DISCLAIMER: I own nothing except Leona and her clumsy nature.. what
am I talking about MY clumsy nature ^_^ anyhoo, on with the fic!
I woke up pretty early this morning, remembering that Zell and I were to go see Squall. I still didn't understand what was wrong with Zell and I dating, I mean, it wasn't like I was some festering creature that was going to eat him the first chance I got.
'Leona, your imagination is too wild,' I muttered to myself as I groggily stumbled into the tiny bathroom and started to brush my teeth. I had been here apparently over three weeks but yesterday was the first day I had actually been awake. Heh, kinda amazing that I snagged myself a cutie so quickly. I wonder what it was about me that Zell liked so much.
'Leona Chaplin and Zell Dincht to the Commanders Office.'
I groaned and slowly walked back out of the bathroom after I heard the announcement.
'I repeat, Leona Chaplin and Zell Dincht to the Commanders Office.'
'All right! All right! I heard ya the first time!' I yelled grouchily at the tiny speaker that was tucked up in the farthest corner of my dorm, not even caring that it couldn't hear me. I ran both my hands down my face and looked at my reflection in the mirror before me.
'You're quite the sight, I'll tell you what,' I said to myself as I ran a hand through my tussled, curly hair as my other hand played around with my frog printed pajamas, 'it's a good thing Zell doesn't see you so early in the morning or he'd recoil like he'd seen some hideous creature.' Man, I could really be over critical to myself sometimes, ah well. I walked over to the small dresser (yes, I lived in one of the tinier dorms and thus, most things were compact) and pulled out a black skirt a red halter- top. Just as I was kicking off my frog pajamas I heard a knock at my door.
'Leona?'
'Yeah, give me a second Zell!' I said as I struggled to pull on the black skirt, 'damn it, why wont you fit?!' I yelled angrily then realized I hadn't unzipped the zipper. I chuckled sheepishly to myself and slowly unzipped the skirt; maybe Seifer was right when he said I was a space cadet.
'Leona, we have to go, Squall's gonna get impatient,' Zell said, his voice slightly muted by the door.
'Hold on Zell, one more second!' I called as I rushed back into the bathroom and sprayed on some perfume then kicked my pajamas under the bed. I grabbed my new backpack form the beside my bed and walked over to the door, 'alright Zell, you can come in.'
'Finally, you know I never got you girls, always taking forever to...' Zell trailed off as his eyes fell on me and then slowly drank me in. I blushed and took a step towards him.
'Zell, you ready to go?' I asked. Zell suddenly snapped his head back then nodded.
'Yeah, yeah! Sorry I ah,' he put a hand to the back of his head and chuckled nervously, 'just thinkin' how pretty you look in that skirt.'
I ran a hand through my short curly hair and laughed.
'Yeah well, this skirt is a big pain in the ass, consider yourself lucky that I decided to not shred it to pieces this morning,' I growled playfully.
'Aw, did the big bad dress give little miss princess a hard time this morning?' Zell teased, mock pouting at me. I cocked an eyebrow and glared at him, crossing my arms.
'If you must know, then yes, it was!' I said and stuck m tongue out at him, 'but you wouldn't understand because guys don't have to wear skirts.'
'Yeah well, what can I say, we're the gifted sex,' he said, chuckling.
'Your pushing it,' I warned jokingly and gave his arm a nudge, 'why you being so mean to me this morning?'
'Tch, I'm not being mean Leona, just teasin ya,' he said as the two of us walked out of the dormitory area and out into the main foyer, 'I like teasin ya, you look so cute when you get angry.'
'Uh hehehe, nooo I don't actually Zell,' I said then poked him in the ribcage, 'in fact, I've been told I look VERY scary when I'm mad.'
'I don't believe it, your too much of a kitten,' he said teasingly.
'Zell!' I cried and jumped up onto his back, my small fists pounding on his hard shoulders.
'Wow, that massage feels good kitten, can you do it just a little over to the right, ah yeah, that's the spot,' Zell said, letting out a playful groan. I brought down my fist hard and I heard Zell yet out a slight yelp before I climbed off his back.
'Still feel like a massage?' I laughed. Zell shrugged and let out a grunt. I grinned and put a hand to my ear, 'oh? What was that? Say it again Zell, I didn't hear you the first time,' I nagged teasingly but then was suddenly lifted off my feet and swung over onto Zell's shoulders.
'Zell Dincht! Put me down this instant!' I cried, my fists once again pounding on his back.
'Nope, you Leona, me Zell, you become wife to me. You bear me many children,' he said like some cave man as he carried me past the infirmary and towards the stairs in front of the info station.
'Zell, you sound like a fruit cake when you talk like that!' I said then pummeled his shoulder one last time 'now let me down or I'll bite you!' Zell laughed and carried me up the stairs but of course, me being the idiot I am I just HAD to bite him then. Zell let out a loud yelp that got some students attention and the next thing I knew Zell and I were toppling backwards and after three loud CLUNKS we were sprawled out before the info center and many curious students.
'Damn Leona, did you have to bite so hard?' Zell whined, rubbing at his shoulder. I stood up, wincing slightly from the pain down by my tailbone.
'Yeah well, if you hadn't of gone all cave man-ish on me this wouldn't have happened,' I griped, still rubbing my behind. I leaned down and held out my hand for Zell to take then helped him get back up. We turned and smiled at the students around us, albeit sheepishly.
'Well, I think we should go see the commander now, no?' I said. Zell nodded and took my hand and the two of us climbed back up the stairs (very cautiously I might add) and stepped into the elevator. Once Zell had pushed the right floor button I leaned up against the cool glass, watching him.
'What? Is there something on my face?' he asked, scratching his head bemusedly.
I rolled my eyes and laughed good-heartedly.
'Nothing except that tattoo of yours,' I said, walking up beside him so I could gently trace the spidery lines of the tattoo. Zell blushed very darkly as I did this then suddenly pulled away.
'What's wrong?' I asked.
'Its nothing really Leona, I'm just not used to anyone except my Ma doing that to me,' he said. I nodded and reached to take his hand, his finger entwining with mine, 'I haven't had many girlfriends, just Meg and Quistis and they didn't last very long,' Zell said, albeit sadly. I was about to ask him who Meg was and why they broke up when the delightful 'Ping' of the elevator interrupted me.
'We'll talk about this later, ok?' I said, squeezing his hand. Zell nodded and the two of us walked into squalls office, the large double doors opening on their own for us. Heh, I guess everything was automatic here.
'Um, Squall, you wanted to see Leona and I?' Zell said as he nervously approached the large wooden desk.
'Ah yeah, sorry guys, just give me a second to finish up these papers,' he said, looking up from the documents only for a quick second. Zell and I nodded and went and sat on the small loveseat that was across from the room. Hm, well squall seemed to be in a better mood.
'I think he and Rinoa got in a fight last night,' Zell guessed, shrugging his shoulders slightly. I smiled and leaned my head on his shoulder.
'Yeah, I've noticed the change in his attitude. Does he usually get mood swings like this?' I asked.
Zell nodded his head and fiddled with the metal knuckles on his gloves.
'Yeah, ever since he and Rinoa got together, I mean, don't get me wrong, they're a great pair but I think Squalls still trying to learn the ropes so to speak,' Zell explained then slowly (albeit nervously) outstretched his arm and placed it over my shoulder. I let out a small 'ouch' when the metal knuckle hit my ear by accident but I figured Zell didn't have much experience with this kind of stuff. Bah, ~I~ wasn't very experienced with this sort of stuff. The last boyfriend I had was rude, inconsiderate, stuck up, miserable, the list was endless.
'Leona? Something wrong?' Zell asked, his face still slightly flushed. Aw man, he was just too cute and I mean, he was what? Nineteen? Twenty? And look how sweet he was, he almost had a childlike innocence to him.
'Naw, I'm okies Zell,' I said then snuggled against him. I felt Zell gulp and then let out a breath of air; yes, he definitely wasn't used to the cuddle factor.
'All right, sorry to have kept you waiting guys,' Squall said as he stood up from his desk. Zell and I stood up as well but Squall held up a hand, 'no please, take a seat.'
'Ok man, but what's up? Your acting like, weird,' Zell said, eyeing Squall curiously.
'I'm sorry for my attitude last night,' squall said then smirked at us, 'as you guessed Rinoa and I had a little bit of a fight but we're ok now. Anyway, about you two being together.. personally, I don't think it's a very good idea.'
I felt my jaw drop, seriously feeling the blow for that comment. Squall flashed me a warm smile, an encouraging smile.
'Leona, its got nothing to do with you or your personality, what I meant was, well..'
'Well, spit - it - OUT man,' Zell cried, getting impatient.
'Look, Leona doesn't originally come from this world so if she were to leave.. Especially sometime soon,' Squall started, not even bothering to finish because he knew both Zell and I understood what he was saying.
'Its not that I don't want you to together, I just don't think it's a good idea, I mean, you guys could be emotionally hurt,' Squall said, concern radiating from his eyes.
'Naw, no way, I'm not giving up on Leona, I don't care if she gets taken away from me in the next week, hell the next day, if that's what's suppose'ta happen then I want to make the best of the time I have with her,' Zell said, anger permeating through his voice as he slowly rose from his seat, 'I don't care what you think, Squall, I don't care!'
'Zell, calm down, listen to Squall ok,' I said, placing a hand on Zell's arm, trying to calm him down. Zell sat back down again, the couch groaning in protest from the pressure.
'Zell, you're my best friend, your like a brother, you know I wouldn't say anything like this if I didn't mean it and wasn't worried,' Squall said, extending his hands out so his palms faced the ceiling, 'I'm sorry but there's nothing we can do.'
'Wait, squall there has to be a reason I was sent here, though,' I said, entwining my hand with Zell's, 'I know at the moment it seems like I'm just sort of wafting around here, maybe somewhere in he near future something's going to happen.'
Squall sighed deeply and ran a hand through his smooth, chocolate coloured hair. I had to admit, Squall WAS pretty good looking but his hair was definitely my favorite feature to him. Wait a minute, why the hell am I thinking about this now? Snap out of it, Leona!
'Leona? Stop spacin' out on us will ya,' Zell teased. I glared at him warningly and turned back to Squall.
'Look, I just don't want to think I've been sent here to be a burden to you because at the moment, that's how I'm feeling. The first person who came here, the one who created the games back in my world, he came as a GF so he had a purpose,' I rested my chin on my fingers, 'if he had a purpose to be here, then ~I~ must have a purpose to be here.'
'Maybe so, but everything's been fine as of late, yes we still have monsters and other creatures that we must deal with but no wars between anything,' squall said, shaking his head slowly, 'I just don't get it, is some unknown enemy about to appear just because of your presence?'
'I hope it's not because of me, that would just make me feel not only like a burden but also a bringer of pain and suffering,' I muttered, hiding my face in my hands now. I felt Zell pull me closer and I welcomed his embrace.
'Look, Squall we obviously cant figure this out yet. I say once we see signs of hostility anywhere unusual we can start worrying but 'till then, why not let us all kick back and relax,' Zell said, smiling as he and I both stood up, 'go spend some time with Rinoa, your always up here in this office doing work. She needs the attention. Leona and I aren't sure how long we can contain her,' Zell chuckled.
A smile cracked squalls face and he turned around and straightened some papers on his desk.
'Yeah, I guess I should,' he sighed then turned and smiled at us, 'I'll see you guys down in the Caf or something ok? And if you see Rinoa, tell her to meet me in the training center in half an hour.'
Zell and I both nodded.
'Will do, bro,' Zell said then lead me back to the elevator. As we stepped in he leaned over and pressed the first floor button. Silence fell between us. Not that I really minded of course, it wasn't one of those awkward silences but then again, I wonder why I feel so comfortable around Zell.. I mean, I've known him for about a day technically. Ah well, at least e had solved that one problem and we were getting some more time to relax.
'Oh yeah, don't forget you have classes this afternoon,' Zell said as the elevator stopped at the second floor, three young female students crowding into the small elevator.
'Oh shit, I have classes!' I exclaimed and proceeded to bonk my head repeatedly against the glass. Damn it, I had completely forgotten! Ack, I didn't even know my time schedule!
'Ah, I'm so screwed Zell! I didn't even memorize my time schedule!' I whined and sighed, 'I'm going to be running around like some idiot.'
'Naw, your first class is with Quistis and we're meeting her and the gang in the Caf this morning for breakfast,' Zell smiled at me and cuffed my chin, 'don't sweat it kitten, you'll be able to go with Quistis to your first class, then you have one with Selphie, then one with me.'
'I get a class with you today?' I asked excitedly then covered my mouth when the three girls who had stepped into the elevator turned around to stare at me. I blushed and waved as the three girls stepped out of the classroom and headed down the main hall steps. Zell and I waked out too and just as I was turning the corner to head for the Caf he grabbed my arm and yanked me over to the info center.
'Ok, Gardens really quite easy move form class to class, I mean, it is basically one big circle. Ah, anyways, I know that you'll b in the second floor classroom but you don't have to worry about finding your way up there because as I said, Quistis will take ya up there after breakfast. Ok, then you go to Selph's class, which I know, is an outdoor class so you'll probably just meet out in this hall. If you want to know more details just ask Selphie this morning,' Zell smiled and pointed down the opposite way from the cafeteria, 'see that place that has the green sign? That's the training area, that's where my classes take place. Just walk on through that corridor and you'll come across your fellow classmates, you got that all?'
I gulped and nodded.
'Yeah, I think so.. Just let me make some room in my brain so I can store that all,' I said and shut my eyes, jokingly. Zell laughed and slapped my back lightly and lead me towards the Caf.
'What do you mean by 'make some room'?' he asked, still laughing, 'what's taking up all the space in there?'
-You are, Zell, - oh dude, I wanted to say that soooo badly. No, must resist Leona, must-re-sist!
'Uh, just a bunch of video game stuff among other things,' I said then turned into the cafeteria. Zell and I grabbed our trays and stood in line.
'Will I ever get to find out what 'other' things are in there?' Zell asked, wiggling his eyebrows. I laughed and smacked him lightly with my tray.
'What is it you'd like, dear?' the cafeteria lady asked me.
'Um, could I just have a toasted bagel and cream cheese?' I asked. The Caf lady nodded and sliced a bagel in half then popped it into the toaster.
'That'll be two Gil, Hun.'
-OH CRAP!!-
'Uh.. Um, Z-Zell?' I stammered as I looked around helplessly for him. Aw crud he had gone to sit with everyone. I turned back to the lunch lady and blushed.
'Ma'am, I'm so sorry but I don't have any money,' I said quietly.
'Not even two Gil? Oh wait, you must be that alien girl,' she said, flashing me a grin. I bowed my head and let out a long string of quiet curses at me being labeled 'alien girl.'
'Naw, you don't have to worry about it, Hun! Commander Squall and headmaster Cid said its ok that you get your food for free until you go on some missions,' she said then handed me the now toasted bagel and cream cheese, 'have a nice day, Hun.'
'T-thank you,' I stammered and smiled then turned around and looked around the Caf for Zell and the others. I wasn't watching where I was going when I walked right into someone with a loud BUMP and as I was knocked back my tray was sent flying up into the air. I looked up sheepishly from the floor to see someone in a SeeD uniform staring at me angrily, a half of my bagel stuck to his hair. I laughed nervously and stood up, dusting myself off.
'I-I'm so sorry, really, I wasn't watching where I was going,' I stammered then reached up to pull the bagel off his head when he swatted my hand away.
'Don't touch me you freak, your that alien girl aren't you? Heh, you shouldn't even be allowed in Garden, your probably a threat to us all,' he sneered then pushed me back down on the floor as he continued on his way. I groaned as my butt once again was connecting painfully with the solid ground. Damn it! that was the second time today!
'Leona, you ok?'
I looked up to see Selphie and Irvine in front of me, Selphie leaning down to help me up.
'Yeah I'm ok Selphie, but damn it, who was that asshole?' I asked, really irritated by how pompous that guy was. Ack! He was worse than Seifer... Damn, never thought it was possible!
'Ah, don't worry about him, he's just a really stuck up SeeD member, Zell's had a couple run en's with him,' Selphie explained as she, Irvine and I walked over to the table. I sat down and realised no one was there except the three of us.
'Um, where's Zell?' I asked. Selphie looked around while Irvine just shrugged his shoulders.
'Ah, the guys probably just gone to kick that dudes ass, personally, I don't blame him, he sure did treat you pretty shitty,' Irvine said then reached over and pulled Selphie into his lap. I rubbed my forehead and sighed.
'Yeah well, it was an accident and I DID apologize,' I sighed then rested my head on my arms, 'he didn't have to be so mean.'
'Ah, you get used to people like that, Leona. There's only a couple of them here at Garden but don't stress it, they're not worth your time,' Irvine said and nuzzled his nose into Selphie's neck. I fidgeted uncomfortably in my seat, seriously feeling like a third wheel. Where the hell was Zell? Oh yeah, Irvine said he went after that one guy... Bah, I'm hungry; I lost my bagel.
'Bah, well, better go get another bagel,' I said as I rubbed my hungry tummy.
'Nah, don't worry about it kitten, I got ya covered.'
I turned around and smiled to see Zell behind my chair, holding the mean SeeD's hands behind his back.
'Now, APOLOGISE!' Zell growled at the SeeD member.
'All right, all right, I'm sorry. Here, here's your two Gil so you can go buy a new one,' he said then tossed me two small coins. I looked at them thoughtfully and smiled.
'Thanks Zell,' I said then planted a kiss on his cheek as I walked back to the line. I tried to buy myself another Bagel but the Caf lady wouldn't hear of it so I got another one for free. Bah, I REEEALLY was starting to feel bad. I seriously felt like I was taking advantage of these peoples kindness. Hm, I knew it wasn't my fault I had been sucked here but still... feeling slightly bad here....
'Space cadet! Watch it!'
I groaned inwardly and shook my fist slowly at Seifer.
'Sha up, Seifer, I'm not in the mood,' I growled as I sat back down at the table. Zell was back now too and I felt his foot hook behind my calf. Hehe, it was a small gesture but it warmed my heart. Seifer sat don beside me and tried to copy my facial expression, bah, did I really look that bad? No of course not, Seifer was purposely doing that JUST TO PISS ME OFF!
'Why are you bugging me? I didn't do anything,' I whined, seriously not in the mood to think of any witty comebacks. Seifer leaned back and laughed, lightly patting my shoulder.
'Calm your horses, SC, I know you're nervous about your first classes this morning.'
I stabbed my bagel savagely.
'You have NO idea,' I muttered darkly and continued to stab my bagel. Come to think of it, I really wasn't all that hungry.. the whole idea of being in this new place, possibly meeting more assholes like the one that I had dumped my bagel on, bah, it seriously scared me. I was like a black sheep here and everyone knew that was EXACTLY what I was. Ugh, it was bugging me something fierce.
'Anyways, Leona you better eat that on the way up to class because I'm taking you,' Seifer said. I looked down at the chunks that used to be my bagel and popped one into my mouth.
'Where's Quistis?' I asked.
Seifer took a bite of his apple and stood up.
'She's in the classroom preparing for her classes today, come on, let's move,' he said then started to walk towards the Caf door. I quickly stuffed the remaining chunks of bagel in my mouth and swallowed.
'Ok, hold on Seifer!' I called and snatched my bag off the back off the back of my chair and hurriedly kissed Zell on the cheek, 'thank Selphie and Irvine for what they did last night for me ok? And don't forget to go see your Ma!' I instructed. After Zell nodded I ran out of the Caf and after Seifer. Alright Leona, its your first day as a SeeD cadet and how do you feel?
'Baaaah,' I groaned agonizingly and ran after Seifer.
A/N: HIYAS!! Sorry for the chapters taking a while to get up, just also busy with another fic, lol, I was silly and started both these fics practically at the same time! Ah well, I love writing them both! Anyhoo, I made this chapter super long for you guys, I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can!! Thank you to everyone who has RXR you guys are the greatest!
For those of you who are reading this and haven't reviewed, if you will look down at the bottom left hand corner there's a pretty little button that says 'submit review' please click on it and tell me what you think of my fic so far! Thank you!
-Dinchtbaby
I woke up pretty early this morning, remembering that Zell and I were to go see Squall. I still didn't understand what was wrong with Zell and I dating, I mean, it wasn't like I was some festering creature that was going to eat him the first chance I got.
'Leona, your imagination is too wild,' I muttered to myself as I groggily stumbled into the tiny bathroom and started to brush my teeth. I had been here apparently over three weeks but yesterday was the first day I had actually been awake. Heh, kinda amazing that I snagged myself a cutie so quickly. I wonder what it was about me that Zell liked so much.
'Leona Chaplin and Zell Dincht to the Commanders Office.'
I groaned and slowly walked back out of the bathroom after I heard the announcement.
'I repeat, Leona Chaplin and Zell Dincht to the Commanders Office.'
'All right! All right! I heard ya the first time!' I yelled grouchily at the tiny speaker that was tucked up in the farthest corner of my dorm, not even caring that it couldn't hear me. I ran both my hands down my face and looked at my reflection in the mirror before me.
'You're quite the sight, I'll tell you what,' I said to myself as I ran a hand through my tussled, curly hair as my other hand played around with my frog printed pajamas, 'it's a good thing Zell doesn't see you so early in the morning or he'd recoil like he'd seen some hideous creature.' Man, I could really be over critical to myself sometimes, ah well. I walked over to the small dresser (yes, I lived in one of the tinier dorms and thus, most things were compact) and pulled out a black skirt a red halter- top. Just as I was kicking off my frog pajamas I heard a knock at my door.
'Leona?'
'Yeah, give me a second Zell!' I said as I struggled to pull on the black skirt, 'damn it, why wont you fit?!' I yelled angrily then realized I hadn't unzipped the zipper. I chuckled sheepishly to myself and slowly unzipped the skirt; maybe Seifer was right when he said I was a space cadet.
'Leona, we have to go, Squall's gonna get impatient,' Zell said, his voice slightly muted by the door.
'Hold on Zell, one more second!' I called as I rushed back into the bathroom and sprayed on some perfume then kicked my pajamas under the bed. I grabbed my new backpack form the beside my bed and walked over to the door, 'alright Zell, you can come in.'
'Finally, you know I never got you girls, always taking forever to...' Zell trailed off as his eyes fell on me and then slowly drank me in. I blushed and took a step towards him.
'Zell, you ready to go?' I asked. Zell suddenly snapped his head back then nodded.
'Yeah, yeah! Sorry I ah,' he put a hand to the back of his head and chuckled nervously, 'just thinkin' how pretty you look in that skirt.'
I ran a hand through my short curly hair and laughed.
'Yeah well, this skirt is a big pain in the ass, consider yourself lucky that I decided to not shred it to pieces this morning,' I growled playfully.
'Aw, did the big bad dress give little miss princess a hard time this morning?' Zell teased, mock pouting at me. I cocked an eyebrow and glared at him, crossing my arms.
'If you must know, then yes, it was!' I said and stuck m tongue out at him, 'but you wouldn't understand because guys don't have to wear skirts.'
'Yeah well, what can I say, we're the gifted sex,' he said, chuckling.
'Your pushing it,' I warned jokingly and gave his arm a nudge, 'why you being so mean to me this morning?'
'Tch, I'm not being mean Leona, just teasin ya,' he said as the two of us walked out of the dormitory area and out into the main foyer, 'I like teasin ya, you look so cute when you get angry.'
'Uh hehehe, nooo I don't actually Zell,' I said then poked him in the ribcage, 'in fact, I've been told I look VERY scary when I'm mad.'
'I don't believe it, your too much of a kitten,' he said teasingly.
'Zell!' I cried and jumped up onto his back, my small fists pounding on his hard shoulders.
'Wow, that massage feels good kitten, can you do it just a little over to the right, ah yeah, that's the spot,' Zell said, letting out a playful groan. I brought down my fist hard and I heard Zell yet out a slight yelp before I climbed off his back.
'Still feel like a massage?' I laughed. Zell shrugged and let out a grunt. I grinned and put a hand to my ear, 'oh? What was that? Say it again Zell, I didn't hear you the first time,' I nagged teasingly but then was suddenly lifted off my feet and swung over onto Zell's shoulders.
'Zell Dincht! Put me down this instant!' I cried, my fists once again pounding on his back.
'Nope, you Leona, me Zell, you become wife to me. You bear me many children,' he said like some cave man as he carried me past the infirmary and towards the stairs in front of the info station.
'Zell, you sound like a fruit cake when you talk like that!' I said then pummeled his shoulder one last time 'now let me down or I'll bite you!' Zell laughed and carried me up the stairs but of course, me being the idiot I am I just HAD to bite him then. Zell let out a loud yelp that got some students attention and the next thing I knew Zell and I were toppling backwards and after three loud CLUNKS we were sprawled out before the info center and many curious students.
'Damn Leona, did you have to bite so hard?' Zell whined, rubbing at his shoulder. I stood up, wincing slightly from the pain down by my tailbone.
'Yeah well, if you hadn't of gone all cave man-ish on me this wouldn't have happened,' I griped, still rubbing my behind. I leaned down and held out my hand for Zell to take then helped him get back up. We turned and smiled at the students around us, albeit sheepishly.
'Well, I think we should go see the commander now, no?' I said. Zell nodded and took my hand and the two of us climbed back up the stairs (very cautiously I might add) and stepped into the elevator. Once Zell had pushed the right floor button I leaned up against the cool glass, watching him.
'What? Is there something on my face?' he asked, scratching his head bemusedly.
I rolled my eyes and laughed good-heartedly.
'Nothing except that tattoo of yours,' I said, walking up beside him so I could gently trace the spidery lines of the tattoo. Zell blushed very darkly as I did this then suddenly pulled away.
'What's wrong?' I asked.
'Its nothing really Leona, I'm just not used to anyone except my Ma doing that to me,' he said. I nodded and reached to take his hand, his finger entwining with mine, 'I haven't had many girlfriends, just Meg and Quistis and they didn't last very long,' Zell said, albeit sadly. I was about to ask him who Meg was and why they broke up when the delightful 'Ping' of the elevator interrupted me.
'We'll talk about this later, ok?' I said, squeezing his hand. Zell nodded and the two of us walked into squalls office, the large double doors opening on their own for us. Heh, I guess everything was automatic here.
'Um, Squall, you wanted to see Leona and I?' Zell said as he nervously approached the large wooden desk.
'Ah yeah, sorry guys, just give me a second to finish up these papers,' he said, looking up from the documents only for a quick second. Zell and I nodded and went and sat on the small loveseat that was across from the room. Hm, well squall seemed to be in a better mood.
'I think he and Rinoa got in a fight last night,' Zell guessed, shrugging his shoulders slightly. I smiled and leaned my head on his shoulder.
'Yeah, I've noticed the change in his attitude. Does he usually get mood swings like this?' I asked.
Zell nodded his head and fiddled with the metal knuckles on his gloves.
'Yeah, ever since he and Rinoa got together, I mean, don't get me wrong, they're a great pair but I think Squalls still trying to learn the ropes so to speak,' Zell explained then slowly (albeit nervously) outstretched his arm and placed it over my shoulder. I let out a small 'ouch' when the metal knuckle hit my ear by accident but I figured Zell didn't have much experience with this kind of stuff. Bah, ~I~ wasn't very experienced with this sort of stuff. The last boyfriend I had was rude, inconsiderate, stuck up, miserable, the list was endless.
'Leona? Something wrong?' Zell asked, his face still slightly flushed. Aw man, he was just too cute and I mean, he was what? Nineteen? Twenty? And look how sweet he was, he almost had a childlike innocence to him.
'Naw, I'm okies Zell,' I said then snuggled against him. I felt Zell gulp and then let out a breath of air; yes, he definitely wasn't used to the cuddle factor.
'All right, sorry to have kept you waiting guys,' Squall said as he stood up from his desk. Zell and I stood up as well but Squall held up a hand, 'no please, take a seat.'
'Ok man, but what's up? Your acting like, weird,' Zell said, eyeing Squall curiously.
'I'm sorry for my attitude last night,' squall said then smirked at us, 'as you guessed Rinoa and I had a little bit of a fight but we're ok now. Anyway, about you two being together.. personally, I don't think it's a very good idea.'
I felt my jaw drop, seriously feeling the blow for that comment. Squall flashed me a warm smile, an encouraging smile.
'Leona, its got nothing to do with you or your personality, what I meant was, well..'
'Well, spit - it - OUT man,' Zell cried, getting impatient.
'Look, Leona doesn't originally come from this world so if she were to leave.. Especially sometime soon,' Squall started, not even bothering to finish because he knew both Zell and I understood what he was saying.
'Its not that I don't want you to together, I just don't think it's a good idea, I mean, you guys could be emotionally hurt,' Squall said, concern radiating from his eyes.
'Naw, no way, I'm not giving up on Leona, I don't care if she gets taken away from me in the next week, hell the next day, if that's what's suppose'ta happen then I want to make the best of the time I have with her,' Zell said, anger permeating through his voice as he slowly rose from his seat, 'I don't care what you think, Squall, I don't care!'
'Zell, calm down, listen to Squall ok,' I said, placing a hand on Zell's arm, trying to calm him down. Zell sat back down again, the couch groaning in protest from the pressure.
'Zell, you're my best friend, your like a brother, you know I wouldn't say anything like this if I didn't mean it and wasn't worried,' Squall said, extending his hands out so his palms faced the ceiling, 'I'm sorry but there's nothing we can do.'
'Wait, squall there has to be a reason I was sent here, though,' I said, entwining my hand with Zell's, 'I know at the moment it seems like I'm just sort of wafting around here, maybe somewhere in he near future something's going to happen.'
Squall sighed deeply and ran a hand through his smooth, chocolate coloured hair. I had to admit, Squall WAS pretty good looking but his hair was definitely my favorite feature to him. Wait a minute, why the hell am I thinking about this now? Snap out of it, Leona!
'Leona? Stop spacin' out on us will ya,' Zell teased. I glared at him warningly and turned back to Squall.
'Look, I just don't want to think I've been sent here to be a burden to you because at the moment, that's how I'm feeling. The first person who came here, the one who created the games back in my world, he came as a GF so he had a purpose,' I rested my chin on my fingers, 'if he had a purpose to be here, then ~I~ must have a purpose to be here.'
'Maybe so, but everything's been fine as of late, yes we still have monsters and other creatures that we must deal with but no wars between anything,' squall said, shaking his head slowly, 'I just don't get it, is some unknown enemy about to appear just because of your presence?'
'I hope it's not because of me, that would just make me feel not only like a burden but also a bringer of pain and suffering,' I muttered, hiding my face in my hands now. I felt Zell pull me closer and I welcomed his embrace.
'Look, Squall we obviously cant figure this out yet. I say once we see signs of hostility anywhere unusual we can start worrying but 'till then, why not let us all kick back and relax,' Zell said, smiling as he and I both stood up, 'go spend some time with Rinoa, your always up here in this office doing work. She needs the attention. Leona and I aren't sure how long we can contain her,' Zell chuckled.
A smile cracked squalls face and he turned around and straightened some papers on his desk.
'Yeah, I guess I should,' he sighed then turned and smiled at us, 'I'll see you guys down in the Caf or something ok? And if you see Rinoa, tell her to meet me in the training center in half an hour.'
Zell and I both nodded.
'Will do, bro,' Zell said then lead me back to the elevator. As we stepped in he leaned over and pressed the first floor button. Silence fell between us. Not that I really minded of course, it wasn't one of those awkward silences but then again, I wonder why I feel so comfortable around Zell.. I mean, I've known him for about a day technically. Ah well, at least e had solved that one problem and we were getting some more time to relax.
'Oh yeah, don't forget you have classes this afternoon,' Zell said as the elevator stopped at the second floor, three young female students crowding into the small elevator.
'Oh shit, I have classes!' I exclaimed and proceeded to bonk my head repeatedly against the glass. Damn it, I had completely forgotten! Ack, I didn't even know my time schedule!
'Ah, I'm so screwed Zell! I didn't even memorize my time schedule!' I whined and sighed, 'I'm going to be running around like some idiot.'
'Naw, your first class is with Quistis and we're meeting her and the gang in the Caf this morning for breakfast,' Zell smiled at me and cuffed my chin, 'don't sweat it kitten, you'll be able to go with Quistis to your first class, then you have one with Selphie, then one with me.'
'I get a class with you today?' I asked excitedly then covered my mouth when the three girls who had stepped into the elevator turned around to stare at me. I blushed and waved as the three girls stepped out of the classroom and headed down the main hall steps. Zell and I waked out too and just as I was turning the corner to head for the Caf he grabbed my arm and yanked me over to the info center.
'Ok, Gardens really quite easy move form class to class, I mean, it is basically one big circle. Ah, anyways, I know that you'll b in the second floor classroom but you don't have to worry about finding your way up there because as I said, Quistis will take ya up there after breakfast. Ok, then you go to Selph's class, which I know, is an outdoor class so you'll probably just meet out in this hall. If you want to know more details just ask Selphie this morning,' Zell smiled and pointed down the opposite way from the cafeteria, 'see that place that has the green sign? That's the training area, that's where my classes take place. Just walk on through that corridor and you'll come across your fellow classmates, you got that all?'
I gulped and nodded.
'Yeah, I think so.. Just let me make some room in my brain so I can store that all,' I said and shut my eyes, jokingly. Zell laughed and slapped my back lightly and lead me towards the Caf.
'What do you mean by 'make some room'?' he asked, still laughing, 'what's taking up all the space in there?'
-You are, Zell, - oh dude, I wanted to say that soooo badly. No, must resist Leona, must-re-sist!
'Uh, just a bunch of video game stuff among other things,' I said then turned into the cafeteria. Zell and I grabbed our trays and stood in line.
'Will I ever get to find out what 'other' things are in there?' Zell asked, wiggling his eyebrows. I laughed and smacked him lightly with my tray.
'What is it you'd like, dear?' the cafeteria lady asked me.
'Um, could I just have a toasted bagel and cream cheese?' I asked. The Caf lady nodded and sliced a bagel in half then popped it into the toaster.
'That'll be two Gil, Hun.'
-OH CRAP!!-
'Uh.. Um, Z-Zell?' I stammered as I looked around helplessly for him. Aw crud he had gone to sit with everyone. I turned back to the lunch lady and blushed.
'Ma'am, I'm so sorry but I don't have any money,' I said quietly.
'Not even two Gil? Oh wait, you must be that alien girl,' she said, flashing me a grin. I bowed my head and let out a long string of quiet curses at me being labeled 'alien girl.'
'Naw, you don't have to worry about it, Hun! Commander Squall and headmaster Cid said its ok that you get your food for free until you go on some missions,' she said then handed me the now toasted bagel and cream cheese, 'have a nice day, Hun.'
'T-thank you,' I stammered and smiled then turned around and looked around the Caf for Zell and the others. I wasn't watching where I was going when I walked right into someone with a loud BUMP and as I was knocked back my tray was sent flying up into the air. I looked up sheepishly from the floor to see someone in a SeeD uniform staring at me angrily, a half of my bagel stuck to his hair. I laughed nervously and stood up, dusting myself off.
'I-I'm so sorry, really, I wasn't watching where I was going,' I stammered then reached up to pull the bagel off his head when he swatted my hand away.
'Don't touch me you freak, your that alien girl aren't you? Heh, you shouldn't even be allowed in Garden, your probably a threat to us all,' he sneered then pushed me back down on the floor as he continued on his way. I groaned as my butt once again was connecting painfully with the solid ground. Damn it! that was the second time today!
'Leona, you ok?'
I looked up to see Selphie and Irvine in front of me, Selphie leaning down to help me up.
'Yeah I'm ok Selphie, but damn it, who was that asshole?' I asked, really irritated by how pompous that guy was. Ack! He was worse than Seifer... Damn, never thought it was possible!
'Ah, don't worry about him, he's just a really stuck up SeeD member, Zell's had a couple run en's with him,' Selphie explained as she, Irvine and I walked over to the table. I sat down and realised no one was there except the three of us.
'Um, where's Zell?' I asked. Selphie looked around while Irvine just shrugged his shoulders.
'Ah, the guys probably just gone to kick that dudes ass, personally, I don't blame him, he sure did treat you pretty shitty,' Irvine said then reached over and pulled Selphie into his lap. I rubbed my forehead and sighed.
'Yeah well, it was an accident and I DID apologize,' I sighed then rested my head on my arms, 'he didn't have to be so mean.'
'Ah, you get used to people like that, Leona. There's only a couple of them here at Garden but don't stress it, they're not worth your time,' Irvine said and nuzzled his nose into Selphie's neck. I fidgeted uncomfortably in my seat, seriously feeling like a third wheel. Where the hell was Zell? Oh yeah, Irvine said he went after that one guy... Bah, I'm hungry; I lost my bagel.
'Bah, well, better go get another bagel,' I said as I rubbed my hungry tummy.
'Nah, don't worry about it kitten, I got ya covered.'
I turned around and smiled to see Zell behind my chair, holding the mean SeeD's hands behind his back.
'Now, APOLOGISE!' Zell growled at the SeeD member.
'All right, all right, I'm sorry. Here, here's your two Gil so you can go buy a new one,' he said then tossed me two small coins. I looked at them thoughtfully and smiled.
'Thanks Zell,' I said then planted a kiss on his cheek as I walked back to the line. I tried to buy myself another Bagel but the Caf lady wouldn't hear of it so I got another one for free. Bah, I REEEALLY was starting to feel bad. I seriously felt like I was taking advantage of these peoples kindness. Hm, I knew it wasn't my fault I had been sucked here but still... feeling slightly bad here....
'Space cadet! Watch it!'
I groaned inwardly and shook my fist slowly at Seifer.
'Sha up, Seifer, I'm not in the mood,' I growled as I sat back down at the table. Zell was back now too and I felt his foot hook behind my calf. Hehe, it was a small gesture but it warmed my heart. Seifer sat don beside me and tried to copy my facial expression, bah, did I really look that bad? No of course not, Seifer was purposely doing that JUST TO PISS ME OFF!
'Why are you bugging me? I didn't do anything,' I whined, seriously not in the mood to think of any witty comebacks. Seifer leaned back and laughed, lightly patting my shoulder.
'Calm your horses, SC, I know you're nervous about your first classes this morning.'
I stabbed my bagel savagely.
'You have NO idea,' I muttered darkly and continued to stab my bagel. Come to think of it, I really wasn't all that hungry.. the whole idea of being in this new place, possibly meeting more assholes like the one that I had dumped my bagel on, bah, it seriously scared me. I was like a black sheep here and everyone knew that was EXACTLY what I was. Ugh, it was bugging me something fierce.
'Anyways, Leona you better eat that on the way up to class because I'm taking you,' Seifer said. I looked down at the chunks that used to be my bagel and popped one into my mouth.
'Where's Quistis?' I asked.
Seifer took a bite of his apple and stood up.
'She's in the classroom preparing for her classes today, come on, let's move,' he said then started to walk towards the Caf door. I quickly stuffed the remaining chunks of bagel in my mouth and swallowed.
'Ok, hold on Seifer!' I called and snatched my bag off the back off the back of my chair and hurriedly kissed Zell on the cheek, 'thank Selphie and Irvine for what they did last night for me ok? And don't forget to go see your Ma!' I instructed. After Zell nodded I ran out of the Caf and after Seifer. Alright Leona, its your first day as a SeeD cadet and how do you feel?
'Baaaah,' I groaned agonizingly and ran after Seifer.
A/N: HIYAS!! Sorry for the chapters taking a while to get up, just also busy with another fic, lol, I was silly and started both these fics practically at the same time! Ah well, I love writing them both! Anyhoo, I made this chapter super long for you guys, I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can!! Thank you to everyone who has RXR you guys are the greatest!
For those of you who are reading this and haven't reviewed, if you will look down at the bottom left hand corner there's a pretty little button that says 'submit review' please click on it and tell me what you think of my fic so far! Thank you!
-Dinchtbaby