Disclaimer: All recognizable characters (they won't be once I'm through
with them, though) belong to SquareSoft. Don't sue me, please. If you do,
the only things you'll get are my ratty bunny slippers!
Warning: Well now, varmints, this here story, y'see, ain't somethin' you should be readin' if you don't like yaoi. This means, boys thinkin' about boinkin' boys, boys boinkin' boys and sech. If you don' like it, hightail it right outta here, y'hear? And y'all don't come back now, y'hear?
Authors Notes: Thanks to all of you who have stuck to my stories, sucky as they are. To lin chu, I love you! I dedicate this chapter to you! Thanks for the great reviews. To all others, I hope you continue to read and review. This is the bread and butter of us authors, you know! Finally, we get back to Zell again.. I AM BACK.......... First off, I would like to profusely apologize for the long awaited update.Ye Gods! *bowing very deeply* Honto sumamisen, to all the people who have been waiting...I really did not mean for the story to be on hold for so long..I hit major writer's block, and my access to a computer was limited. For all those who have been waiting..here is the newest chapter in the saga.
Zell: Finally, you wench. Where the hell have you been, putting us on hold like that.? RyuArashi: Gomen, Zell-chan. It isn't easy being a writer, you know! Squall: Whatever.just get Rinoa off my back, will you?! Zell: Yeah..pairing up that ditz with my boyfriend RyuArashi: Hey! Who told you Squall is your boyfriend? He hasn't even admitted his feelings about you yet!! Aren't you jumping the gun a little?! Squall: Shut up. As if there was any doubt..C'mere, Blondie. *Zell happily skips over to Squall and kisses him* Mmmm My hero! Rinoa: Hey! *vein popping in forehead* Dincht! You slut! What are doing to my fiancée!!?? Fighting breaks out.. RyuArashi: Oh, boy.. This is getting out of hand...I think I'll just get on with the story... *************************************************************************** ***************************************
Chapter 4: Running away from your problems..Is what everyone wants to do
I had just dug myself into a very big, very deep pit. What in the thirteen hells had made me offer to take this chick out for a drink? I sighed. I had promised, didn't I, and breaking my word would definitely not be good for my image as a world famous SeeD. Yeah, it's pathetic, but we do think a lot of what people think about us. Even though we had a huge client base, the way we conduct ourselves in public and on a mission did a lot to ensure our bread is kept buttered. Word of mouth can make or break any business, and bad rumors started with little things like this. Trust me, I know. I was one of the most enlightened of our small group about the Garden rumor mill. The only person who came possibly close was Selphie, which wasn't a surprise, since she was also chair of the Garden Committee. How she found time between missions and her classes, I'd never know. In any case, I had committed myself, and I couldn't back out of it. I decided to hope for the best, and may Hyne have mercy on my jaded soul. I glanced at her again, smiling, making sure my fangs were well displayed. Maybe if she thought I was a vampire and was scared enough out of her wits, I could escape with relative safety.
No such luck.
"I can't believe I have a date with one of the SeeDs that saved the world!" the girl gushed. Sighing silently again, I'm not going to get out of this, am I? Whoever said fangirls were stupid? I smirked and asked her,
"Well, since we're going to be having drinks together soon, it'll be a good idea to know your name, don't you think?" Hey, I can be charming when I have to. It's just that I've been lucky these past months not to have to use that part of my repertoire. Don't need it. The others have known me too long for that, and those skills are totally lost on Squall Leonhart, damn his gorgeous ass.
"My name is Zarra, Mr. Dincht," she answered, blushing. I winced at what she called me. "Well, Zarra, it's nice to meet you. I'll see you in a bit, after I see Mr. Calderone, okay?" She nodded, and I waved at her as I continued on to see Rene.
As I entered his office, I whistled silently to myself. The real estate business must be booming. The room was large and well appointed. It didn't boast all the high tech stuff that Squall's did of course, but it certainly was its rival in Restraint and Good Taste. The thick rug was a deep brown, and the furniture was the same color and looked very comfortable. The walls were an off white. To one side was a big bookshelf that held books on various subjects. Heh, a real estate agent that was well educated. I was a bit of a book freak myself, but I had left all my books at Ma's. People at Garden have this perception of me being a loud- mouthed ditz, an image I was careful to cultivate. This image of being a loud-mouthed blond air-head that, albeit was an excellent warrior, allowed me to be an excellent observer and gain valuable information that people let drop, thinking I was too stupid to notice. On the wall over his head was a painting of the city at night. As anyone could see, I was a perfect sucker for anything that shouted "Good Taste". Hey, I can be as vain as the next girl, natch. Rene himself was no slouch in the good looks department. No one I have ever seen or dated for that matter can hold a candle to my Squall, of course (Hyne must've been working overtime when she created him!) but Rene was getting there. Since he was sitting, I wasn't able to tell exactly how tall he was, but judging by the length of his legs under his cherrywood desk, I guessed he must be at least as tall as Irvine. Dark haired, bright blue eyes. He also had an earring in his right earlobe. Oh Hyne, major turn on! Suddenly, I was glad I had taken the time to shower and change clothes.
Rene came to his feet, walking around his desk to greet me. Yep, I was right; he was about the same height as Irvine. "Hello, Zell. Glad to see you could make it. You made good time, if I do say so myself." We shook hands. Nice firm handshake. Cool voice..Oh Hyne, help me! "Well, there wasn't much traffic along the roads.." I replied inanely. He gestured toward a sofa lying along a wall in the office. "Why don't you have a seat while I get the catalogues for the residence I was telling you about?" "Thanks," I replied, moving toward the sofa. "You have a really nice place here, Rene. Who's your decorator? Anyone famous?" I commented as I made myself comfortable on the sofa. Ye gods, it's so comfortable, just like the one in Squall's office. Crap. There I go again, thinking about that iceberg again. Will I ever be free of this affliction? Rene busied himself with gathering the information he needed. "Thanks for the compliment Zell. Actually, the interior decorator is my younger sister.She just started her decorating business recently, so I got to be her first victim. It seems to be a hit with my clients, and the response has been incredible." There was a note of incredulousness in his voice, as if he was surprised anyone would like his sister's work. But it was also tinged with some brotherly pride. I laughed. "Well, please compliment her for me..Your office looks fantastic and it's very comfortable, too. Reminds me a bit of Shumi design." The real estate agent straightened in surprise. "You know about the Shumi?" he asked, lifting a well shaped eyebrow. "Yep," I replied blithely. Information about the Shumi was now common knowledge, though their whereabouts was still classified info. There was no harm in my telling Rene I knew about their excellent craftsmanship, though. "Incredible! I never thought I'd meet anyone who has met them in person! My sister absolutely loves their work. She grabs everything and anything that has information about their designs. She models her arrangements after theirs. She hopes that someday, she would be able to study with them." By this time, he had finished collecting all the information needed, and was coming to join me, when he suddenly stopped and smacked himself in the forehead. "Oh dear. How remiss of me. Here I am talking my head off and I didn't even bother to ask if you wanted any refreshment. I apologize for the oversight, Zell. What would you like to drink? Eat?" I laughed. This guy was something else. "I'm totally hyped, Rene. Thanks. I really don't need anything right now." I shifted towards him as he sat beside me, pulling up a small side table to deposit the catalogues he had gathered. Holy Hyne, he smells good. Ignore the hormones, Zell-baby. Man, I must really need to get laid bad if the real estate agent is turning me on...To distract myself from my lust filled thoughts, I decided to change topics.
"So," I began, "Show me this totally rad place you said you found in Esthar..Location is a big deal with me.Depending on where the house is at, I might even make you a happy guy today."
Rene smiled, lighting up his blue eyes. "Well, why don't we take a look?" For some strange reason, when I looked up at his reply, his eyes reminded me of a very hungry shark..
Oh, Boy.
Meanwhile, back at Balamb Garden...
Selphie Tilmitt, president of the Balamb Garden Committee, Garden Instructor, SeeD, resident cheerful girl and a host of many other things, certainly wasn't cheerful right now. In fact, she was downright mad. Apparently their scheme to get Quistis to talk their Commander out of his ill advised, ill-fated and doomed to major failure marriage to Rinoa Heartilly backfired.
Stamping her tiny foot, Selphie grabbed hair and shook her head violently. "Ooohhh! I can't stand this! What are we going to do? Zell's gone, Squall being a prick..." "It's what he does best, anyway..." Irvine Kinneas, Selphie's boyfriend, replied, tried to soothe Selphie by rubbing her back gently. Selphie continued on like he had never spoken. "And now even Quistis's mad. I can't even imagine what life is going to be like around here, with Rinoa hanging about permanently.." "I don't know why you're so worked up about this, Selphie..It's not like it's any of our business anyway. What's so bad about the two of them getting hitched?" Irvine continued, still rubbing soothing circles into Selphie's back. Selphie gave him a poisonous look. "Like you even have to ask?!" She got up from the couch she and Irvine were ensconced in, and started to pace.
The two of them were seated in Quistis Trepe's office. Quistis had slammed in and out earlier, mumbling under her breath out of frustration.
Irvine glanced at his restless girlfriend and shook his head. Women. As much as he loved them, he would never understand them.
The relationship he and Selphie had was really strange. He was still his overly flirtatious, womanizing self and pursued other women with much ardor, but Selphie never complained about it, telling him she knew he would come back to her when he was really ready to commit to her. To tell the truth, Irvine did not really feel the need to pursue other girls anymore-all his flirtations nowadays were half-hearted, and most of the girls in Garden knew better than to respond to his blandishments. Everyone, except maybe Irvine himself, knew Selphie had him on a very short chain. She just didn't feel like pulling it-yet.
Irvine sighed heavily and folded his arms. "Rinoa isn't really all that bad, you know. I admit she can be a pain, but what's not to like in her as a wife? She's beautiful, wealthy and she's obviously crazy about the Commander..." "She's all wrong for him!" Selphie replied, exasperated. "She'll drive him nuts within a week, her father's a jerk, and looks and money aren't everything! I should know..." Selphie slid a sideways look at Irvine. "Hey!" Selphie plopped back down on the couch beside Irvine again. "Their relationship might be okay now, but it's not great. Squall needs a great relationship that will make him happy. He needs someone that understands him, can put up with his standoffishness and anti-social attitude. Rinoa is too much of a social butterfly to put up with that behavior for long. They'd both be miserable and make everyone miserable along with them!" "So, who might be this paragon that can make Mr. Iceberg melt long enough to get the benefit of a great relationship?" Irvine asked, curious now. Selphie breathed in deeply and took the plunge. "Zell." "What?!" Irvine squawked and fell off the couch Selphie snorted. "For someone that's supposed to be a master marksman, you're sure ignorant of stuff going on right in front of you!" "Hey!" Irvine replied indignantly. "Gimme a break here, Selphie! Zell and Squall? I can't even imagine it!" "Imagine it. It's so pathetically obvious. I think Rinoa herself noticed it, which was why she persuaded Squall to take that trip with her." Selphie left the couch again, this time talking seriously. "I think Squall himself subconsciously realizes this. And it's driving him crazy. He can't figure out that he loves Zell or rather the feelings he has for Zell are love. He hasn't ever had a relationship with anyone, girl or boy.So it's making him confused and he's using Rinoa as a way out of thinking about it." "What about him and Seifer?" Irvine at this point had picked himself off the floor. "Please.having a rivalry with an idiot does not a relationship make." Irvine thought about that for a minute. "I see what you mean." "As I was saying..It was so obvious to me how Zell felt about Squall. Zell is practically the only person Squall actually communicates with. He seems to be calm a lot around Zell.." "Selphie, honey, everyone is calm compared to Zell. Even you." Selphie smacked Irvine in the head. "Not that kind of calm, doofus! I mean he..how do I put this? He doesn't have that impatient quality with Zell like he has when talking with everyone else. Especially with Rinoa. Irvy, we have to do something..maybe bring them together?" Irvine stared at his girlfriend in alarm. "Oh no, my darling, there is no way I'm gonna be matchmaking for the Commander! The last time I allowed you to rope me into a scheme, I almost got my head bitten off! Besides, what makes you such a relationship expert anyway?" Selphie glared at him "Hmm, what about my relationship with you?!" Irvine did not want to go there. "Hey, hey, no need to be hostile now." "Besides, I saw a lot of this kind of thing in Trabia Garden." She decided to change tactics. Bringing up their dysfunctional relationship would not help them with this situation.. "Come on Irvy.Pleeeaaasse???" Selphie pleaded, her jewel green eyes moistening. Irvine started to melt, to give in. No He thought to himself I have to be strong! I won't allow her to do this to me again! But Irvine knew he was a goner when Selphie plopped into his lap and kissed him with her soft pouty lips. Irvine sighed, died and went to heaven when he felt Selphie's lips on his. Oh Hyne, Irvine thought. I'm surely dead.
Back in Deling City..
I got up from the couch I had parked my ass for the past hour and stretched, trying to work the kinks I had gotten in my muscles from sitting for so long. The hour I had spent with Rene had been fruitful. It seemed that the house in Esthar hadn't been what I had wanted afterall, but I was able to narrow my choices down to the mansion in Win Bluff (is this correct? I can't remember the name of that town Laguna met Raine), a place in Esthar and a place in Dollet. I might have to take a trip to go check all those places out. Lusting after Rene had made me feel hungry and feel a little bit stupid..I found out from our conversation that he was happily married with kids! He hadn't noticed as I wormed the information out of him..Hey, I am SeeD, you know. I'm an expert at getting information out of people without them knowing. "Well, Zell, I'm glad you came today.It was informative. I'll get on the ball right away and get the keys to those houses so you can go take a look at them." "Yeah, thanks, Rene. It was very cool meeting you. Hey, why don't you give me your sister's card? I might need her help when I decide to decorate.you never know." "It would be my great pleasure, Zell." Rene replied. Going to his desk, he removed a sleek business card and handed it to me. "Give her a call when you're ready. Just let her know you know me.." "Hey, thanks again, man. Gimme a call once those keys get in, 'kay?" "Absolutely!" We shook hands and he walked with me to the lobby of his office. As we walked past the receptionist's desk, I casually mentioned to Rene that I invited his receptionist out. " I met Zarra on my way in.She seems like a nice girl. I invited her out for something to drink. Hope no problem with that." Rene glanced at me in surprise. " Zarra agreed to go out with you? Incredible! She's so very shy, that just my saying "good morning" to her makes her blush." He rolled his eyes. "And she's been working for here for two years. You must be something special." I laughed "My Ma seems to think so!" I glanced around. "I wonder where she is?" Rene gestured towards the double doors "There she is." I turned to him "Thanks again, Rene and I'll talk to you soon." We shook hands again, and he turned back to go to his office.
As I approached Zarra, I noticed she wasn't a bad looking girl-quite the contrary-she was quite beautiful. But my tastes ran towards silver-eyed, dark haired young gods nowadays. Regardless of my feelings, I decided I needed to out and enjoy myself, something I hadn't had time to do for a while, what with all the events transpiring around me.
I reached where the girl was waiting. "Well, hi. Have you been waitin' long?" I smiled at her, my fangs featuring very prominently. Instead of being intimidated, she just smiled shyly, apparently fascinated with my long eyeteeth. "Not at all, Mr. Dincht." "Please, call me Zell. Mr. Dincht makes me feel like a 50 year old geezer." She laughed quietly.."Thank you Mr.Zell" "So" I replied as I ushered her out of the building, "Where do you recommend in Deling City that is a cool place to unwind?" "Hmmm..There's a new place over on Carrone St called The Night Café..a girlfriend of mine mentioned it recently. It has great atmosphere, nice drinks and food." "Cool.So is it a walking distance?" "Yes.it's about five blocks south of here."
Well, here goes. Hopefully the café will be a jazz café. I feel really laid back tonight..And hopefully Zarra would be an undemanding companion. I really need to get my mind of the sexy Squall Leonhart..
Next time: What scheme will Selphie and Irvine cook up to bring Squall and Zell together? What will happen once Rinoa finds out? And will Squall ever come to terms with his feelings? Will Zell get his jazz? You'll just have to find out when I do.
Squall: That was quite pathetic. RyuArashi: Urusai. You have no right to talk, Mr Iceberg Zell: Don't diss my guy, useless author. RA: Hmph, I wouldn't say anything if I were you.the least you could have done was tell Squall how you feel instead of running away. Rinoa: There is no way I'm letting him take my fiancée Selphie: Girl, get a grip.You suck royally as a girlfriend Irvine: Such language.. RA:Yeah, Selphie, clean up your mouth...
Warning: Well now, varmints, this here story, y'see, ain't somethin' you should be readin' if you don't like yaoi. This means, boys thinkin' about boinkin' boys, boys boinkin' boys and sech. If you don' like it, hightail it right outta here, y'hear? And y'all don't come back now, y'hear?
Authors Notes: Thanks to all of you who have stuck to my stories, sucky as they are. To lin chu, I love you! I dedicate this chapter to you! Thanks for the great reviews. To all others, I hope you continue to read and review. This is the bread and butter of us authors, you know! Finally, we get back to Zell again.. I AM BACK.......... First off, I would like to profusely apologize for the long awaited update.Ye Gods! *bowing very deeply* Honto sumamisen, to all the people who have been waiting...I really did not mean for the story to be on hold for so long..I hit major writer's block, and my access to a computer was limited. For all those who have been waiting..here is the newest chapter in the saga.
Zell: Finally, you wench. Where the hell have you been, putting us on hold like that.? RyuArashi: Gomen, Zell-chan. It isn't easy being a writer, you know! Squall: Whatever.just get Rinoa off my back, will you?! Zell: Yeah..pairing up that ditz with my boyfriend RyuArashi: Hey! Who told you Squall is your boyfriend? He hasn't even admitted his feelings about you yet!! Aren't you jumping the gun a little?! Squall: Shut up. As if there was any doubt..C'mere, Blondie. *Zell happily skips over to Squall and kisses him* Mmmm My hero! Rinoa: Hey! *vein popping in forehead* Dincht! You slut! What are doing to my fiancée!!?? Fighting breaks out.. RyuArashi: Oh, boy.. This is getting out of hand...I think I'll just get on with the story... *************************************************************************** ***************************************
Chapter 4: Running away from your problems..Is what everyone wants to do
I had just dug myself into a very big, very deep pit. What in the thirteen hells had made me offer to take this chick out for a drink? I sighed. I had promised, didn't I, and breaking my word would definitely not be good for my image as a world famous SeeD. Yeah, it's pathetic, but we do think a lot of what people think about us. Even though we had a huge client base, the way we conduct ourselves in public and on a mission did a lot to ensure our bread is kept buttered. Word of mouth can make or break any business, and bad rumors started with little things like this. Trust me, I know. I was one of the most enlightened of our small group about the Garden rumor mill. The only person who came possibly close was Selphie, which wasn't a surprise, since she was also chair of the Garden Committee. How she found time between missions and her classes, I'd never know. In any case, I had committed myself, and I couldn't back out of it. I decided to hope for the best, and may Hyne have mercy on my jaded soul. I glanced at her again, smiling, making sure my fangs were well displayed. Maybe if she thought I was a vampire and was scared enough out of her wits, I could escape with relative safety.
No such luck.
"I can't believe I have a date with one of the SeeDs that saved the world!" the girl gushed. Sighing silently again, I'm not going to get out of this, am I? Whoever said fangirls were stupid? I smirked and asked her,
"Well, since we're going to be having drinks together soon, it'll be a good idea to know your name, don't you think?" Hey, I can be charming when I have to. It's just that I've been lucky these past months not to have to use that part of my repertoire. Don't need it. The others have known me too long for that, and those skills are totally lost on Squall Leonhart, damn his gorgeous ass.
"My name is Zarra, Mr. Dincht," she answered, blushing. I winced at what she called me. "Well, Zarra, it's nice to meet you. I'll see you in a bit, after I see Mr. Calderone, okay?" She nodded, and I waved at her as I continued on to see Rene.
As I entered his office, I whistled silently to myself. The real estate business must be booming. The room was large and well appointed. It didn't boast all the high tech stuff that Squall's did of course, but it certainly was its rival in Restraint and Good Taste. The thick rug was a deep brown, and the furniture was the same color and looked very comfortable. The walls were an off white. To one side was a big bookshelf that held books on various subjects. Heh, a real estate agent that was well educated. I was a bit of a book freak myself, but I had left all my books at Ma's. People at Garden have this perception of me being a loud- mouthed ditz, an image I was careful to cultivate. This image of being a loud-mouthed blond air-head that, albeit was an excellent warrior, allowed me to be an excellent observer and gain valuable information that people let drop, thinking I was too stupid to notice. On the wall over his head was a painting of the city at night. As anyone could see, I was a perfect sucker for anything that shouted "Good Taste". Hey, I can be as vain as the next girl, natch. Rene himself was no slouch in the good looks department. No one I have ever seen or dated for that matter can hold a candle to my Squall, of course (Hyne must've been working overtime when she created him!) but Rene was getting there. Since he was sitting, I wasn't able to tell exactly how tall he was, but judging by the length of his legs under his cherrywood desk, I guessed he must be at least as tall as Irvine. Dark haired, bright blue eyes. He also had an earring in his right earlobe. Oh Hyne, major turn on! Suddenly, I was glad I had taken the time to shower and change clothes.
Rene came to his feet, walking around his desk to greet me. Yep, I was right; he was about the same height as Irvine. "Hello, Zell. Glad to see you could make it. You made good time, if I do say so myself." We shook hands. Nice firm handshake. Cool voice..Oh Hyne, help me! "Well, there wasn't much traffic along the roads.." I replied inanely. He gestured toward a sofa lying along a wall in the office. "Why don't you have a seat while I get the catalogues for the residence I was telling you about?" "Thanks," I replied, moving toward the sofa. "You have a really nice place here, Rene. Who's your decorator? Anyone famous?" I commented as I made myself comfortable on the sofa. Ye gods, it's so comfortable, just like the one in Squall's office. Crap. There I go again, thinking about that iceberg again. Will I ever be free of this affliction? Rene busied himself with gathering the information he needed. "Thanks for the compliment Zell. Actually, the interior decorator is my younger sister.She just started her decorating business recently, so I got to be her first victim. It seems to be a hit with my clients, and the response has been incredible." There was a note of incredulousness in his voice, as if he was surprised anyone would like his sister's work. But it was also tinged with some brotherly pride. I laughed. "Well, please compliment her for me..Your office looks fantastic and it's very comfortable, too. Reminds me a bit of Shumi design." The real estate agent straightened in surprise. "You know about the Shumi?" he asked, lifting a well shaped eyebrow. "Yep," I replied blithely. Information about the Shumi was now common knowledge, though their whereabouts was still classified info. There was no harm in my telling Rene I knew about their excellent craftsmanship, though. "Incredible! I never thought I'd meet anyone who has met them in person! My sister absolutely loves their work. She grabs everything and anything that has information about their designs. She models her arrangements after theirs. She hopes that someday, she would be able to study with them." By this time, he had finished collecting all the information needed, and was coming to join me, when he suddenly stopped and smacked himself in the forehead. "Oh dear. How remiss of me. Here I am talking my head off and I didn't even bother to ask if you wanted any refreshment. I apologize for the oversight, Zell. What would you like to drink? Eat?" I laughed. This guy was something else. "I'm totally hyped, Rene. Thanks. I really don't need anything right now." I shifted towards him as he sat beside me, pulling up a small side table to deposit the catalogues he had gathered. Holy Hyne, he smells good. Ignore the hormones, Zell-baby. Man, I must really need to get laid bad if the real estate agent is turning me on...To distract myself from my lust filled thoughts, I decided to change topics.
"So," I began, "Show me this totally rad place you said you found in Esthar..Location is a big deal with me.Depending on where the house is at, I might even make you a happy guy today."
Rene smiled, lighting up his blue eyes. "Well, why don't we take a look?" For some strange reason, when I looked up at his reply, his eyes reminded me of a very hungry shark..
Oh, Boy.
Meanwhile, back at Balamb Garden...
Selphie Tilmitt, president of the Balamb Garden Committee, Garden Instructor, SeeD, resident cheerful girl and a host of many other things, certainly wasn't cheerful right now. In fact, she was downright mad. Apparently their scheme to get Quistis to talk their Commander out of his ill advised, ill-fated and doomed to major failure marriage to Rinoa Heartilly backfired.
Stamping her tiny foot, Selphie grabbed hair and shook her head violently. "Ooohhh! I can't stand this! What are we going to do? Zell's gone, Squall being a prick..." "It's what he does best, anyway..." Irvine Kinneas, Selphie's boyfriend, replied, tried to soothe Selphie by rubbing her back gently. Selphie continued on like he had never spoken. "And now even Quistis's mad. I can't even imagine what life is going to be like around here, with Rinoa hanging about permanently.." "I don't know why you're so worked up about this, Selphie..It's not like it's any of our business anyway. What's so bad about the two of them getting hitched?" Irvine continued, still rubbing soothing circles into Selphie's back. Selphie gave him a poisonous look. "Like you even have to ask?!" She got up from the couch she and Irvine were ensconced in, and started to pace.
The two of them were seated in Quistis Trepe's office. Quistis had slammed in and out earlier, mumbling under her breath out of frustration.
Irvine glanced at his restless girlfriend and shook his head. Women. As much as he loved them, he would never understand them.
The relationship he and Selphie had was really strange. He was still his overly flirtatious, womanizing self and pursued other women with much ardor, but Selphie never complained about it, telling him she knew he would come back to her when he was really ready to commit to her. To tell the truth, Irvine did not really feel the need to pursue other girls anymore-all his flirtations nowadays were half-hearted, and most of the girls in Garden knew better than to respond to his blandishments. Everyone, except maybe Irvine himself, knew Selphie had him on a very short chain. She just didn't feel like pulling it-yet.
Irvine sighed heavily and folded his arms. "Rinoa isn't really all that bad, you know. I admit she can be a pain, but what's not to like in her as a wife? She's beautiful, wealthy and she's obviously crazy about the Commander..." "She's all wrong for him!" Selphie replied, exasperated. "She'll drive him nuts within a week, her father's a jerk, and looks and money aren't everything! I should know..." Selphie slid a sideways look at Irvine. "Hey!" Selphie plopped back down on the couch beside Irvine again. "Their relationship might be okay now, but it's not great. Squall needs a great relationship that will make him happy. He needs someone that understands him, can put up with his standoffishness and anti-social attitude. Rinoa is too much of a social butterfly to put up with that behavior for long. They'd both be miserable and make everyone miserable along with them!" "So, who might be this paragon that can make Mr. Iceberg melt long enough to get the benefit of a great relationship?" Irvine asked, curious now. Selphie breathed in deeply and took the plunge. "Zell." "What?!" Irvine squawked and fell off the couch Selphie snorted. "For someone that's supposed to be a master marksman, you're sure ignorant of stuff going on right in front of you!" "Hey!" Irvine replied indignantly. "Gimme a break here, Selphie! Zell and Squall? I can't even imagine it!" "Imagine it. It's so pathetically obvious. I think Rinoa herself noticed it, which was why she persuaded Squall to take that trip with her." Selphie left the couch again, this time talking seriously. "I think Squall himself subconsciously realizes this. And it's driving him crazy. He can't figure out that he loves Zell or rather the feelings he has for Zell are love. He hasn't ever had a relationship with anyone, girl or boy.So it's making him confused and he's using Rinoa as a way out of thinking about it." "What about him and Seifer?" Irvine at this point had picked himself off the floor. "Please.having a rivalry with an idiot does not a relationship make." Irvine thought about that for a minute. "I see what you mean." "As I was saying..It was so obvious to me how Zell felt about Squall. Zell is practically the only person Squall actually communicates with. He seems to be calm a lot around Zell.." "Selphie, honey, everyone is calm compared to Zell. Even you." Selphie smacked Irvine in the head. "Not that kind of calm, doofus! I mean he..how do I put this? He doesn't have that impatient quality with Zell like he has when talking with everyone else. Especially with Rinoa. Irvy, we have to do something..maybe bring them together?" Irvine stared at his girlfriend in alarm. "Oh no, my darling, there is no way I'm gonna be matchmaking for the Commander! The last time I allowed you to rope me into a scheme, I almost got my head bitten off! Besides, what makes you such a relationship expert anyway?" Selphie glared at him "Hmm, what about my relationship with you?!" Irvine did not want to go there. "Hey, hey, no need to be hostile now." "Besides, I saw a lot of this kind of thing in Trabia Garden." She decided to change tactics. Bringing up their dysfunctional relationship would not help them with this situation.. "Come on Irvy.Pleeeaaasse???" Selphie pleaded, her jewel green eyes moistening. Irvine started to melt, to give in. No He thought to himself I have to be strong! I won't allow her to do this to me again! But Irvine knew he was a goner when Selphie plopped into his lap and kissed him with her soft pouty lips. Irvine sighed, died and went to heaven when he felt Selphie's lips on his. Oh Hyne, Irvine thought. I'm surely dead.
Back in Deling City..
I got up from the couch I had parked my ass for the past hour and stretched, trying to work the kinks I had gotten in my muscles from sitting for so long. The hour I had spent with Rene had been fruitful. It seemed that the house in Esthar hadn't been what I had wanted afterall, but I was able to narrow my choices down to the mansion in Win Bluff (is this correct? I can't remember the name of that town Laguna met Raine), a place in Esthar and a place in Dollet. I might have to take a trip to go check all those places out. Lusting after Rene had made me feel hungry and feel a little bit stupid..I found out from our conversation that he was happily married with kids! He hadn't noticed as I wormed the information out of him..Hey, I am SeeD, you know. I'm an expert at getting information out of people without them knowing. "Well, Zell, I'm glad you came today.It was informative. I'll get on the ball right away and get the keys to those houses so you can go take a look at them." "Yeah, thanks, Rene. It was very cool meeting you. Hey, why don't you give me your sister's card? I might need her help when I decide to decorate.you never know." "It would be my great pleasure, Zell." Rene replied. Going to his desk, he removed a sleek business card and handed it to me. "Give her a call when you're ready. Just let her know you know me.." "Hey, thanks again, man. Gimme a call once those keys get in, 'kay?" "Absolutely!" We shook hands and he walked with me to the lobby of his office. As we walked past the receptionist's desk, I casually mentioned to Rene that I invited his receptionist out. " I met Zarra on my way in.She seems like a nice girl. I invited her out for something to drink. Hope no problem with that." Rene glanced at me in surprise. " Zarra agreed to go out with you? Incredible! She's so very shy, that just my saying "good morning" to her makes her blush." He rolled his eyes. "And she's been working for here for two years. You must be something special." I laughed "My Ma seems to think so!" I glanced around. "I wonder where she is?" Rene gestured towards the double doors "There she is." I turned to him "Thanks again, Rene and I'll talk to you soon." We shook hands again, and he turned back to go to his office.
As I approached Zarra, I noticed she wasn't a bad looking girl-quite the contrary-she was quite beautiful. But my tastes ran towards silver-eyed, dark haired young gods nowadays. Regardless of my feelings, I decided I needed to out and enjoy myself, something I hadn't had time to do for a while, what with all the events transpiring around me.
I reached where the girl was waiting. "Well, hi. Have you been waitin' long?" I smiled at her, my fangs featuring very prominently. Instead of being intimidated, she just smiled shyly, apparently fascinated with my long eyeteeth. "Not at all, Mr. Dincht." "Please, call me Zell. Mr. Dincht makes me feel like a 50 year old geezer." She laughed quietly.."Thank you Mr.Zell" "So" I replied as I ushered her out of the building, "Where do you recommend in Deling City that is a cool place to unwind?" "Hmmm..There's a new place over on Carrone St called The Night Café..a girlfriend of mine mentioned it recently. It has great atmosphere, nice drinks and food." "Cool.So is it a walking distance?" "Yes.it's about five blocks south of here."
Well, here goes. Hopefully the café will be a jazz café. I feel really laid back tonight..And hopefully Zarra would be an undemanding companion. I really need to get my mind of the sexy Squall Leonhart..
Next time: What scheme will Selphie and Irvine cook up to bring Squall and Zell together? What will happen once Rinoa finds out? And will Squall ever come to terms with his feelings? Will Zell get his jazz? You'll just have to find out when I do.
Squall: That was quite pathetic. RyuArashi: Urusai. You have no right to talk, Mr Iceberg Zell: Don't diss my guy, useless author. RA: Hmph, I wouldn't say anything if I were you.the least you could have done was tell Squall how you feel instead of running away. Rinoa: There is no way I'm letting him take my fiancée Selphie: Girl, get a grip.You suck royally as a girlfriend Irvine: Such language.. RA:Yeah, Selphie, clean up your mouth...