"It's just a scratch Mr. Almasy, nothing a hi-potion or two can't fix," said Dr. Kadowaki. The way that Seifer was squirming, you'd think it was fatal.
"See Seifer? Nothing!" added Irvine to patronize him. He deserved it after the way he had treated Zell. He got glared at by the patient.
Dr. Kadowaki's office was always brightly lit and it was nice to see the sun. Irvine felt the urge to run out into it. Take a few pictures of some grats and such that were hanging around outside the garden. But Seifer was sulking and Irvine had a feeling that he was in no mood for the great outdoors.
On the way to the office, many of the students had been just as bad as the Balamb townspeople. A few ran off to tell their friends. Seifer had tried to keep his head held high, which was hard with a bleeding nose. Why did Irvine even bother rubbing it in that it was his own damn fault, Seifer knew. He had just become so jealous when he had heard what Zell had been trying to say to Irvine. He had wanted to hurt that little blonde for trespassing on his territory. But was Irvine his territory? A night of really good sex didn't mean ownership.
If it were up to Seifer, Irvine would be his. Well, after his nose stopped bleeding.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Love sucks," said Zell finally allowing his body to relax a little. He was sitting an the edge of the balcony of the ballroom. It was off-limits, but Zell didn't worry too much since he was a Seed. He just wanted a place where he could be alone.
"You can say that again!" said a female voice startling Zell. He then noticed Quistis who had just come out onto the balcony. Her lips were tight and her arms were crossed. She looked sad or angry, he couldn't tell.
"Have a seat, we can bitch about love together." He expected her to decline, but she didn't. She hopped on top of the balcony rail with surprising agility. Maybe he wasn't the only acrobatic garden student. "So, where should we begin?"
"How about how two people are together even though you know that they shouldn't be?"
Zell looked at her surprised. That was exactly how he felt. "Did Irvine tell you what happened?"
Quistis laughed, shaking her head. Her eyes were scanning the land in front of them. Balamb Garden was a beautiful place and it held much to look at. But, Zell was fascinated by this casual side of Quistis that he hadn't seen since they were children. "No, some of us have our own problems. But, I had a feeling about you liking Irvine."
"Who is your problem?" asked Zell. He knew that he was being nosy. But the thought of Quistis pining away for someone was so strange. She wasn't an obnoxious bumbler like he was. He was always screwing up and overstaying his welcome. But Quistis was always perfect. She was elegant and sweet.
"Guess..." whispered Quistis.
And now that he was thinking about it, it became obvious. Squall of course. That was why she was always looking out for him. She didn't feel like his big sister, she loved him. It would be hard to be in love with such a hard block of ice. Zell was amazed that Squall and Rinoa had hooked up. Squall just didn't seem capable of love. "It's not your fault. Squall is as emotional as an introverted rock."
A small tear came out the corner of her eye even as she smiled. "Yeah, but if that was true, why does he love Rinoa?"
Zell was angry. How could Squall not like Quistis? She was hot and sweet. She never got anything wrong. No matter what she did, she succeeded. "You never screw up anything. You're perfect!" he said. It didn't answer her question. Zell didn't know what Squall thought, but any guy alive would be lucky to have earned her attention.
"Thanks Zell," she said obligingly. It wasn't that she didn't believe that Zell believed it. She just knew that if she was perfect then Squall wouldn't be so unhappy with her. She looked at Zell when he grabbed her hand.
"No, Quistis I mean it." He released her hand. "I mean, look at me. I'm constantly making mistakes. I fell for Irvine! How stupid is that! I mean like, you, you're smart and pretty..." He stopped talking. He was sounding like a child. It made him angry. He never could express himself verbally.
He took a look in her eyes to see if she understood what he was saying at all. Quistis's eyes had little puddles around the edges. Her teeth were slightly biting her lower lip. "Not as pretty as Rinoa..."
Okay, so Zell wasn't good with words. He brushed away one puddle with his quasi-gloved thumb and then brought his lips in to kiss her. Okay, she didn't feel pretty enough, let her reject his physical advances. That had to prove that she was good looking, if she had to fend off men. But the shock of his life came when she kissed back. She wasn't just kissing back, she was French-kissing back. What had been just an attempt to cheer a friend had become a groin-tingling neck hair-raising kiss.
Quistis didn't know why she was kissing Zell back. He wasn't the one who she had been pining for. But kissing him felt so good. It was nice to feel like someone cared about her, to feel desired. She felt his other hand take hold of the other side of her face and it was like he was telling her that he didn't have enough of her. She scooted forward, placing her hands on his chest. This was Zell! And yet, it wasn't half bad...
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Headmaster Cid sighed. He had just received his fourteenth complaint that Seifer Almasy, the Sorceress's knight was in the garden. These students were beyond stupid. Headmaster Cid himself was married to the Sorceress! They didn't seem to mind that. Sure, they were all a little overly alert around her, but nothing to the point of societal shunning as was happening to Seifer. He had the feeling it was because his Edea was so delicate and sweet. If she was a fat, brutish woman, Headmaster Cid might very well have not retained his job.
Well, the Garden seemed to want Almasy gone. He was reluctant to kick him out. He wanted to talk to Quistis. He had sent for her a half an hour before, but she still wasn't there. He was using her for a consultant so much of the time that he was debating making her assistant Headmaster. Well, once she showed up, they could discuss both topics. Until then, the Garden students would have to keep their shirts on.
In the meantime, he looked over some paperwork from the Balamb Garden Hot Dog Lover's Committee.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Quistis and Zell had to end their makeout session when a messenger came from the Headmaster. The three were very embarrassed as the lackey informed Quistis that Headmaster Cid wanted to talk about a situation developing in the Garden.
She waited until the lackey had left before turning to Zell. "I guess I have to go now." Their eyes met. She wasn't sure how she felt. She could never have imagined kissing Zell before she did it, but now she couldn't imagine not kissing Zell. He was good. Even now her lips wanted his back.
"I understand. My new girl is a career woman!" said Zell happily, grabbing her close for one last kiss. Well, that made that decision easily enough. She envied Zell's ability to just go with what felt good and not be overanalytical. She sank into this kiss and for ten seconds didn't let her mind worry about a single thing.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"So I guess the question is what now?" asked Seifer. He had to ask. It hurt to think that he might have to be alone again.
Irvine winked at him. They were sitting, joint-legged on the sofa facing each other. "You live here in Garden as my concubine."
Seifer's face half grinned and then fell. If only it were as easy as that, he might just take up the offer. He dug a lazy foot into Irvine's side and then let it drift down. Luckily he wasn't wearing his boots or socks. His toes lightly tapped against Irvine's groin. He had an idea of what they could do next. He was just feeling Irvine respond to him, when another knock came at the door. Seifer growled "How fucking popular are you Irvine?"
Irvine hoped that it wasn't Zell. He was ready to boot out anyone for disturbing what could have been some great fun. He was enjoying this new relationship with Seifer. He was worried a little bit about what the Garden's reaction would be to it though. Irvine was a very social creature. He wouldn't be able to stand the condemnation that Seifer had to endure. He opened his door.
"Headmaster Cid?" Sure enough, the headmaster was there. His bent over posture made his big hook nose look bigger. It was like he was a bird pecking for insects. Behind him was his structural opposite Quistis. Her posture spoke of dignity, though at the moment she seemed grave.
"Irvine we were informed that Seifer might be here. If that's true, may we have a word with him?" Irvine had never heard Headmaster Cid speak so formally. It didn't stop him from an attempt to lighten the mood.
"He's a little naked at the moment..." started Irvine. He was cutoff by Seifer jumping into the doorway to disprove Irvine's statement. Seifer glared at him.
To Headmaster Cid he asked "What is this regarding, Cid?" His voice was chilling. Perhaps Irvine was the only person who had seen the gentle side of Seifer. Well, except Rinoa. Irvine shuddered at the thought. Had Seifer slept with Rinoa? If he had, they should probably get tested.
Cid looked uncomfortable. "Well Seifer, this is a difficult scenario."
Irvine realized the reason Cid was looking around nervously was because he was standing in a hallway. "Come on in," he invited belatedly.
Once everyone had found a position in the room, Cid began again. "I've gotten complaints from students about your presence on campus. Now, before I decide what to do about that, I need to know how long you intend on staying here."
Seifer glanced over at Irvine. He wished the beautiful cowboy would give him some sure sign of some commitment to this new relationship. Instead, everyone looked at the door as it knocked. Three loud knocks followed by a softer one. Seifer threw back his head and groaned. "Dammit Zell!" Then, he snickered a little. "At least I'm not having sex this time."
Quistis and Cid both turned shades of red. Irvine made himself get the door. As soon as it was open, Zell zipped past him to go talk to Headmaster Cid. "Man! This is great! Thank you thank you!" Zell was doing a happy dance in front of Cid and Quistis. Everyone just looked at him.
"What the hell are you talking about Chicken Wuss?" asked Seifer unhappily. That guy sure knew how to interrupt important things.
Zell smiled and playfully punched at Cid's arm. "The Balamb Garden Hot Dog Lover's Committee just told me." Then he looked at Irvine. "Headmaster Cid took one look at the picture that you took of me in the cafeteria and approved the rule we were trying to pass!"
Quistis shook her head. "What picture and what rule?"
Zell pulled a rolled up newspaper from the back of his baggy shorts. He thrust it at his new girlfriend happily. She should share this moment with him, he would never forget it.
Quistis unrolled it. It was the campus newspaper that had just come out that day. On the cover was Zell looking pitifully sad with his hands out in a motion of need. Behind him was a sign that said "Out of Hot Dogs." She laughed. It was cute. Then she noticed that behind Zell was another student being informed of the shortage. Both of their faces were similar in that they were so devastated. It was wonderful how it had captured what it must have been like for Zell everyday in his mission to get hot dogs.
"Well, I did think that it demonstrated a need for it," said Cid. He was fidgeting with his glasses. He must have still been thrown off by Seifer's lewd comment.
"For what?" asked Seifer.
"I passed a new rule that there would be a mandatory three hot dogs per student per day.
Quistis and Seifer groaned. "That's a lot of hot dogs," pointed out Quistis.
"We can afford to hire some new cafeteria staff," said Cid dismissing it lightly.
"You did a great job man!" said Zell to Irvine. He seemed proud and not at all upset anymore. Irvine tipped his hat to thank him for the compliment. He was glad that Zell was being big about it.
"So, your picture single-handedly convinced Headmaster Cid of the need for more hot dogs?" asked Quistis. She was developing an idea.
"Sure did!" declared Zell. He was proud of Irvine's handiwork. After all, the man had gotten more hot dogs! Now that was a man that Zell could be proud of!
Quistis turned into the model of business etiquette. "Seifer, do you want to stay at the Garden or not?"
Seifer was caught off guard by the question. He looked at Irvine. Surely Irvine wanted him to stay. When he had said it earlier, it couldn't have been just a joke. All of the hopes that he had of not being alone, the need to have another person beside him, it was all lost when Irvine shook his head solemnly and said "I don't think that I want Seifer to stay here."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
It was mandatory for all Balamb students to attend the art gallery in Balamb. It was the first time in Garden history that there was a required field trip. It didn't seem that anyone minded a few hours out of class. Since Balamb itself was rather dull, everyone in town showed up as well.
All the people only made Irvine's nerves a jumble. He sat slumped in the back of the city's town hall. His head was close to his knees. He hated this pressure. Part of him was happy that so many people had turned out, and part of him wished they would all go home.
He felt a hand touch his shoulder and he looked up. He saw his boyfriend smile down at him. "Get a grip Irvine," said Seifer. He said it with authority but there was so much more to it than that. Irvine got up and flung himself onto the tall blonde.
Seifer loved holding his little photographer. He felt such pride. He just wished that Irvine wasn't so nervous. It was making him nervous. Their futures were entwined now that Irvine had moved from Garden. If one of them went down so would the other. He felt that he owed Irvine for risking so much for him.
They didn't live together, but they did live close, only streets apart. Balamb wasn't a very big place. Still Irvine had to tell Selphie the main reason for the move. She hadn't even cried. She was sad, but mostly just to see him go. She had told him that she was glad that she hadn't invested herself physically into the relationship and now they could remain friends. Irvine knew it was true, because they had always seemed more like friends anyway.
"Are you really that nervous?" asked Seifer. Irvine nodded. He felt silly, but he couldn't help it. "Just wait one second!"
Seifer went off in a happy run. He had a brilliant idea. He looked about the auditorium for a tall pink beauty. Sure enough, there was Quistis. She had organized this whole gala. She looked regal in a burgundy gown that complimented the red in her hair. Next to her, Zell was looking uncomfortable in his Seed uniform. The two were inseparable now. Seifer thought it was sweet. That and he was relieved that Zell wasn't pursuing Irvine anymore.
"Hey Quistis, do you think that you could maybe start the showing without Irvine? He's a big chicken. Well, not as big of a chicken as Zell." Zell just ignored his comment. He really was improving since he had been dating Quistis.
Quistis laughed. "I think that would be okay."
Seifer nodded. He watched as she took hold of Zell's hand and led him to the front of the miniature stage and podium they had set up. She was so radiant with happiness now that she wasn't pining away for Squall. Seifer began making his way back to the heap of Irvine.
"Hey cowboy, you wanna go for a ride?" asked Seifer to his boyfriend. Irvine looked up at him with a huge grin on his face. He pointed his hand like a gun and shot at Seifer. "I'll take that as a yes."
Seifer would have taken anything for a yes. He yanked on a gloved hand and dragged Irvine out of the room.
"Attention ladies and gentlemen," said Quistis. "I'd like to thank you all for coming to the first Irvine Kinneas art show. Though Irvine just recently transferred here, I think that he's made a good deal of friends among this crowd." There were cheers mostly from the women.
Irvine's dark room wasn't too far from the town hall, though nothing was very far from anything in Balamb. And when they finally reached it, he picked up the fairly light cowboy. Irvine squeaked unhappily. He felt like an idiot being carried around even if there wasn't anyone in the streets. Seifer shut him with a passionate kiss. It transmitted Seifer's fever to Irvine. What had he been thinking? They needed to have sex now!
Irvine struggled to get the keys to the lab out of his leather pants. It was much more difficult horizontal. Finally he had them and he opened the door sideways. Seifer kicked it open. His face was serious and looked that much more gorgeous. His scar seemed more pronounced when he was angry or, as in this case, determined.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"I know that we were all sad to hear of his leaving the Garden," said Quistis at the podium. "But hopefully his new endeavors will continue to make Garden proud of him."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Seifer flipped on the red light, then laid Irvine down on the hard floor carefully. Then his lips kissed Irvine's lips roughly as he undid Irvine's vest. The freshly exposed flesh was instantly nibbled and licked. Seifer felt like he was on fire. His pride was fueling the sexual passion that Irvine always brought out in him.
Seifer then attempted to pull off the leather pants. Slowly Irvine's wonderfully hard cock was released from the leather. Seifer didn't even finish removing the pants all the way. He had what he wanted. He heard the cowboy moan helplessly as his mouth covered Irvine's ache. "Seifer...I...." Irvine struggled to get words out.
"Shhh," said Seifer. He didn't want to think. He just wanted to feel the warm feelings racing over his body. His tongue tested the softness of Irvine's skin. Irvine quivered. It was delicious to have Irvine so helpless beneath him.
"No wait, please!" pleaded Irvine. Seifer stopped.
"What is it?" His voice sounded worried.
"I need to take a picture of your eyes!" Irvine pleaded. He sat up. It was so important suddenly to make sure that he kept Seifer somewhere even if it was just a photograph.
"Now?" asked Seifer powerlessly. What a terrible time for inspiration!
"I want to capture your lust."
Seifer laughed evilly. "You already have, you tease." He pushed Irvine back with a rough hand and nibbled on his lip. "You are my lust!"
"But, when it's gone..." whined Irvine.
Seifer frowned. "When what's gone?" His nose touched Irvine's little nose.
Irvine bit his lip. He shouldn't have been feeling like he was, but it was so hard to think that someone would want to keep him. When it came down to it, it seemed that he was just as scarred by his childhood as the others. "When you are gone."
Seifer blinked as his eyes suddenly seemed cloudy. He wasn't going anywhere. But he knew how Irvine felt. He was always so afraid that Irvine was going to slip away from him, just like their parents. And now suddenly Irvine made sense. Seifer could see into the darker places of Irvine that he had tried to keep hidden for so long.
A tear fell from Seifer's face onto Irvine's. Irvine was so surprised, but then he smiled. "Seifer, I'm in love with you."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Quistis smiled happily as she yelled, "Now!" All over the city hall room, cloth covers were removed from framed photographs. The largest one was the last one to be uncovered. It was Balamb Garden's favorite villain. Only, he didn't look like a villain. His face was so sad. He looked human. The crowd was silenced. Could it be possible that the Sorceress's Knight felt guilty for his crimes? Had they been too harsh on him?
Quistis yanked Zell close to her for a celebratory kiss.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
This time unlike the other 3 times, Seifer took his time with Irvine. He took years just memorizing the feel of Irvine's eyelashes against his cheek. He kissed each finger on his hands. He let himself get carried away in the feel of Irvine, the boy who loved him. He had never been truly loved before and it was making him feel immortal.
Finally when the spark of desire had become a flame inside of Irvine, he could no longer just lay and let Seifer touch him. He licked Seifer's lower lip and watched Seifer's eyes as he did. Seifer groaned. He went back down to Irvine's erection. He covered it with light kisses as Irvine squirmed. Then Irvine found Seifer's own cock. Seifer gasped as he felt Irvine's lips upon him.
He no longer teased Irvine, but sucked as he wanted to be sucked on. The two bucked and squirmed until finally Irvine felt himself losing control. His orgasm hit him like a brick wall, but he didn't release Seifer from his mouth. Seifer greedily let the warmth splash down his throat as he used the experience to cum himself. It felt so good to have a part of Irvine inside of him that his body shook with his own release. How could Irvine think he would leave this?
When they curled up, Seifer kissed Irvine's cheek. "You are so silly to think that I'd leave you."
Irvine smiled. "Why is that?"
"Because you are the only person I've ever truly loved." He closed his eyes to hid the slight embarrassment at admitting something so important. He felt Irvine snuggle tighter into his shoulder. He could have died right then and not cared. He had found someone who had seen through all his layers of defense. "I still have more sides to me that you haven't seen yet."
"Well when I do, I'll take a picture of them."
* * * * * * * * * * * *