, clearing them all at one go. The first time I did that with Ma in the room, she nearly had a heart attack. It took her at least 15 minutes to check me thoroughly to see if I was okay. Now she's used to it.
I grabbed the receiver, kissing her on the cheek. "Thanks, Ma," I said. She patted me on the arm and went back into the kitchen.
"Zell here, baby. What's up?"
"Mr. Dincht? How are you?" the mellow voice replied to my greeting.
"Doin' good. So how's tricks?"
"Going great!" Rene Calderone laughed cheerfully. Che, if I weren't so crazy in love with Squall, the guy's voice would send shivers down my spine. Am I slut, or what?
"Mr. Dincht, have I got a deal for you!"
"Please, call me Zell. Mr. Dincht makes me sound like some old fogey about croak, man."
Rene Calderone laughed again. "Very well, Zell. Anyway, I got this really good deal on a house that might interest you. It's located in Esthar."
What the fuck? In Esthar? I groaned. That happened to be the * last * place I wanted to go. I must have really, really pissed off Hyne in my last life for this kind of coincidence to hit me like a mach truck.
I swallowed. "This house you're talking about. Is it in the city state of Esthar, or near it?"
"Near it."
"Are there any other availables, anywhere else?"
"Nothing in the price range you want."
I sighed. "Okay, I'll come take a look at the brochure. You in the office now?"
"Yes, but I'll be leaving for an appointment in about two hours. Will you be able to make in on time?"
I mentally calculated how much time it would take me to get to Galbadia using the Kawasaki. Hmm,
about an hour. And I really needed a shower. Should be able to swing it, if I was quick.
"Yeah, I'll make it."
"Alright, I'll wait for you. Please abide by the speed limit!"
I laughed at his tone. "Yeah, I hear ya."
I dropped the phone and went to the kitchen to tell Ma I was on my way out. "Ma, I need to go to Deling City in a hurry. I'll be back in a bit, 'kay?" Ma nodded to me, waving a hand at me, since she was on the other phone line.
Since I didn't want to smell ripe, I decided the shower I was dithering about was in order, getting in and out, ten minutes flat. That's a record, even for me. Quickly dressing, I made sure I looked my best, even though I was dressed casually. I decided to leave the gel outta my hair, for once. Opportunities for business showed up in the strangest places.
I grabbed my helmet from the bottom of the stairs, and also my Balamb Garden Raiders leather jacket.
I was wearing a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt that matched my eyes. Hey, I wear long pants once in a while, okay? Granted, shorts allow for more freedom of movement, but I only wear those shorts when I I'm on missions. My battle clothes are specially spelled to be self-cleaning. What did you expect? We fight with monsters all the time, for Hyne's sake. Getting monster ichor off your clothes * is not * fun at all. Why do you think we wear the same clothes all time when fighting?
I rolled my Kawasaki 3502 ZX 6R out of Ma's garage. I whistled silently. She was a beauty, if I do say so myself. I rolled the cycle down to the train station to catch the train for Dollet. From Dollet, I would ride to Deling. As I walked down, I waved cheerfully to the people I knew and shot the shit for a while with Mr. Gamet, the older guy who liked sitting in front of the Junk Shop. I paid my fare and stowed my bike in the special cargo car, taking some time to chat with the conductor.
Being on the train sure brought back memories. This was the same train that ferried us over to Timber, where we went to help out Rinoa and her resistance group members. I wonder where that guy that liked girlie magazines ended up, and the cute kid. It felt like years had passed, instead of just a year. Time sure passes when you're dealing with stupid shit, baby. In no time at all, we got to our destination.
Have you ever ridden a bike, with the throttle open all out? There's no better feeling, I tell you. It rates right up there with sex and hotdogs, baby. It shouldn't be a surprise I own a bike y'know. All SeeDs had to know how to operate any kind of moving vehicle there is. I can drive anything, fly anything, except if it's out of Esthar. Why do you think Selphie and I always flip coins on who gets to fly the Raganarok?
I was on my way to buy a house, or houses, if I could wing it, cash down. It shouldn't be a surprise also that I'm filthy rich, too. I could have gotten Ma out of that two-bit town, longest time, but she wanted to stay there. It was home, she said. I can't figure out for the life of me why she wanted to stay put in that town full of ignorant bastards and unfulfilled bullies, although there were some genuinely nice people there. Me, I needed a place with more action. Hell, to each his own, I guess.
I might act the spatz (I know what everyone thinks of me), but I'm really not one. Not really. Hells, no, baby.
I love to spend money. So I love to make it.
We made mad dough during our gallivanting about the planet-what with all those priceless items we find and our salaries we never got a chance to spend. Yes, it had cost money to upgrade our weapons and buy items, but with the dough we add left, if each of us decided never to work again, we'd still be well off. Me, I invested mine. I also insisted on taking 1/3 the rewards our clients paid for each of my assassination kills. Cid was in no position to refuse. That period in my life is a story all in itself I'm not ready to remember. Maybe there is an advantage to having the GFs take some of our memories as recompense for borrowing their powers. As far as I'm concerned, the past is good where it is. It's not like I had anything great to remember, anyway.
I'm not stupid, you know. My Ma did not pick me up from the back of a turnip truck-Picked me up at an orphanage, but that's neither here nor there, baby.
Anyway, I own part of Balamb Garden. Crazy, ain't it? How? That's a secret, baby.
So if my iceberg decides he wants the Galbadia Hotel as his own personal hotel, and he wants to have diamonds encrusted on LionHeart, I'm in a position to give it to him, a thousand times over. Literally.
In any case, I'm looking for a new hideaway, as away far from the thirteenth hell that is Balamb Garden and the ninth one that is my hometown. I have years to think about what I want to do with my sorry life. I really have no intention of going back, you know. I dig my students, and I love teaching. I'm really, really gonna miss Selphie, Quistis and Irvine. They're the sibs I never had. But my sanity was at stake and only one thing can lure me back to Garden, and he's getting hitched to someone else.
The tears threaten to start rolling down my face again, and I shake my head in annoyance.
Am I looking forward spending the rest of my life alone? Don't know; don't seem to care, not right now, anyway. If * he * was with me, I might've felt different. Am I regretting it? Don't know yet. I do regret crying my eyes out. It's embarrassing to spurt water out ya eyes like a chick, but y'know, it felt * good *.
I open the throttle up some more, whistling. I hope to hell Calderone can find me a place that is anywhere but Esthar.
I got to Deling City in good time. Hey, what can I tell you? I 'm a speed freak.
The rental car place was still the same, and I was able to park my baby in their lot (for a price, of course).
I decided to walk to Calderone's office. It was right across the Galbadia Hotel. The bus system was still fucked up-it had only one route, and it would've taken too much time to board one, since it went round in circles and took its time in doing so.
As I strolled down the well-swept street, I recalled the parade the people of Deling City had organized in Sorceress Edea's honor. Man, I had really liked the music, although I thought the dancers needed more clothes on. While I enjoyed ogling naked bodies in any form, I prefer to be the one doing the stripping, not the other way 'round.
Me, conservative? Does that word even have a meaning?
Nah, it's just that I think its more fun to leave stuff to the imagination. I like using my mind, even though I don't act like it.
The city had not changed a bit in a year. Sure, the little mess the Sorceress had made had been cleaned up. The only difference was that there weren't any soldiers to be seen, and the population was dotted here and there with the long dresses-no, 'caftans' or 'robes' the people of Esthar liked to wear. This was a good thing, but for whom, I don't know.
I got to Calderone's place in good time. Since he was expecting me, I had expected to just walk in.
I smiled cutely at the receptionist. "Hi, Is Mr.Calderone in? He's expecting me. The name's Zell."
The cute brunette smiled up at me, blushing "Hello, Mr. Dincht."
I winced. "Um, Mr.Calderone's expecting you….Um, I really like your tattoo. It's very beautiful!"
I smiled at her compliment. "Why, thank you very much. I happen to think it's cool, too."
"It's distinctive…where did you get it done?" Oh, no, she wanted to engage in conversation!
Under normal circumstances, I might have been game, but I was kinda in a hurry, here.
"Well, its been a while….I had it done when I was 12…Um, would you mind buzzing me in?"
"Oh, no! I'm so sorry….Please go right in!" She blushed ashamedly. "Um, could I have your autograph on your way out? Did you really fight the Sorceress? Is Commander Leonhart really as beautiful as he is pictures…?
I sighed inwardly. Fangirls. "Yeah, sure. Why not? And the answer to all your questions is yes. Do you have any more?" I knew I sounded nasty, but I couldn't help it. Will I never be able to leave Squall Leonhart behind?
The girl lowered her eyes ashamedly. I sighed again. "Sorry. I'll sign the autographs for you, but I really need to see Calderone. How about after I'm done I buy you a drink as an apology?" Man, the things I do for women. I must be soft in the head.
It seemed to work, since she brightened up like a light bulb that just got changed.
"Really? You don't mind! Oh, thank you, Mr. Dincht! I'm so sorry to bother you!…."
Only in Galbadia, babies, only in Galbadia.
Author's Notes (additional): I recently got hit by a fanfiction.net violation. It seems I'm still not getting how to load my stories properly * sigh *. Thus, as punishment, parts of my story got removed. I wish someone could explain to me how to link the chapters together properly! That's why the continuation was so long in coming, and also, since I'm still a student, I had all these papers and homework projects and * tests * to take care of. As soon as I'm done, I promise to continue the story.
Warning: This story contains boys kissing boys, boys dreaming about boys and boys doin'it with boys. Thus, if you don't like YAOI, back off! This ain't ya story, y'hear?
Author's Note: I'm hoping I uploaded the stories properly, this time. ^_^; Please keep the reviews coming, babies. They are the bread and butter of us miserable authors, y'know? E-mails are also very much welcome!
*winks *
It seems my plot bunnies and muses want Zell to talk next. Who am I to disobey?
The characters may be a bit OOC. Makes them more fun, that way, I think.
Zell's point of view
Chapter 2: Freedom is fun…..Or is it?
The sun shone down unrelentingly from the clear blue sky. The sky itself was cloudless, leaving an unrestricted view into the heavens. If I were bird, today would be a great day to fly. I stood looking out the window in my room, not really seeing anything, just kinda in a state of suspended animation, just existing.
It's been exactly a week since I made the decision to leave Garden, maybe forever. Officially, I was on vacation-Cid thought he was convincing in his long speech about how much Garden needed me, what a good example I was to the new recruits, how the younger students wanted to be like me, what a good instructor I was, yada yada yada.
Bullshit.
For one thing, * anybody * that wanted to be a SeeD willingly, had to have lost all their marbles. What was so glamorous about being a mercenary, for fuck's sake? Did they think we * enjoyed * killing people? Did they think we did this for fun? And anyone who wanted to be like a messed up motherfucker like me had to be crazier than Ultimecia. Man, it made me wonder what kind of people were occupying this planet, baby.
It wasn't as if I wanted to be a SeeD. Yeah, I had wanted to be a soldier just like my grandpa. Being in ground zero sure cured me of the romantic shit that had been floating around in my fucked up head in a hurry. It's not like I really had a choice in the end.
When I told my grandpa I wanted to be like him, at the age of five, he had looked at me with those wise, old eyes of his, and shook his head sadly at me saying, "Zell, my dear boy, you will surpass me in a big way-but not in a good one." I had never understood his statement, until the year we all got entangled in the Sorceress War. That was a fucked up year, by all accounts. Maybe it was a good year, all things considering. Almasy disappeared. That was the only saving grace of the year that was called the "Year of The Sorceress"
I * had * surpassed my grandfather-in a very big, bad way.
So, here I was, Zell Dincht, hometown hero, SeeD, combat specialist, Garden Instructor (currently on vacation, mind you), martial arts master, assassin extraordinaire, and lovelorn idiot, just calmly looking out the window.
What, you didn't know I was an assassin?
It's not something I'm really proud of, you know. I have the skills, and I'm sorry to say I've used them a number of times. Plenty of times.
Before I officially took my SeeD test, I had been on a number of covert missions. I have skills that many, many people covet, want and need. Or at least think they need.
I've seen stuff and done stuff many of those poor kiddies in Garden and my hometown could never dream of. Don't let that unassuming, goofy look of Cid fool you. He's extremely ruthless, and if he discovered a skill any of his students had and it was useful, he exploited it. He acts like a dumb fuck, but he's not. The guy is married to Sorceress Edea, after all. He took the plan to assassinate his * wife *, calmly. The guy is ice, baby.
Fuck. The word just reminded me of my own iceberg, Squall. I sighed. The guy really brings out feelings in me that I'd rather not have, y'know. It's not like I wanted to fall in love with the bastard. Now he's marrying the resident airhead. I really don't doubt Rinoa is intelligent, honestly. She just doesn't act like it, y'know. She is all wrong for Squall. Fucking wrong. I laugh mirthlessly to myself. Yeah, right. As if I was the right one.
I turned away from the window and start to practice on my punching bag. Physical activity seemed to lessen the depression I was battling. At least, if I concentrated on my katas, I didn't need to think about the mess that was Squall and Rinoa's impending marriage. I snorted indignantly. Those two were an emotional accident waiting to happen. As badass as I was, and as much in love as I was in with Mr. Polar Icecaps, I really don't want to be at the scene of the accident. I 'm a bit squeamish.
Gomen daze, baby. I can't stand the sight of blood.
"Zell-baby!" Ma called up the stairs-and you wonder where I got the lingo.
"Yeah, Ma! What's up?" I yelled back.
"Phone for you! A Mr. Calderone!" Ma answered.
"I'll be right down!" I yelled again. I grabbed a towel from the linen closet in my room, and quickly wiped myself down. I debated on whether I should take a shower or not. Oh well, I'll decide later.
Why don't I have a phone in my room? I hate the sound of the phone ringing. I love to sleep, and being jolted out of a lovely nap * is * not my idea of a good time. I prefer the answering machine or Ma pick it up. But I had to take this call. It was important. It was my real-estate agent. This kid is getting outta Balamb. Waaay outta Balamb
I jumped down the stairs, clearing them all at one go. The first time I did that with Ma in the room, she nearly had a heart attack. It took her at least 15 minutes to check me thoroughly to see if I was okay. Now she's used to it.
I grabbed the receiver, kissing her on the cheek. "Thanks, Ma," I said. She patted me on the arm and went back into the kitchen.
"Zell here, baby. What's up?"
"Mr. Dincht? How are you?" the mellow voice replied to my greeting.
"Doin' good. So how's tricks?"
"Going great!" Rene Calderone laughed cheerfully. Che, if I weren't so crazy in love with Squall, the guy's voice would send shivers down my spine. Am I slut, or what?
"Mr. Dincht, have I got a deal for you!"
"Please, call me Zell. Mr. Dincht makes me sound like some old fogey about croak, man."
Rene Calderone laughed again. "Very well, Zell. Anyway, I got this really good deal on a house that might interest you. It's located in Esthar."
What the fuck? In Esthar? I groaned. That happened to be the * last * place I wanted to go. I must have really, really pissed off Hyne in my last life for this kind of coincidence to hit me like a mach truck.
I swallowed. "This house you're talking about. Is it in the city state of Esthar, or near it?"
"Near it."
"Are there any other availables, anywhere else?"
"Nothing in the price range you want."
I sighed. "Okay, I'll come take a look at the brochure. You in the office now?"
"Yes, but I'll be leaving for an appointment in about two hours. Will you be able to make in on time?"
I mentally calculated how much time it would take me to get to Galbadia using the Kawasaki. Hmm,
about an hour. And I really needed a shower. Should be able to swing it, if I was quick.
"Yeah, I'll make it."
"Alright, I'll wait for you. Please abide by the speed limit!"
I laughed at his tone. "Yeah, I hear ya."
I dropped the phone and went to the kitchen to tell Ma I was on my way out. "Ma, I need to go to Deling City in a hurry. I'll be back in a bit, 'kay?" Ma nodded to me, waving a hand at me, since she was on the other phone line.
Since I didn't want to smell ripe, I decided the shower I was dithering about was in order, getting in and out, ten minutes flat. That's a record, even for me. Quickly dressing, I made sure I looked my best, even though I was dressed casually. I decided to leave the gel outta my hair, for once. Opportunities for business showed up in the strangest places.
I grabbed my helmet from the bottom of the stairs, and also my Balamb Garden Raiders leather jacket.
I was wearing a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt that matched my eyes. Hey, I wear long pants once in a while, okay? Granted, shorts allow for more freedom of movement, but I only wear those shorts when I I'm on missions. My battle clothes are specially spelled to be self-cleaning. What did you expect? We fight with monsters all the time, for Hyne's sake. Getting monster ichor off your clothes * is not * fun at all. Why do you think we wear the same clothes all time when fighting?
I rolled my Kawasaki 3502 ZX 6R out of Ma's garage. I whistled silently. She was a beauty, if I do say so myself. I rolled the cycle down to the train station to catch the train for Dollet. From Dollet, I would ride to Deling. As I walked down, I waved cheerfully to the people I knew and shot the shit for a while with Mr. Gamet, the older guy who liked sitting in front of the Junk Shop. I paid my fare and stowed my bike in the special cargo car, taking some time to chat with the conductor.
Being on the train sure brought back memories. This was the same train that ferried us over to Timber, where we went to help out Rinoa and her resistance group members. I wonder where that guy that liked girlie magazines ended up, and the cute kid. It felt like years had passed, instead of just a year. Time sure passes when you're dealing with stupid shit, baby. In no time at all, we got to our destination.
Have you ever ridden a bike, with the throttle open all out? There's no better feeling, I tell you. It rates right up there with sex and hotdogs, baby. It shouldn't be a surprise I own a bike y'know. All SeeDs had to know how to operate any kind of moving vehicle there is. I can drive anything, fly anything, except if it's out of Esthar. Why do you think Selphie and I always flip coins on who gets to fly the Raganarok?
I was on my way to buy a house, or houses, if I could wing it, cash down. It shouldn't be a surprise also that I'm filthy rich, too. I could have gotten Ma out of that two-bit town, longest time, but she wanted to stay there. It was home, she said. I can't figure out for the life of me why she wanted to stay put in that town full of ignorant bastards and unfulfilled bullies, although there were some genuinely nice people there. Me, I needed a place with more action. Hell, to each his own, I guess.
I might act the spatz (I know what everyone thinks of me), but I'm really not one. Not really. Hells, no, baby.
I love to spend money. So I love to make it.
We made mad dough during our gallivanting about the planet-what with all those priceless items we find and our salaries we never got a chance to spend. Yes, it had cost money to upgrade our weapons and buy items, but with the dough we add left, if each of us decided never to work again, we'd still be well off. Me, I invested mine. I also insisted on taking 1/3 the rewards our clients paid for each of my assassination kills. Cid was in no position to refuse. That period in my life is a story all in itself I'm not ready to remember. Maybe there is an advantage to having the GFs take some of our memories as recompense for borrowing their powers. As far as I'm concerned, the past is good where it is. It's not like I had anything great to remember, anyway.
I'm not stupid, you know. My Ma did not pick me up from the back of a turnip truck-Picked me up at an orphanage, but that's neither here nor there, baby.
Anyway, I own part of Balamb Garden. Crazy, ain't it? How? That's a secret, baby.
So if my iceberg decides he wants the Galbadia Hotel as his own personal hotel, and he wants to have diamonds encrusted on LionHeart, I'm in a position to give it to him, a thousand times over. Literally.
In any case, I'm looking for a new hideaway, as away far from the thirteenth hell that is Balamb Garden and the ninth one that is my hometown. I have years to think about what I want to do with my sorry life. I really have no intention of going back, you know. I dig my students, and I love teaching. I'm really, really gonna miss Selphie, Quistis and Irvine. They're the sibs I never had. But my sanity was at stake and only one thing can lure me back to Garden, and he's getting hitched to someone else.
The tears threaten to start rolling down my face again, and I shake my head in annoyance.
Am I looking forward spending the rest of my life alone? Don't know; don't seem to care, not right now, anyway. If * he * was with me, I might've felt different. Am I regretting it? Don't know yet. I do regret crying my eyes out. It's embarrassing to spurt water out ya eyes like a chick, but y'know, it felt * good *.
I open the throttle up some more, whistling. I hope to hell Calderone can find me a place that is anywhere but Esthar.
I got to Deling City in good time. Hey, what can I tell you? I 'm a speed freak.
The rental car place was still the same, and I was able to park my baby in their lot (for a price, of course).
I decided to walk to Calderone's office. It was right across the Galbadia Hotel. The bus system was still fucked up-it had only one route, and it would've taken too much time to board one, since it went round in circles and took its time in doing so.
As I strolled down the well-swept street, I recalled the parade the people of Deling City had organized in Sorceress Edea's honor. Man, I had really liked the music, although I thought the dancers needed more clothes on. While I enjoyed ogling naked bodies in any form, I prefer to be the one doing the stripping, not the other way 'round.
Me, conservative? Does that word even have a meaning?
Nah, it's just that I think its more fun to leave stuff to the imagination. I like using my mind, even though I don't act like it.
The city had not changed a bit in a year. Sure, the little mess the Sorceress had made had been cleaned up. The only difference was that there weren't any soldiers to be seen, and the population was dotted here and there with the long dresses-no, 'caftans' or 'robes' the people of Esthar liked to wear. This was a good thing, but for whom, I don't know.
I got to Calderone's place in good time. Since he was expecting me, I had expected to just walk in.
I smiled cutely at the receptionist. "Hi, Is Mr.Calderone in? He's expecting me. The name's Zell."
The cute brunette smiled up at me, blushing "Hello, Mr. Dincht."
I winced. "Um, Mr.Calderone's expecting you….Um, I really like your tattoo. It's very beautiful!"
I smiled at her compliment. "Why, thank you very much. I happen to think it's cool, too."
"It's distinctive…where did you get it done?" Oh, no, she wanted to engage in conversation!
Under normal circumstances, I might have been game, but I was kinda in a hurry, here.
"Well, its been a while….I had it done when I was 12…Um, would you mind buzzing me in?"
"Oh, no! I'm so sorry….Please go right in!" She blushed ashamedly. "Um, could I have your autograph on your way out? Did you really fight the Sorceress? Is Commander Leonhart really as beautiful as he is pictures…?
I sighed inwardly. Fangirls. "Yeah, sure. Why not? And the answer to all your questions is yes. Do you have any more?" I knew I sounded nasty, but I couldn't help it. Will I never be able to leave Squall Leonhart behind?
The girl lowered her eyes ashamedly. I sighed again. "Sorry. I'll sign the autographs for you, but I really need to see Calderone. How about after I'm done I buy you a drink as an apology?" Man, the things I do for women. I must be soft in the head.
It seemed to work, since she brightened up like a light bulb that just got changed.
"Really? You don't mind! Oh, thank you, Mr. Dincht! I'm so sorry to bother you!…."
Only in Galbadia, babies, only in Galbadia.
Author's Notes (additional): I recently got hit by a fanfiction.net violation. It seems I'm still not getting how to load my stories properly * sigh *. Thus, as punishment, parts of my story got removed. I wish someone could explain to me how to link the chapters together properly! That's why the continuation was so long in coming, and also, since I'm still a student, I had all these papers and homework projects and * tests * to take care of. As soon as I'm done, I promise to continue the story.