Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VIII or any of the other Final
Fantasy games. And thank god for that because if I did it would be a
product of my warped imagination and would scare little children to no end.
A/N: On a whim I decided I wanted to write a story. My friend told me I should write one featuring the pairings of, and I quote, "Squall/Quistis, Seifer/Zell, Irvine/Selphie, and Rinoa/that dog she has." Well in order to save face for Rinoa, even though I personally don't like her that much, I decided to kill her off instead. If you liked Rinoa and are miffed about me offing her, still give this fic a chance. I've actually written many chapters in advance so that I'll finish this one unlike many of the others I have chapters to write for.
This is the first fic I've ever written with shounen-ai in it so don't be too hard on me. This fic will also have POV changes that will be addressed at the beginning of each change. I'll keep it in third person though so you don't get confused and all.
Warnings.. In case you just skipped the author notes and went straight on down to the story hopefully the warnings sign caught your attention. There will be a character death referred to in this story(Rinoa) and shounen-ai (Seifer/Zell).
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Chapter 1: Beauty falls
Squall's POV
Squall sighed heavily looking at the gravestone in front of him. Rinoa's gravestone.
It's ironic how they could all live through the ordeal with Ultimecia and a simple mugger with a gun could kill one of them after a night out. Not having any curative items, Squall could only hold her in his arms as the blood ran from the bullet wound.
He could still the remember the shocked faces of his comrades as he walked into the hotel door in Fisherman's Horizon, shirt still covered in blood. They were there on Rinoa's request since she thought it the perfect place to spend their vacation and get a bit of sea breeze. That was ironic as well. They had all asked a million questions but Squall had just sat there in shock until Zell had asked if anything had happened to Rinoa. That's when reality slapped him in the face and he looked up, nodded, and burst into tears.
They must have all been shocked. THE Squall Leonhart had just burst into tears right in front of their eyes. If they were shocked they didn't show it. Instead Zell and Quistis wrapped their arms around him and Selphie went off to make them some coffee so they could stay up and comfort him. He really didn't know at the time if they understood that she was dead or just that something really bad happened, but at the time only the arms around him and sobbing into Zell's shirt really mattered to him.
A little later Squall had fell asleep still on the couch in Quistis and Zell's arms. He had been the first to wake up, so he pried the arms around him off and took a shower. Fully recomposed he exited the bathroom to find Irvine sitting at the table breakfast already made and waiting for Squall.
As the day wore on, and each of the occupants of the hotel room woke up, only a fully composed Squall could be seen. He was fully intact with the shell that Rinoa had taken so long to break through and wouldn't even bat an eye at any of the questions they asked.
She had been buried near Deling city and Squall had visited her every week for the last year. Nida, the usual driver, had become a good friend to Squall by talking to him while driving and going to out of the way places so Squall could escape.
He had pretty much withdrawn from the rest of his friends but that didn't keep them from visiting him constantly and trying to cheer him up. None of them could console his lose though, so he went on from day to day preserving her memory. In his opinion whom ever had said "it's better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all" must have never truly lost the one he loved.
This visit was a bit late. Having been unable to come for his usual Friday visit he left on Tuesday but had stayed double the usual time to make up for it. No one ever came with him anymore except that days driver. Zell had been the last one here with him saying that Rinoa had been like a sister to him after a while.
Shifting the small black leather bag around his waste, containing healing items he now carried everywhere, to a more comfortable position, he stood up. Nida was waiting to take him back to Garden and he really needed get there in preparation for his next mission.
Back at the ship he signaled Nida. He couldn't wait to get back and maybe lose himself in a battle or two.
* * *
Stepping off the ship, Squall raised a hand to shield his eyes from the sun. Waiting for him were the SeeD's accompanying him on the mission. It was the orphanage gang, including Seifer who got back in thanks to Matron, who would be with him and he kind of felt relieved. He knew they could take care of themselves if need be and he most definitely wouldn't lose another person he cared about.
To the casual observer Squall would seem to be withdrawn, but this was when he was most comfortable. Listening to Seifer and Zell fight while Quistis tries to shut them up happened to be one of the most relaxing things for him. It meant he was home. And with his family.
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Zell's POV
Zell bounced excitedly on the balls of his feet. They were going on a mission and it was their first one since the clean up of the Lunar Cry. Killing monsters and cleaning wreckage was okay and all but it got kind of repetitious after two weeks. And since it took them three months to clean it all up, it was really boring.
Then, upon coming back, Zell got another great surprise. None other than Seifer Almasy had returned to Garden and seemed to have some personal vendetta against Zell. And the fact that Seifer seemed to tag along everywhere really didn't help matters.
Zell shadow boxed as he followed, keeping his distance so Quistis didn't yell at him again. Quistis had really changed since the Ultimecia incident. She was much sharper and less carefree, and she took on a few of the old Squall's personality traits. The most annoying one being the constant inner debates she had.
Zell folded his hands behind his head and sighed. That wasn't the Quistis he had developed a crush on and had sent notes and not so subtle hints to. She wasn't interested though, always seeming to stare off at one of the two gunblade wielders and completely disregarding him.
The only people in their group that seemed to actually be happy all the time were Irvine and Selphie. While they were cute together, Zell could admit that though not aloud, watching them became sickening after a few minutes of constant doe eyes and cuddling. Especially if you didn't have anyone to do that with anymore.
Zell had tried going out with Bastel the library girl but something was missing in their relationship. Zell just didn't feel connected to her and therefore he really didn't give her much of his time. Zell had wanted to break it off within the first two weeks but couldn't. It really didn't matter though, because after the first month she had had enough and in the middle of the hallway had broken it off with Zell and, to add some salt to the wound, had been sure to proclaim each of his problems to everyone there.
Zell was extremely embarrassed after that, especially since Seifer had been there. The most surprising thing however had been the fact that Seifer never mentioned it. Not even one little quote or jeer left his mouth that pertained to that incident and Zell, for once, was actually grateful towards the other blonde.
They all piled into the elevator getting ready for their official mission briefing by Cid and Matron. Matron had gone back to reopen the orphanage but had quickly come back to Garden unable to be away from her husband again. It was sweet really, as long as they kept their mind on business and not on each other.
The elevator doors hissed open and they all piled out seeming to be in some big discussion about what might lay ahead.
"What if there's some big base holding someone like Galbadia's secrets. That would make the mission so much better," Selphie jumped excitedly while still clinging to her boyfriends arm. How Irvine stood her Zell would never know.
Seifer sighed shaking his head, "If only. It's gonna be another wild goose chase. Isn't that right Chiken-wuss?" The last statement was spoken cheerfully and with a small smile playing on his lips.
Zell scowled at the taller blonde and managed to yell out, "Don't call me that!!!" before he was reduced to incomprehensible muttering. The nerve of that Seifer to keep bring up that old nickname.
"Call you what, Chicken-wuss?" Seifer eyed the martial artist, his superior smirk in place.
"You know exactly what Seifer."
"The chicken or the wuss part? Cus I can call you one or the other if you want."
"God damnit Seifer."
They had by now reached Cid's desk and the headmaster sat regarding them with fascination. Everyone else on the other hand regarded them with irritation and Quistis took her usual job silencing them very seriously. "Would you two just shut up."
Zell stopped mid shout and glanced at the extremely annoyed looking instructor. Noting the look on her face he wisely decided to take a seat, first making sure it was as far from her and Seifer as possible.
"So," Cid remaining unfazed by the antics of his SeeD's shuffled some papers around on his desk, "now that we're all done I need your attention. As you have already been informed some strange buildings have been found near Dollet. You have been selected to investigate and destroy this buildings if it's deemed necessary. You have all been partnered for this and are to look after your partner. Maybe this mission will bring you all closer together."
Standing up Cid walked around the desk with a conspiratorial smirk on his face, "You shall be sharing a room after you complete your assigned task. You are also not allowed to leave anywhere unless your partner leaves as well. We have reasons for this so follow orders or I can't guarantee who will attack you."
Leaning back to rest against he sighed, "First group of partners will be Selphie and Irvine." They hugged quickly, Selphie giggling.
"Second pair Squall and Quistis." They gave each other a quick glance before both looked away for completely different reasons. Quistis's being the faint blush on her cheeks.
"And that just leaves Seifer and Zell." At this both blondes rose from their seats, protests flying from their mouths.
"I can't be pared with Chicken-wuss."
"We'll kill each other before we even think of helping each other. What are you thinking? And I told you not to call me that Seifer!"
Cid raised a hand to stop them. When the protests had died away he smiled lightly, "Well this will be a chance to work on trust now won't it."
Unable to argue with the headmaster Zell fell back into his seat glowering. This really sucked but what could he do. He'd have to do it, but no one said he had to like it. And on that note the meeting ended leaving Zell to head back and try to get some sleep for the mission tomorrow.
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^_^ hoped you like the first chapter. R&R even if it is a flame cus they're reviews too.
I really tried to be the person when I was in their POV so that how they feel about each of the people would come across right. I also tried to give reasons for any slight personality changes.
Hope you enjoyed
A/N: On a whim I decided I wanted to write a story. My friend told me I should write one featuring the pairings of, and I quote, "Squall/Quistis, Seifer/Zell, Irvine/Selphie, and Rinoa/that dog she has." Well in order to save face for Rinoa, even though I personally don't like her that much, I decided to kill her off instead. If you liked Rinoa and are miffed about me offing her, still give this fic a chance. I've actually written many chapters in advance so that I'll finish this one unlike many of the others I have chapters to write for.
This is the first fic I've ever written with shounen-ai in it so don't be too hard on me. This fic will also have POV changes that will be addressed at the beginning of each change. I'll keep it in third person though so you don't get confused and all.
Warnings.. In case you just skipped the author notes and went straight on down to the story hopefully the warnings sign caught your attention. There will be a character death referred to in this story(Rinoa) and shounen-ai (Seifer/Zell).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chapter 1: Beauty falls
Squall's POV
Squall sighed heavily looking at the gravestone in front of him. Rinoa's gravestone.
It's ironic how they could all live through the ordeal with Ultimecia and a simple mugger with a gun could kill one of them after a night out. Not having any curative items, Squall could only hold her in his arms as the blood ran from the bullet wound.
He could still the remember the shocked faces of his comrades as he walked into the hotel door in Fisherman's Horizon, shirt still covered in blood. They were there on Rinoa's request since she thought it the perfect place to spend their vacation and get a bit of sea breeze. That was ironic as well. They had all asked a million questions but Squall had just sat there in shock until Zell had asked if anything had happened to Rinoa. That's when reality slapped him in the face and he looked up, nodded, and burst into tears.
They must have all been shocked. THE Squall Leonhart had just burst into tears right in front of their eyes. If they were shocked they didn't show it. Instead Zell and Quistis wrapped their arms around him and Selphie went off to make them some coffee so they could stay up and comfort him. He really didn't know at the time if they understood that she was dead or just that something really bad happened, but at the time only the arms around him and sobbing into Zell's shirt really mattered to him.
A little later Squall had fell asleep still on the couch in Quistis and Zell's arms. He had been the first to wake up, so he pried the arms around him off and took a shower. Fully recomposed he exited the bathroom to find Irvine sitting at the table breakfast already made and waiting for Squall.
As the day wore on, and each of the occupants of the hotel room woke up, only a fully composed Squall could be seen. He was fully intact with the shell that Rinoa had taken so long to break through and wouldn't even bat an eye at any of the questions they asked.
She had been buried near Deling city and Squall had visited her every week for the last year. Nida, the usual driver, had become a good friend to Squall by talking to him while driving and going to out of the way places so Squall could escape.
He had pretty much withdrawn from the rest of his friends but that didn't keep them from visiting him constantly and trying to cheer him up. None of them could console his lose though, so he went on from day to day preserving her memory. In his opinion whom ever had said "it's better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all" must have never truly lost the one he loved.
This visit was a bit late. Having been unable to come for his usual Friday visit he left on Tuesday but had stayed double the usual time to make up for it. No one ever came with him anymore except that days driver. Zell had been the last one here with him saying that Rinoa had been like a sister to him after a while.
Shifting the small black leather bag around his waste, containing healing items he now carried everywhere, to a more comfortable position, he stood up. Nida was waiting to take him back to Garden and he really needed get there in preparation for his next mission.
Back at the ship he signaled Nida. He couldn't wait to get back and maybe lose himself in a battle or two.
* * *
Stepping off the ship, Squall raised a hand to shield his eyes from the sun. Waiting for him were the SeeD's accompanying him on the mission. It was the orphanage gang, including Seifer who got back in thanks to Matron, who would be with him and he kind of felt relieved. He knew they could take care of themselves if need be and he most definitely wouldn't lose another person he cared about.
To the casual observer Squall would seem to be withdrawn, but this was when he was most comfortable. Listening to Seifer and Zell fight while Quistis tries to shut them up happened to be one of the most relaxing things for him. It meant he was home. And with his family.
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Zell's POV
Zell bounced excitedly on the balls of his feet. They were going on a mission and it was their first one since the clean up of the Lunar Cry. Killing monsters and cleaning wreckage was okay and all but it got kind of repetitious after two weeks. And since it took them three months to clean it all up, it was really boring.
Then, upon coming back, Zell got another great surprise. None other than Seifer Almasy had returned to Garden and seemed to have some personal vendetta against Zell. And the fact that Seifer seemed to tag along everywhere really didn't help matters.
Zell shadow boxed as he followed, keeping his distance so Quistis didn't yell at him again. Quistis had really changed since the Ultimecia incident. She was much sharper and less carefree, and she took on a few of the old Squall's personality traits. The most annoying one being the constant inner debates she had.
Zell folded his hands behind his head and sighed. That wasn't the Quistis he had developed a crush on and had sent notes and not so subtle hints to. She wasn't interested though, always seeming to stare off at one of the two gunblade wielders and completely disregarding him.
The only people in their group that seemed to actually be happy all the time were Irvine and Selphie. While they were cute together, Zell could admit that though not aloud, watching them became sickening after a few minutes of constant doe eyes and cuddling. Especially if you didn't have anyone to do that with anymore.
Zell had tried going out with Bastel the library girl but something was missing in their relationship. Zell just didn't feel connected to her and therefore he really didn't give her much of his time. Zell had wanted to break it off within the first two weeks but couldn't. It really didn't matter though, because after the first month she had had enough and in the middle of the hallway had broken it off with Zell and, to add some salt to the wound, had been sure to proclaim each of his problems to everyone there.
Zell was extremely embarrassed after that, especially since Seifer had been there. The most surprising thing however had been the fact that Seifer never mentioned it. Not even one little quote or jeer left his mouth that pertained to that incident and Zell, for once, was actually grateful towards the other blonde.
They all piled into the elevator getting ready for their official mission briefing by Cid and Matron. Matron had gone back to reopen the orphanage but had quickly come back to Garden unable to be away from her husband again. It was sweet really, as long as they kept their mind on business and not on each other.
The elevator doors hissed open and they all piled out seeming to be in some big discussion about what might lay ahead.
"What if there's some big base holding someone like Galbadia's secrets. That would make the mission so much better," Selphie jumped excitedly while still clinging to her boyfriends arm. How Irvine stood her Zell would never know.
Seifer sighed shaking his head, "If only. It's gonna be another wild goose chase. Isn't that right Chiken-wuss?" The last statement was spoken cheerfully and with a small smile playing on his lips.
Zell scowled at the taller blonde and managed to yell out, "Don't call me that!!!" before he was reduced to incomprehensible muttering. The nerve of that Seifer to keep bring up that old nickname.
"Call you what, Chicken-wuss?" Seifer eyed the martial artist, his superior smirk in place.
"You know exactly what Seifer."
"The chicken or the wuss part? Cus I can call you one or the other if you want."
"God damnit Seifer."
They had by now reached Cid's desk and the headmaster sat regarding them with fascination. Everyone else on the other hand regarded them with irritation and Quistis took her usual job silencing them very seriously. "Would you two just shut up."
Zell stopped mid shout and glanced at the extremely annoyed looking instructor. Noting the look on her face he wisely decided to take a seat, first making sure it was as far from her and Seifer as possible.
"So," Cid remaining unfazed by the antics of his SeeD's shuffled some papers around on his desk, "now that we're all done I need your attention. As you have already been informed some strange buildings have been found near Dollet. You have been selected to investigate and destroy this buildings if it's deemed necessary. You have all been partnered for this and are to look after your partner. Maybe this mission will bring you all closer together."
Standing up Cid walked around the desk with a conspiratorial smirk on his face, "You shall be sharing a room after you complete your assigned task. You are also not allowed to leave anywhere unless your partner leaves as well. We have reasons for this so follow orders or I can't guarantee who will attack you."
Leaning back to rest against he sighed, "First group of partners will be Selphie and Irvine." They hugged quickly, Selphie giggling.
"Second pair Squall and Quistis." They gave each other a quick glance before both looked away for completely different reasons. Quistis's being the faint blush on her cheeks.
"And that just leaves Seifer and Zell." At this both blondes rose from their seats, protests flying from their mouths.
"I can't be pared with Chicken-wuss."
"We'll kill each other before we even think of helping each other. What are you thinking? And I told you not to call me that Seifer!"
Cid raised a hand to stop them. When the protests had died away he smiled lightly, "Well this will be a chance to work on trust now won't it."
Unable to argue with the headmaster Zell fell back into his seat glowering. This really sucked but what could he do. He'd have to do it, but no one said he had to like it. And on that note the meeting ended leaving Zell to head back and try to get some sleep for the mission tomorrow.
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^_^ hoped you like the first chapter. R&R even if it is a flame cus they're reviews too.
I really tried to be the person when I was in their POV so that how they feel about each of the people would come across right. I also tried to give reasons for any slight personality changes.
Hope you enjoyed