A/N: hi everyone! I'd like to thank everyone for your reviews! They
mean a lot o me! =)
DISCLAIMER: you know the drill; I own nothing except Leona and the story idea. Everything else belongs to Squaresoft. Now, on with the fic!
*
'Alright! I've used sleep on it Leona! Now run forward and punch it as hard as you can in the knee joint!'
I just barely heard Zell's flustered order as I ran at the T-Rexaur that was currently under a sleep spell. I didn't even think about the fear and anxiety that was currently grasping my heart, all I focused on was my fist connecting with its hard scaly flesh. I let out a triumphant yell as the T-Rexaur's hind leg gave in a bit. I turned around and waved happily at Zell but he wasn't looking at me, his frightened gaze was behind me.
~Oh shit...~
'LEONA!! LOOK OUT!!!'
Time seemed to stand still as I turned around just as the T-Rexaur shook its massive head and charged at me, its tail swinging. I screamed and instinctively brought my arms up to my face, anticipating tremendous pain. Suddenly I was roughly pushed out of the way though, all I saw was a blue of black and blur and then I was rolling onto the ground. I groaned and uncurled myself and look up just as the T-Rexaur's tail smacked into Zell's side.
'Zell!!' I screamed, stumbling back to my feet. I tried to run over to Zell but someone hooked they're arms around my waist, pulling me back.
'Squall and Seifer will handle it, stay here.'
I turned my head and looked up to see Irvine holding me.
'B-but Zell,' I stuttered.
'He'll be fine. He's been hit like that before. Just stay back and let Squall and Seifer take care of it,' Irvine said gravely then looked down at me, 'can I let go of you or will you run off?'
'No, I'll stay here, just let me go,' I said quietly. Irvine nodded and removed his arms from my waist. I stumbled forward and watched as Seifer threw Zell over his shoulder while Squall finished off the T-Rexaur. Finally it collapsed to the ground and did not rise again. Squall ran a hand through his hair as Seifer gently placed Zell back on the ground. I walked over, my ears catching they're conversation.
'He's knocked out, I need a phoenix down,' Seifer muttered then growled, aggravated, 'dumb shit, what the hell was he thinking?'
'I don't know but we'll talk about it to him once he wakes up,' Squall said then tossed something over Zell's body, a beautiful red aura surrounding Zell. I put a hand to my mouth, both shocked and happy as Zell unsteadily sat up. I ran over, practically knocking Seifer out of the way as I knelt by him.
'Zell you ok?' I ask softly. Zell didn't even seem to hear me, his gaze was glazed over and he was wobbling slightly. I reached over and gently rubbed the side of his face but before I could do anything else strong hands grasped my arms and moved me out of the way.
'Stay over there, we still have to give him a couple more healing spells,' squall explained softly. I nodded and stood back over by the rest of Zell's class; they all looked pretty worried. Squall and Seifer must have given him up something good because the next thing I knew Zell was standing back up. My face brightened and I ran over to him, wrapping my arms around his waste.
'Yes! Your ok!' I said happily, 'thanks for saving me there!' Zell pealed me off of him and smiled sheepishly.
'Yeah I am and it was nothing kitten,' he said, blushing. I knew he was embarrassed not only about what happened but also that I had hugged him in front of his entire class. Squall stepped forward after he had spoken with Zell's students. I couldn't read his facial expression that clearly; it looked like he was angry but also disappointed.
'I've told your class they are free for the rest of the afternoon,' Squall said grimly, 'how could you have been so foolish Zell? She's only been here for a couple of days!'
'We didn't expect the T-Rexaur to attack,' Zell protested, his face flushing, 'its not like I went 'come here T-Rexaur nice, grade A slabs of meat here for ya! Tch, give me some fucking credit Squall.'
Squall suddenly exploded and picked up Zell by the collar of his shirt.
'I wont give you some 'fucking credit'! Leona could have been killed! YOU could have been killed!' he yelled. I stepped back a bit and bumped into Seifer who then gently put a hand on my shoulder.
'Squall, calm down, it's not like chicken-wuss hasn't fought one before,' Seifer said dryly then walked over and put a hand on Squall's arm, 'put Zell down. Yes, Leona could have been seriously hurt or even killed but these are the risks everyone who aspires to become a SeeD must face. Man, I though you'd know that by now Squall.'
Squall slowly let Zell back down then shook his head.
'But she's not aspiring to be a SeeD, if she were to be killed what would happen? She'd never go back to her home, her family would be left in the dark and we'd be held responsible,' squall turned around and smiled at me, 'I don't know about you guys but that guilt isn't something I would want to carry around with my whole life.'
'Squall,' I began, gently putting a hand on his arm, 'look, I know I'm from another world but.. I want to learn to battle like you guys do, I mean, I understand the dangers and I am willing to take the risks.'
'That's great that you are up for things like this but,' squall sighed and turned to Zell, 'what would you have done if she had been killed?'
Zell's face fell, his eyes turning very sad.
'I don't know, it would seriously suck...' he said softly.
'Exactly, that's why we have to be careful,' squall said, nodding.
I groaned and clenched my fists angrily. I had had enough; I hated this! I wasn't some porcelain doll for them to keep up on some shelf, sheltered from everything.
'Squall, you cant protect me like this! I'm not made of glass; if I can be of any use then work me to the bone for all I care! I hate feeling useless like this and if I an learn the skills you guys have then I'm totally up for it!' I yelled, my arms waving frantically. I sighed and smiled at the guys, 'come on; give me a chance ok? For all we know I was MEANT to learn these skills and help you fight in a battle that we don't even know about yet.'
'She's got a point, Squall,' Irvine said, stepping up to stand beside Zell. Seifer nodded as well and dude, did he just flash me an approving smile? No, no I must be seeing things...
'All right, but as you saw today, training can be just as dangerous as the real thing. Now, you'll have to get acquainted with all the special magical items we use and spells...not to mention a GF.'
'Whoa, squall, I thought you said she wasn't gonna use one, man!' Zell said, stepping forward to stand by me, 'you said you didn't wan her to lose any of her memories.'
'Well, then its up to you to decide Leona, are you willing to sacrifice those to attain a GF?' squall asked. I bit my bottom lip nervously, talk about a tough question to ask. Could I really sacrifice my memories for power? Sounded almost sadistic.
'I-is there another way?' I asked, my voice trembling, 'like is there another way for me to have one junctioned but it not feed on my memories?'
'I'm afraid not chicky-poo,' Seifer said then grinned, 'either ya get the GF and have your memories slowly dissipate or fight without one and be attacked because you're the weakest.'
'Seifer,' squall hissed, 'look, I'll give you some time to think about it ok? Whenever you make your decision don't hesitate to tell me ok? We want what's best for you but also what your most comfortable with.'
I nodded mutely and grasped Zell's hand.
'All right well I better head back up to my office, Nida said he had something he wanted to talk to me about. I'll see you all later and don't forget to think about what you want to do, Leona,' Squall said then waved and left the training center.
'Hehe, man squall went kinda nuts on you there huh Zell?' Irvine drawled.
'Tch,' Zell grunted and squeezed my hand, 'you wanna get out of here?'
I laughed and squeezed his hand back.
'Yeah sure, just lets take the safest route out.'
'The doors right over there babe, nothings gonna attack you,' Irvine explained as he pulled out what looked like a silver shotgun and began wiping it down with a cloth.
'Yeah well, Zell said something like that and the next thing I knew that dino maniac was on our asses,' I said. Seifer and Irvine both laughed while Zell only blushed and gripped my hand a little harder.
'Come on kitten, don't team up with them, that's not fair,' he griped, his shoulders slumping.
'Sorry Zell,' I began then started to walk towards the door.
'Where ya going?!'
'Some place to think! I'll see you in the Caf later on tonight, Zell!' I called back and left the training center. I headed up towards the dormitories, stopping in front of mine and unlocked my door. Man, I had this awesome chance to experience having a GF junctioned to me.. but the price I had to pay was my memories. I sighed and locked the door behind me then ran and jumped onto my bed. I turned my head and looked out the window; mountains, forests and grassy fields as far as the eye could see. God, this place was seriously beautiful..
'Even if you could go back, would you?' I muttered to myself. I shook my head and stared up at the wonderfully painted ceiling, spidery designs filling the corners. I couldn't even answer that question, which was what scared me. Did I seriously want to stay here the rest of my life? And if so, would I be able to? I sighed and sat back up, hugging my knees to my chest.
'Sure, I could stay here, but then all the more reason I'd want to keep my memories,' I said softly. I guess thinking about this alone was a bad idea; I needed to talk to someone. I could just go talk to Zell or one of the others but-
'Ugh!' I groaned, laying back down, 'I miss my friends!' I really did, I missed how they were always there for me, how they always understood, how they made me laugh so hard I would cry, how I could always count on them to do something for me. Would I ever make friends like them here? Maybe... sure Zell and the others were great people but I'd only been here for nearly a week, surely with time maybe we'd become closer but right now I still felt a little awkward.
I rubbed my forehead, another heavy sigh escaping my lips. Had I been a little too quick with getting together with Zell and I? Squall had raised a very good point.. What if I ever was sent back to my world.. Would I really be able to handle the emotional pain? No, I wouldn't.. damn it, Leona! Are you having second thoughts about being with Zell Dincht? Give over, you've had cruddy boyfriends one after another and now this great guy appears -ok so he is really just some video game character in your world but that's beside the point- and you want to pass up the chance of being with him? Not only that, he's super nice and seems to like you too!
Ok, so I have the whole Zell problem figured out, yes I will continue to be with Zell, even if the chance I may be sucked back into my world is there. Besides, I'd like to take that chance and see just how long Zell and I can stay together -depending on how long I am here of course- and with time I'll know if he is the right guy. Now though, my conscious must tackle must larger problems, like the one about me using a GF. So I have concluded that I would like staying here and I would like to stay together with Zell... But then that makes me even more protective of the memories I have of my home world. Could I really pass up every good laugh I shared with my friends, every funny joke I ever said, every still frame in my mind? What about my family? Sure I'd miss tem just as much as my friends, maybe even more... Would I ever be able to forget the good times I had with them? I don't even think I'd want to forget the bad times.. Gah! All of this was so frustrating.
A guiding force, Leona, a magical creature that has awesome powers and makes you stronger...bah, why did my mind always manage to make me unsure of the decision I had jut made? It always happened and it's really starting to get to me. OK, Leona, Power that could save your life or memories, your choice..
'I must be out of my mind,' I muttered then stood up and left my dorm room, heading off towards the Caf.
*
'Oh, hey Leona!' Selphie called from the bench she was sitting on out in the main Forum. She stood up and jogged over to me, 'heard about what happened with you and Zell. Woo, heard Squall was pretty angry.'
'Yeah, at first he was but then he calmed down,' I said.
'Oh, okies, well do ya wanna come to Caf with me? I was just marking some tests out here,' Selphie said as the two of us walked back to the bench she was sitting. Selphie leaned down and haphazardly put a thick pile of papers back into a binder. I got them all done! Everyone got a nice yellow star because they did great!' she said happily as she put the binder back into her bag and swung it over her shoulder.
'That's good, I'm glad everyone in your class is doing so great,' I said.
'Yeah, I have a pretty good class,' she said and started talking about something else but I wasn't paying attention. I saw Kruger walking out of the Caf and he looked pretty down. or maybe he always looked like that? I dunno, but there was just something about the way he was waking that-
'OHH, LEONA LOOK OUT!'
'Wha?' I turned my head at the sound of Selphie's worried cry when I smacked right into another one of the benches, my hip crushing into the edge with a dull crunch.
'Ouch, damn it,' I hissed, my hand rubbing my now aching hip.
'Ohh nooo, Leona are you ok?' Selphie asked.
I hissed through my clenched teeth and pulled my hand away form my hip, 'yeah, I should be ok, I'll probably just have a delightful bruise.'
'Well if you'd watch where your going, gal!' she cried, hooking her arm with mine, 'do you think you can walk?'
'Yeah, I can, it just aches, I'll be ok,' I assured her. Selphie nodded and the two of us walked into the Caf.
'What do you want for dinner?' she asked, 'its my turn to treat ya.'
I groaned and ran a hand through my short curls.
'Selphie, don't tell me you guys have a schedule as to who pays for me when and where,' I moaned, digging my toe in the ground, 'I mean, its not that I'm ungrateful its just I'm really starting to fee like a burden.' Ok, so maybe the thought of me staying here would be such a good idea, by the end of this week everyone was probably broke because of me!
'Naw, don't worry about it Leewee,' she said, waving the subject away.
I raised an eyebrow at the nickname.
'Leewee?'
Selphie turned around and giggled.
'Don't ask, it just kinda popped up in a conversation Zell and I were having.'
'So you two were talking about me?' I asked eagerly as Selphie and I grabbed our trays and stood in line.
'Yeah, he talks about you a lot, he really likes ya,' she said then smiled and turned around to put in our order, 'Hi Rita! Ok, I'll have the roast beef with mashed potatoes and don't forget to pour the butter on! Oh and what do you want Leona?'
I blushed, still a little uncomfortable from everyone buying me my food.
'Um, I'll have the same, just not a lot of butter on my potatoes please,' I said. Selphie and I moved down the line to where the food was prepared and served.
'Anyhoo, as I was saying, Zell was talking to me about how Squall said at first he wasn't very comfortable with the thought of you two being together,' Selphie said as she stood up on tip toes to see how long the line was, 'man, being short really stinks some times,' I heard her mutter.
'Um, hey Selphie, what did Zell say exactly?' I asked, albeit timidly.
'Just how he didn't care what Squall or anyone else thinks, he told me that he really cares for you, despite the fact you haven't even been here for a week. But he says that the reason that he knows its true, I mean, I've known Zell pretty long and hearing the next thing he said after that totally blew me away.'
'Whatdidhesaywhatdidhesay?!' I practically demanded.
'Whoa, calm down Leewee,' Selphie said then giggled and whispered in my ear, 'he said he's never felt this way before, tee hee, isn't that sweet?'
I felt all the blood in my body rush to my face and I let out a gleeful giggle. WHOO HOO, Zell Dincht feel's for me like he's never felt for any girl before... Whoa, that's a nice feeling.
'And what are you two ladies giggling about? Me I bet.'
I looked over to see Irvine now standing in line with us, his arms circling around Selphie's waist.
'Heh, don't give yourself too much credit cowboy! We were actually talking about Zell,' Selphie said then pecked Irvine on the cheek. Irvine looked like he was about to face fault or something. I stifled a giggle then poked Selphie to tell her that our orders were being served. We grabbed out food and followed Irvine over to a table behind a rather large bushy plant. Selphie, Irvine and I started to eat our dinner, expecting squall, Rinoa and Zell to pop up any minute but they didn't, even after we had finished our meals.
'I wonder where they are,' I wondered aloud.
'Ohhh wait now I remember! Quistis and Seifer had invited Rinoa and Squall to go out for dinner with them tonight,' Selphie said then smacked a hand to her forehead, 'I cant believe I forgot.'
'Well, ok that explains they're whereabouts darlin, but where's Zell?" Irvine asked. Selphie opened her mouth to answer but then shut it and smiled.
'He's right over there.'
I spun in my seat to see Zell holding onto a tray full of hotdogs and other food. He looked so cute looking around, all lost and confused like. He obviously couldn't see us because of the large bush that was in front of us, so I stood up and crept up behind him.
'Boo!' I whispered into his ear. Zell jumped a bit but managed to keep his food balanced on his tray.
'Hyne, Leona don't do that ok?' he asked, then leaned over and planted a kiss on my cheek.
'Ok I wont,' I looked down at his quite massive tray of food, 'what are you doing? Feeding an army?'
Zell laughed and slapped his stomach, 'yup!' he said proudly. I laughed and lead him over to where I had bee sitting with Irvine and Selphie before. Zell sat down an immediately began shoveling food into his mouth, stopping every now and then to take a drink. Selphie leaned over towards me and giggled.
'Ever since the party we had after the defeat of Ultimecia he always makes sure that he has a glass of some drink.'
'Why?' I asked, still staring at the human vacuum.
'Because he was wolfing down some hotdogs and started to choke,' Selphie said then burst out laughing. I laughed too, looking over at Irvine to see a wide grin spreading across his lips.
'Whuh?' Zell said through a mouthful of food, 'whuh 're roo walking aboot.'
'Zell honey, chew then swallow before you speak,' I teased. Zell blushed and swallowed the food that was in his mouth.
'Sorry, just ah, was really hungry,' he explained, albeit sheepishly.
'That's ok Zell...' I said then trailed off, 'um, I thought about having a GF,' I said slowly.
Zell raised his eyebrows; I had also caught Selphie's and Irvine's attention.
'...and?' Zell asked.
'I want to, I want to attain one and be like you guys, I want to become a SeeD.'
A/N: DUH DUH DUHHH! Hi everyone ^_^ sorry for the late update, just been pondering what I should do with this fic and I now have everything sorted out! Sorry for the cliff hangar endings, I know some people don't like them but its how I like to end the chapter ^_^ anyhoo, stay tuned for the next chapter cause that's when things get REALLY interesting!
Thanks for reading and reviewing everyone!
-Dinchtbaby
DISCLAIMER: you know the drill; I own nothing except Leona and the story idea. Everything else belongs to Squaresoft. Now, on with the fic!
*
'Alright! I've used sleep on it Leona! Now run forward and punch it as hard as you can in the knee joint!'
I just barely heard Zell's flustered order as I ran at the T-Rexaur that was currently under a sleep spell. I didn't even think about the fear and anxiety that was currently grasping my heart, all I focused on was my fist connecting with its hard scaly flesh. I let out a triumphant yell as the T-Rexaur's hind leg gave in a bit. I turned around and waved happily at Zell but he wasn't looking at me, his frightened gaze was behind me.
~Oh shit...~
'LEONA!! LOOK OUT!!!'
Time seemed to stand still as I turned around just as the T-Rexaur shook its massive head and charged at me, its tail swinging. I screamed and instinctively brought my arms up to my face, anticipating tremendous pain. Suddenly I was roughly pushed out of the way though, all I saw was a blue of black and blur and then I was rolling onto the ground. I groaned and uncurled myself and look up just as the T-Rexaur's tail smacked into Zell's side.
'Zell!!' I screamed, stumbling back to my feet. I tried to run over to Zell but someone hooked they're arms around my waist, pulling me back.
'Squall and Seifer will handle it, stay here.'
I turned my head and looked up to see Irvine holding me.
'B-but Zell,' I stuttered.
'He'll be fine. He's been hit like that before. Just stay back and let Squall and Seifer take care of it,' Irvine said gravely then looked down at me, 'can I let go of you or will you run off?'
'No, I'll stay here, just let me go,' I said quietly. Irvine nodded and removed his arms from my waist. I stumbled forward and watched as Seifer threw Zell over his shoulder while Squall finished off the T-Rexaur. Finally it collapsed to the ground and did not rise again. Squall ran a hand through his hair as Seifer gently placed Zell back on the ground. I walked over, my ears catching they're conversation.
'He's knocked out, I need a phoenix down,' Seifer muttered then growled, aggravated, 'dumb shit, what the hell was he thinking?'
'I don't know but we'll talk about it to him once he wakes up,' Squall said then tossed something over Zell's body, a beautiful red aura surrounding Zell. I put a hand to my mouth, both shocked and happy as Zell unsteadily sat up. I ran over, practically knocking Seifer out of the way as I knelt by him.
'Zell you ok?' I ask softly. Zell didn't even seem to hear me, his gaze was glazed over and he was wobbling slightly. I reached over and gently rubbed the side of his face but before I could do anything else strong hands grasped my arms and moved me out of the way.
'Stay over there, we still have to give him a couple more healing spells,' squall explained softly. I nodded and stood back over by the rest of Zell's class; they all looked pretty worried. Squall and Seifer must have given him up something good because the next thing I knew Zell was standing back up. My face brightened and I ran over to him, wrapping my arms around his waste.
'Yes! Your ok!' I said happily, 'thanks for saving me there!' Zell pealed me off of him and smiled sheepishly.
'Yeah I am and it was nothing kitten,' he said, blushing. I knew he was embarrassed not only about what happened but also that I had hugged him in front of his entire class. Squall stepped forward after he had spoken with Zell's students. I couldn't read his facial expression that clearly; it looked like he was angry but also disappointed.
'I've told your class they are free for the rest of the afternoon,' Squall said grimly, 'how could you have been so foolish Zell? She's only been here for a couple of days!'
'We didn't expect the T-Rexaur to attack,' Zell protested, his face flushing, 'its not like I went 'come here T-Rexaur nice, grade A slabs of meat here for ya! Tch, give me some fucking credit Squall.'
Squall suddenly exploded and picked up Zell by the collar of his shirt.
'I wont give you some 'fucking credit'! Leona could have been killed! YOU could have been killed!' he yelled. I stepped back a bit and bumped into Seifer who then gently put a hand on my shoulder.
'Squall, calm down, it's not like chicken-wuss hasn't fought one before,' Seifer said dryly then walked over and put a hand on Squall's arm, 'put Zell down. Yes, Leona could have been seriously hurt or even killed but these are the risks everyone who aspires to become a SeeD must face. Man, I though you'd know that by now Squall.'
Squall slowly let Zell back down then shook his head.
'But she's not aspiring to be a SeeD, if she were to be killed what would happen? She'd never go back to her home, her family would be left in the dark and we'd be held responsible,' squall turned around and smiled at me, 'I don't know about you guys but that guilt isn't something I would want to carry around with my whole life.'
'Squall,' I began, gently putting a hand on his arm, 'look, I know I'm from another world but.. I want to learn to battle like you guys do, I mean, I understand the dangers and I am willing to take the risks.'
'That's great that you are up for things like this but,' squall sighed and turned to Zell, 'what would you have done if she had been killed?'
Zell's face fell, his eyes turning very sad.
'I don't know, it would seriously suck...' he said softly.
'Exactly, that's why we have to be careful,' squall said, nodding.
I groaned and clenched my fists angrily. I had had enough; I hated this! I wasn't some porcelain doll for them to keep up on some shelf, sheltered from everything.
'Squall, you cant protect me like this! I'm not made of glass; if I can be of any use then work me to the bone for all I care! I hate feeling useless like this and if I an learn the skills you guys have then I'm totally up for it!' I yelled, my arms waving frantically. I sighed and smiled at the guys, 'come on; give me a chance ok? For all we know I was MEANT to learn these skills and help you fight in a battle that we don't even know about yet.'
'She's got a point, Squall,' Irvine said, stepping up to stand beside Zell. Seifer nodded as well and dude, did he just flash me an approving smile? No, no I must be seeing things...
'All right, but as you saw today, training can be just as dangerous as the real thing. Now, you'll have to get acquainted with all the special magical items we use and spells...not to mention a GF.'
'Whoa, squall, I thought you said she wasn't gonna use one, man!' Zell said, stepping forward to stand by me, 'you said you didn't wan her to lose any of her memories.'
'Well, then its up to you to decide Leona, are you willing to sacrifice those to attain a GF?' squall asked. I bit my bottom lip nervously, talk about a tough question to ask. Could I really sacrifice my memories for power? Sounded almost sadistic.
'I-is there another way?' I asked, my voice trembling, 'like is there another way for me to have one junctioned but it not feed on my memories?'
'I'm afraid not chicky-poo,' Seifer said then grinned, 'either ya get the GF and have your memories slowly dissipate or fight without one and be attacked because you're the weakest.'
'Seifer,' squall hissed, 'look, I'll give you some time to think about it ok? Whenever you make your decision don't hesitate to tell me ok? We want what's best for you but also what your most comfortable with.'
I nodded mutely and grasped Zell's hand.
'All right well I better head back up to my office, Nida said he had something he wanted to talk to me about. I'll see you all later and don't forget to think about what you want to do, Leona,' Squall said then waved and left the training center.
'Hehe, man squall went kinda nuts on you there huh Zell?' Irvine drawled.
'Tch,' Zell grunted and squeezed my hand, 'you wanna get out of here?'
I laughed and squeezed his hand back.
'Yeah sure, just lets take the safest route out.'
'The doors right over there babe, nothings gonna attack you,' Irvine explained as he pulled out what looked like a silver shotgun and began wiping it down with a cloth.
'Yeah well, Zell said something like that and the next thing I knew that dino maniac was on our asses,' I said. Seifer and Irvine both laughed while Zell only blushed and gripped my hand a little harder.
'Come on kitten, don't team up with them, that's not fair,' he griped, his shoulders slumping.
'Sorry Zell,' I began then started to walk towards the door.
'Where ya going?!'
'Some place to think! I'll see you in the Caf later on tonight, Zell!' I called back and left the training center. I headed up towards the dormitories, stopping in front of mine and unlocked my door. Man, I had this awesome chance to experience having a GF junctioned to me.. but the price I had to pay was my memories. I sighed and locked the door behind me then ran and jumped onto my bed. I turned my head and looked out the window; mountains, forests and grassy fields as far as the eye could see. God, this place was seriously beautiful..
'Even if you could go back, would you?' I muttered to myself. I shook my head and stared up at the wonderfully painted ceiling, spidery designs filling the corners. I couldn't even answer that question, which was what scared me. Did I seriously want to stay here the rest of my life? And if so, would I be able to? I sighed and sat back up, hugging my knees to my chest.
'Sure, I could stay here, but then all the more reason I'd want to keep my memories,' I said softly. I guess thinking about this alone was a bad idea; I needed to talk to someone. I could just go talk to Zell or one of the others but-
'Ugh!' I groaned, laying back down, 'I miss my friends!' I really did, I missed how they were always there for me, how they always understood, how they made me laugh so hard I would cry, how I could always count on them to do something for me. Would I ever make friends like them here? Maybe... sure Zell and the others were great people but I'd only been here for nearly a week, surely with time maybe we'd become closer but right now I still felt a little awkward.
I rubbed my forehead, another heavy sigh escaping my lips. Had I been a little too quick with getting together with Zell and I? Squall had raised a very good point.. What if I ever was sent back to my world.. Would I really be able to handle the emotional pain? No, I wouldn't.. damn it, Leona! Are you having second thoughts about being with Zell Dincht? Give over, you've had cruddy boyfriends one after another and now this great guy appears -ok so he is really just some video game character in your world but that's beside the point- and you want to pass up the chance of being with him? Not only that, he's super nice and seems to like you too!
Ok, so I have the whole Zell problem figured out, yes I will continue to be with Zell, even if the chance I may be sucked back into my world is there. Besides, I'd like to take that chance and see just how long Zell and I can stay together -depending on how long I am here of course- and with time I'll know if he is the right guy. Now though, my conscious must tackle must larger problems, like the one about me using a GF. So I have concluded that I would like staying here and I would like to stay together with Zell... But then that makes me even more protective of the memories I have of my home world. Could I really pass up every good laugh I shared with my friends, every funny joke I ever said, every still frame in my mind? What about my family? Sure I'd miss tem just as much as my friends, maybe even more... Would I ever be able to forget the good times I had with them? I don't even think I'd want to forget the bad times.. Gah! All of this was so frustrating.
A guiding force, Leona, a magical creature that has awesome powers and makes you stronger...bah, why did my mind always manage to make me unsure of the decision I had jut made? It always happened and it's really starting to get to me. OK, Leona, Power that could save your life or memories, your choice..
'I must be out of my mind,' I muttered then stood up and left my dorm room, heading off towards the Caf.
*
'Oh, hey Leona!' Selphie called from the bench she was sitting on out in the main Forum. She stood up and jogged over to me, 'heard about what happened with you and Zell. Woo, heard Squall was pretty angry.'
'Yeah, at first he was but then he calmed down,' I said.
'Oh, okies, well do ya wanna come to Caf with me? I was just marking some tests out here,' Selphie said as the two of us walked back to the bench she was sitting. Selphie leaned down and haphazardly put a thick pile of papers back into a binder. I got them all done! Everyone got a nice yellow star because they did great!' she said happily as she put the binder back into her bag and swung it over her shoulder.
'That's good, I'm glad everyone in your class is doing so great,' I said.
'Yeah, I have a pretty good class,' she said and started talking about something else but I wasn't paying attention. I saw Kruger walking out of the Caf and he looked pretty down. or maybe he always looked like that? I dunno, but there was just something about the way he was waking that-
'OHH, LEONA LOOK OUT!'
'Wha?' I turned my head at the sound of Selphie's worried cry when I smacked right into another one of the benches, my hip crushing into the edge with a dull crunch.
'Ouch, damn it,' I hissed, my hand rubbing my now aching hip.
'Ohh nooo, Leona are you ok?' Selphie asked.
I hissed through my clenched teeth and pulled my hand away form my hip, 'yeah, I should be ok, I'll probably just have a delightful bruise.'
'Well if you'd watch where your going, gal!' she cried, hooking her arm with mine, 'do you think you can walk?'
'Yeah, I can, it just aches, I'll be ok,' I assured her. Selphie nodded and the two of us walked into the Caf.
'What do you want for dinner?' she asked, 'its my turn to treat ya.'
I groaned and ran a hand through my short curls.
'Selphie, don't tell me you guys have a schedule as to who pays for me when and where,' I moaned, digging my toe in the ground, 'I mean, its not that I'm ungrateful its just I'm really starting to fee like a burden.' Ok, so maybe the thought of me staying here would be such a good idea, by the end of this week everyone was probably broke because of me!
'Naw, don't worry about it Leewee,' she said, waving the subject away.
I raised an eyebrow at the nickname.
'Leewee?'
Selphie turned around and giggled.
'Don't ask, it just kinda popped up in a conversation Zell and I were having.'
'So you two were talking about me?' I asked eagerly as Selphie and I grabbed our trays and stood in line.
'Yeah, he talks about you a lot, he really likes ya,' she said then smiled and turned around to put in our order, 'Hi Rita! Ok, I'll have the roast beef with mashed potatoes and don't forget to pour the butter on! Oh and what do you want Leona?'
I blushed, still a little uncomfortable from everyone buying me my food.
'Um, I'll have the same, just not a lot of butter on my potatoes please,' I said. Selphie and I moved down the line to where the food was prepared and served.
'Anyhoo, as I was saying, Zell was talking to me about how Squall said at first he wasn't very comfortable with the thought of you two being together,' Selphie said as she stood up on tip toes to see how long the line was, 'man, being short really stinks some times,' I heard her mutter.
'Um, hey Selphie, what did Zell say exactly?' I asked, albeit timidly.
'Just how he didn't care what Squall or anyone else thinks, he told me that he really cares for you, despite the fact you haven't even been here for a week. But he says that the reason that he knows its true, I mean, I've known Zell pretty long and hearing the next thing he said after that totally blew me away.'
'Whatdidhesaywhatdidhesay?!' I practically demanded.
'Whoa, calm down Leewee,' Selphie said then giggled and whispered in my ear, 'he said he's never felt this way before, tee hee, isn't that sweet?'
I felt all the blood in my body rush to my face and I let out a gleeful giggle. WHOO HOO, Zell Dincht feel's for me like he's never felt for any girl before... Whoa, that's a nice feeling.
'And what are you two ladies giggling about? Me I bet.'
I looked over to see Irvine now standing in line with us, his arms circling around Selphie's waist.
'Heh, don't give yourself too much credit cowboy! We were actually talking about Zell,' Selphie said then pecked Irvine on the cheek. Irvine looked like he was about to face fault or something. I stifled a giggle then poked Selphie to tell her that our orders were being served. We grabbed out food and followed Irvine over to a table behind a rather large bushy plant. Selphie, Irvine and I started to eat our dinner, expecting squall, Rinoa and Zell to pop up any minute but they didn't, even after we had finished our meals.
'I wonder where they are,' I wondered aloud.
'Ohhh wait now I remember! Quistis and Seifer had invited Rinoa and Squall to go out for dinner with them tonight,' Selphie said then smacked a hand to her forehead, 'I cant believe I forgot.'
'Well, ok that explains they're whereabouts darlin, but where's Zell?" Irvine asked. Selphie opened her mouth to answer but then shut it and smiled.
'He's right over there.'
I spun in my seat to see Zell holding onto a tray full of hotdogs and other food. He looked so cute looking around, all lost and confused like. He obviously couldn't see us because of the large bush that was in front of us, so I stood up and crept up behind him.
'Boo!' I whispered into his ear. Zell jumped a bit but managed to keep his food balanced on his tray.
'Hyne, Leona don't do that ok?' he asked, then leaned over and planted a kiss on my cheek.
'Ok I wont,' I looked down at his quite massive tray of food, 'what are you doing? Feeding an army?'
Zell laughed and slapped his stomach, 'yup!' he said proudly. I laughed and lead him over to where I had bee sitting with Irvine and Selphie before. Zell sat down an immediately began shoveling food into his mouth, stopping every now and then to take a drink. Selphie leaned over towards me and giggled.
'Ever since the party we had after the defeat of Ultimecia he always makes sure that he has a glass of some drink.'
'Why?' I asked, still staring at the human vacuum.
'Because he was wolfing down some hotdogs and started to choke,' Selphie said then burst out laughing. I laughed too, looking over at Irvine to see a wide grin spreading across his lips.
'Whuh?' Zell said through a mouthful of food, 'whuh 're roo walking aboot.'
'Zell honey, chew then swallow before you speak,' I teased. Zell blushed and swallowed the food that was in his mouth.
'Sorry, just ah, was really hungry,' he explained, albeit sheepishly.
'That's ok Zell...' I said then trailed off, 'um, I thought about having a GF,' I said slowly.
Zell raised his eyebrows; I had also caught Selphie's and Irvine's attention.
'...and?' Zell asked.
'I want to, I want to attain one and be like you guys, I want to become a SeeD.'
A/N: DUH DUH DUHHH! Hi everyone ^_^ sorry for the late update, just been pondering what I should do with this fic and I now have everything sorted out! Sorry for the cliff hangar endings, I know some people don't like them but its how I like to end the chapter ^_^ anyhoo, stay tuned for the next chapter cause that's when things get REALLY interesting!
Thanks for reading and reviewing everyone!
-Dinchtbaby