*A chibi-sized car races into the room, crashes into the opposite wall and curses.*
Vincent: *Sweatdrop* Ahem, well we're still having a few technical difficulties... *mutters* damn car doesn't even know how to drive...
Anyway, here's the third chapter of the story! Some people say they 'need' oxygen (No, I can't understand it either... *scratches head in confusion*), well I NEED reviews! Please R+R? Pretty please?
Rage
Chapter 3: Secret Thoughts
'So I took my guitar...
And I smashed it against the wall!
I smashed it against the floor!
I smashed it against the body of a varsity cheerleader!
I smashed it against the hood of a car!
I smashed it against a 1981 Harley Davidson;
The Harley howled in pain; The guitar howled in hate!
And I ran up the stairs to my parent's bedroom.
Mommy and daddy were sleeping in the moonlight...'
Wasted Youth
Meatloaf
Thud.
That was the sound of the door as it opened.
Thud.
That was the sound of Zell's heart as he took in the scene before him.
Thud.
That was the sound of him dropping the box of chocolates he had brought for their one-year anniversary.
Thud.
That was the sound of her falling from the bed in shock. "Zell?" she whispered in dismay and shame. Lisa, the 'cute library girl with the pigtails'. His girlfriend. The one he loved more than anything in the world.
Thud.
That was the sound of him standing up, bare feet hitting the wooden floor, the covers hiding his dignity. Rick, the 'conceited SeeD'. He didn't say anything, just stood there trying to avoid the gaze of heartbreak and betrayal that swept across the room, taking in every last detail.
Thud.
That was the sound of Zell stumbling back through the door and hitting the opposite wall, still unable to tear his gaze from the room, where his girlfriend had lain in the arms of another man.
Thud.
That was the sound of the diamond engagement ring he had been carrying landing on the ground after he threw it out the nearest window.
Thud.
That was the sound of his life falling apart...
Thud.
That was the sound of his fist connecting with Rick's face, mashing lips, breaking teeth and spraying blood everywhere.
Thud.
That was the sound of Rick being thrown violently into the wall.
Thud.
That was the sound of Zell taking his revenge...
"Hey Zell, we're ready to go," Rinoa called through the door. Zell jerked his head up, shaken from his rage-filled fantasies. Sometimes I wish I really had done that to the bastard, he mused, to hell with the consequences. He deserves it after that.
"Ok Rin, I'll be out in a sec." The young fighter slowly peeled his gauntlets off and cracked his neck, loosening the tension in his muscles. Giving the ruined punching bag one last look, he left the gym.
***************
"What kept you?" asked an impatient Squall as Zell and Rinoa arrived at the Ragnarok.
"Sorry, I was just finishing up some work," the fighter answered dismissively, walking straight past Squall on to the ship.
The scarred SeeD raised an eyebrow at how reserved his friend was acting, but didn't comment on it. Instead, he merely said, "Everyone else is on board already, so we can leave." He greeted his love with a smile and a kiss, then followed Zell on to the ship.
"Good of y'all to make it," Irvine smirked. He was sprawled lazily across a row of chairs, his hat resting low on his head, covering his eyes, and the unnatural white of bandages poked out from underneath his shirt, supporting the ribs he had broken a few days ago.
"Very funny Kinneas," Zell muttered. "Afraid to leave without me now in case a big bad monster gets you?"
"That's really low man," the gunman replied, not sounding particularly upset.
"Can we leave now?" Quistis asked with her customary raised eyebrow from where she leaned against a wall. As always, her hair and clothing were impeccably neat, and her Save The Queen was strapped in a coil at her side. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with amusement at her friend's good-natured squabbling.
"Yeah, let's go!" chirped Selphie from the pilot's chair, hyperactive as always. Zell and Squall paled as they realised she would be flying the ship. Her need for speed and insane manoeveurs terrified them both, although neither would admit it. They sat down quickly and strapped themselves in. Rinoa took her usual position on Squall's lap, not put off by Selphie's 'unique' way of piloting.
"We're good to go back here Sefie!" Irvine called over.
"Booyaka!" The petite brunette pumped one fist triumphantly in the air and flicked the switch that started the enormous engines. With a roar, the great spacecraft lifted off into the air. It rose unhurriedly, hovering straight up, until it reached it's cruising height. Then, with a sharp blast of acceleration, it shot forward, heading for Esthar.
***************
"So when are you going to tell her?"
Irvine lifted his hat and looked at Quistis. "I don't have a clue what you mean," he replied. The others were engaged in their own conversations, so no-one was listening in.
"You know exactly what I mean," she scolded quietly. "When are you going to tell Selphie how you feel about her?"
"How could I have eyes for anyone but you, my darling Quisty?" he winked, trying to stay as casual as ever.
"Drop the act Irvine, you can't fool me."
"Bossy little Quisty as ever, huh?" he sighed.
"Stop trying to change the subject. It's been two years since you met again, and the legendary Irvine Kinneas of Galbadia hasn't added a single notch to his bedpost in that time."
Irvine winced. "Such a lovely way you have of saying things. I didn't know you paid so much attention to my private life." His cocky grin returned instantly. "Just been making sure you had no competition, huh?"
"I said drop the act Kinneas!" she snapped. Looking round quickly, she made sure that no-one had heard her, then took a deep calming breath before continuing. "I'm not here to pry Irvine. I'm here as your friend, and Selphie's."
"Look, Quisty, Selphie's a close friend, but-"
"Close. Interesting way of putting it."
"-but that's it, all right? Just friends."
Quistis shook her head in annoyance. "Fine. Whatever you say." She stood up, giving the cowboy a glare before turning to walk off. She only stopped when she felt the hand on her arm. She looked back and to her amazement found the cocky grin gone, a look of utmost honesty emanating from the violet eyes of the sniper.
"Sit down," he said quietly. Once she had, he dropped his voice again, not taking the chance of any of the others overhearing. After a deep breath, he said, "I love her."
The blonde instructor was taken aback. "You-"
"Yes," he repeated, more firmly this time. "I love her." Quistis stayed silent and waited for him to continue. "Selphie... is everything to me. I can't stop thinking about her. And you're right, there's been no-one else since I found her again. But-" He paused for a second, gathering his thoughts. "But I don't know how to tell her."
Quistis didn't say anything at first, then hesitantly voiced a reply. "Irvine... I had no idea you felt that strongly. You never struck me as... well as the falling in love type."
Irvine snorted in laughter. "You had to deal with Squall as a student and you're no good at seeing through facades?" This got a chuckle from Quistis too, breaking the tension nicely. A few more seconds passed without words then she smiled reassuringly and looked back at the cowboy who had just bared his heart. "I'll help you."
"You'll help me?" he replied in bemusement.
"I'll help you find a way to tell her. I can't promise she'll feel the same way, but I can promise that you'll have done everything you could possibly do to win her over."
He broke into a grateful smile, his violet eyes crinkling in happiness, and relief at not having to do things alone. "Quisty... thank you."
She winked in reply. "Anything for one of the orphanage gang."