Finally! I updated! It wasn't the writing it out process...it was adding it to the computer than killed me. -- So, without further ado, here's chapter three! The GIANT GARDEN RAVE!
Rain
Chapter Three: S-Conscious (Malice Mizer)
"There. You look amazing." Irvine smiled, fiddling with stray hairs in front of Squall's face, "There's no way will Xu leave you alone tonight!"
"Just what I need...a clingy girl." Squall groaned, pulling down the tight black fabric of his shirt. He stretched one of his legs in his usual leather pants; feeling empty without the belts to weigh it down. He sighed through his nose and eyed his newly made bed, "Can't we just screw the whole thing and go back to bed?"
Irvine's smile grew, flashing his sparkling teeth, "You wouldn't want to break lil' Xu's heart, would you?" he splashed on some of Squall's untouched cologne, "Besides, Leo, I got a date myself." he faced his lover and whistled, "Babe, you love absolute mint." he leaned in and planted a kiss on Squall's cheek, taking the moment to nibble on his ear.
Squall blushed, holding a hand over his ear, "...Thanks." he suddenly did a double take, "If- wait...you have a date with whom?" he knew Irvine was a flirt, but never a "dater".
His hand rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, erm, Selphie asked and you know I can't turn down that peach."
Squall rolled his eyes, sending a routine "Whatever" in Irvine's direction. He opened the door, giving a little wave, "Lock the door when you're done." he took a deep breath and headed towards Xu's dorm.
The SeeD secretary looked positively wild outside of her stuffy uniform. Her previously mentioned halter showed off a generous amount of her tanned tummy and her black capris were tight; grazing her knees. With a heart-shaped clip in her hair, she shyly waved to her date, "Hi Mr. - erm Squall." she blushed, but nearly squealed in excitement as she approached her dance partner, "I've never been to a rave before. Aren't you excited?"
Squall shrugged, "I don't dance very well." he confessed.
"Well, then I'll just have to show you."
Squall blinked as he stumbled towards the crowd. Forgotten of Memories of Rinoa flashed before his eyes and sadness engulfed him. He quickly shook it off, slipping through the door and snaking into the mob with Xu dangling off his wrist. That woman was not going to ruin his night. The crashing music made his ears sting but it was a warm welcome. He offered a rare smile for just a moment as he twisted with the music, 'This is going to be a long night.'
x-x-x
A rave was crazy, bold, and wild. Quistis was dressed for a trip to an art gallery. Her white tailored shirt was buttoned all the way up, the tails going past her hips. She wore dark caramel pants that ended were low black heels began. They were open toe and latched in the back; the only thing really outgoing of her whole outfit. Of course, her hair was pulled up in the usual hair clip and her makeup was vaguely lingering on her fair cheeks.
Zell, clad in loose, dark, jeans and a short-sleeved shirt that buttoned, walked somewhat slowly as he adjusted his fingerless gloves. Once they were tight, he spotted her and inwardly sighed, 'You'd think she's find something a bit more...Selphie.' he put a smile on and decided it wouldn't ruin anything. He waved to get her attention, catching up with her near the back of the crowd.
She saw him and met him halfway, slipping past everyone else who was expecting a date or a group of friends. Her shows clicked and her hair bounced, "Hi." she greeted, feeling slightly embarrassed, "You tricked me!" she blurted out, hitting Zell playfully on the arm.
The other solider laughed, wrapping an arm around her waist, "I did not. You just weren't aware of my master plan." he replied with a smirk.
Quistis wasn't listening. She looked at the other ravers and blushed. Vivid colors and dull blacks were on everyone. Even Zell has an orange band around his gloves and his shoelaces were yellow. She bit her lip, "I feel so out of place." she admitted, glancing down at her classy librarian attire.
Zell shrugged, "It's so dark, it won't even matter. I helped Selphie set this up. It looks amazing." he did a macho pose to prove his point.
Rolling her eyes, she gave a short laugh, "I'm sure it does."
They walked to the door with Zell's hand on her lower back. Once they were in, Quistis was a bit taken back. She stood on the top landing covered in a lounge area for chatty couples. In fact, the lounge continued all the way down the wide stairs. Continuing down the stairs, an ocean of people dancing to the techno blaring from the sound system welcomed her eyes. Neon lights provided the sight but not enough for Quistis to make out anything clearly. 'It's like a fun house in here.' she mused, taking Zell's hand from her back and giving it a squeeze.
Zell beamed, "Come on!" he yelled over the music, "You have to experience some real fun!"
"What?" Quistis questioned as Zell pulled her towards the mass of dancers, "Zell! Wait!" her eyes went wide. She hadn't danced in years.
"You'll be fine!" he smiled, stopping somewhere in the "heart" of the jungle, "Put some trust in me!"
Quistis had known Zell since she could barely boss people around. Trust? This man had saved her life more times than she could even count. Trust? If she didn't trust Zell Dincht now, she never would.
Zell was still smiling, waiting for her to smile back. He grabbed her hand and gave it a light squeeze, "Let go, 'Tis."
With a determined nod, Quistis' hands went behind her head, fumbling with the hair clip that confided her hair. In a flash, golden locks unraveled, falling past her shoulders and framing her face. If that wasn't even of a surprise to anyone, Quistis busted the buttons off of her top, revealing the butterscotch (1) tank top underneath. She threw the shirt into the crowd and laughed, posing for her date.
Zell's eyes were the size of chocobo eggs (2). He couldn't help but laugh along with Quistis. He nodded in approval, his mind screaming, "Damn! I am a lucky sucker.' he took a step closer to her, that grin of his pure and sincere. He leaned over to her ear and said, barely loud enough for her to hear, "I always knew you could do it."
x-x-x
Squall had gotten the hang of dancing by the time a song went by. He actually enjoyed it; though he would never admit it to anyone. The one thing he didn't enjoy, however, was the affection he was receiving from dancers around him. Random hands would stroke his stomach and hips would grind into his backside. The darkness masked identity from everyone. This was convent for the fact that nobody could tell they were fondling the Garden leader.
There was one repeating offender with long hair that tickled Squall's neck and arms. By the strong arms that would wrap around his waist, Squall could tell it was a 'he'. The 'he' would grind their hips together and nimble fingers would press against the skin of his stomach. Squall had figured out who it was in an instant. He smiled, knowing it was his sniper.
He glanced over at Xu and shrugged. The girl was too distracted by her own fan club to care about him. Squall turned around in his lover's arms and smiled, "We're going to get caught." he warned in his ear.
Irvine dug a hand into Squall's back pocket, grinding their hips together with the music, "Nobody knows it's us." he kissed Squall gently.
Squall moaned too quietly for even himself to hear. He took a step back and shook his head, "I'll dance but save your kisses for my room." he glanced over at Xu again, watching her innocently dance with Selphie (3). "Irvine, when this is over, I expect you there in the morning... not her."
The sniper was a bit surprised, staring at his lover as the song changed. He then smiled and pressed their foreheads together, "I'll see you then, Leo." he ruffled Squall's hair and left; grabbing Selphie and heading towards the lounge.
Xu blinked and glanced over at her date, "What happened?" she had missed her giggling friend.
"Nothing." Squall answered, pulling her close so she wouldn't suspect. They began to move to the music and Squall zoned out again. After all, what was there to do at a rave but to dance?
x-x-x
Xu abandoned Squall in a chair to go visit Quistis like she promised. Outside the Quad was empty except for stray couples who wanted to escape the crazed party inside. If Quistis wasn't the only single person there, Xu would have never recognized her, "What happened to you?"
Quistis giggled like a child in a flower field, "Oh Xu! I'm having the best time! Zell is so much FUN!"
The shorter of the two smiled, happy for her friend, "I'm so glad to hear it." she grinned, "What about later? Do you kiss on a first date, Quistis?"
Quistis blushed, "So!" she said loudly, changing the subject, "How are you and Squall?"
Xu shrugged, "Typical Squall date."
The blonde nodded, "I see. Well, what can I say? He's not much of a date."
"At least he dances well."
"Well, I've known that." Quistis waved a hand as if it was no big thing.
Xu frowned, "It's funny. I see that man everyday and I don't know a thing about him."
The blonde matched Xu's frown, "Oh Xu..." she sat down on a stray bench, "Come here. I'll tell you all I can about Squall." her friend joined her on the bench. She wrapped an arm around her shoulders and cleared her throat, "Okay, the first thing about Squall is-" she stopped short, noticing a very familiar girl sharing a kiss with an obvious female. She gasped, barely whispering the name, "Rinoa?"
x-x-x
Squall got very bored sitting in the little chair in the corner. No more than ten minutes after Xu said, "I'll only be a minute." he began to count how many people's shirts glowed in the dark.
"Yo everybody!" Selphie's voice was suddenly the only thing heard, "Welcome to the first ever Balamb Jam! I've been getting yelled at to play a few slow tunes, so here's to all the lovers out there! Enjoy!"
The music started up again and Squall was amazed to watch the blanket of ravers grab a partner from where they stood. Of course, many of them just grabbed the closest sex icon they could find, but their partner didn't seem to mind. Squall sighed and rolled his eyes. If he really wanted to, he could run back to his dorm and complain about a headache when he saw Xu again.
"No date, Kitten?" a strong hand was placed before Squall.
The soldier sneered, glaring up at Seifer with raging tsunamis. He was about the get up and walk when Seifer started to speak.
"Now, Leonheart. You know, I know, you hate me. However, tonight is about the music and the passion to express yourself. So, please, let me express myself by sharing this dance with you?" a sincere smile spread across his lips.
Squall was a bit too surprised to be angry or annoyed. He accepted Seifer's hand and stood, joining him on the floor.
The way they danced was cautious and gentle. Squall couldn't help but relax against Seifer's chest. Seifer's hand was on Squall's lower back while the other was interlaced with his partner's. He would smile, making his green eyes sparkle with excitement.
Squall was feeling surprised, romanced, almost too dazed to stay away. Like a moth tempted by a dancing flame. It was almost like making love for the first time, or getting a kiss in a summer shower. Everything was damp and smelled of earth and musk. It would be timid and careful at first, but as it developed, it would grow wanton with passion until the fire would flicker and be put to rest.
"Why?" Squall asked aloud, continuing the movements with Seifer, "I've never experienced such a thing before."
Seifer seemed to be reading his mind, "Trust me, Kitten, some things are only meant to be learned hands-on. No book can teach you something like this."
Squall looked up, his eyes a clean ocean, "Stop messing with me."
With a small smile, Seifer leaned down, pressing his lips against Squall's in a summer kiss. It was then that Squall had decided he'd put his hate for Seifer to rest.
x-x-x
"Rinoa Heartilly, what are you doing in Balamb?" Quistis questioned, Xu in tow.
"Quistis! Is that you? Wow you look so different." The girl blushed and looked over at her kissing buddy, "We were invited." she bit her lip, "This is Shira. I met her in Timber."
It took Quistis a moment to understand. Her jaw soon dropped, "Does Squall know?"
"No and he won't." Rinoa pressed strongly. She grabbed tightly onto Shira's hand, "Let's go." She yanked her partner back into the rave.
Quistis scowled, "You know…I never got along with her, but at first, I thought there was hope."
"Quistis, don't be like that. Let's go back inside, okay? I'm sure we've bored Squall and Zell to death." Xu tired to calm her friend.
The blonde sighed and nodded, "Fine." And they walked back.
x-x-x
The rave went on until even Selphie was exhausted. She hit the loudspeaker at about five in the morning announcing that it was fun but it was over.
Zell took the long way back to the dorms with Quistis. They strolled around the corridor and when they couldn't delay the inevitable any longer, the two stood in front of her dorm.
Quistis tucked her hair behind her ear, blushing slightly, "Thank you. I have a really great time tonight."
Zell smiled, fumbling with her fingers, "Hey 'Tis?" he looked up into her eyes of clear blue, "Would it be possible for us to… go out again?"
She looked a bit surprised, "Of course."
"Great!" Zell beamed, "How about tomorrow night? I'll make it a surprise. It won't be a rave, I promise."
Quistis smiled, "Sure. I'd like that. Meet me right here at…six?"
"Perfect." Zell was too excited to speak. He lifted Quistis up by her waist and spun her around. A carefree laugh came from the two of them; the loudest being Quistis. He let her toes tickle the floor as their laughter died; their eyes focused on each other.
Quistis's heart fluttered, "Zell…I…" she was trapped. Nobody could hide her feelings this way. Her whole insides began to shake.
Zell set her back down, a slight blush on his cheeks, "Sleep well, Quistis."
The girl blushed as well, opening the door, "Goodnight Zell." She waved and closed the door behind her. She pressed her back against the door and took a deep breath, letting her heart relax, "So…this is 'fun'."
x-x-x
"Please." Squall whispered, digging his nails into Irvine's shoulders.
The other man smiled, running his fingertips down Squall's skin, "How badly do you want it?"
"Just do it, Irvine!" Squall eyes clenched shut, a cool sweat covering his body in a thin sheet. His mind was hazier than usual, not really able to focus on this one thing. He silently blamed it on fatigue, but deep down he knew what it was. He just couldn't admit it to himself.
The blissful moments between Irvine and Squall continued until the two felt themselves fall off the edge. Squall gasped, his grip tightening. Before he could stop himself, a name fell from his lips, "Seifer!"
If time could stand still, it would have at that moment. Both soldier's eyes were wide, their mouths open in shock. Irvine couldn't believe his ears, "Seifer?"
Squall panicked, shoving Irvine off of him, "I-Irvine." He climbed out of the bed, and covered his face with his hands. The rest of his body shook in utter despair.
Irvine couldn't look at him, "So, this whole time… did you always think about Seifer? Was I just your doll?"
Squall looked up, horror written all over his face, "NO! I would never do that to you! To anybody!" his lip trembled, a familiar depression consuming him. He scrambled around, looking for his clothes. He pulled them on headed towards the door, "Seifer…he ruins everything!" he yanked the door open and ran out into the corridor.
His rage definitely showed as he stormed through the Garden; looking anywhere he thought Seifer would be. Breakfast was starting soon, and the cafeteria was always bustling with students. Many of them were still in their rave wear. Squall glanced around. Finally, he spotted Seifer talking to a group of class B girls.
A nerve was hit and before Seifer could see him, Squall's fist connected with Seifer's unguarded jaw.
x-x-x
(1) : Dude... Quistis' clothes remind me of food, okay?
(2) : There is a method to my madness...
(3) : If I didn't add the 'innocently', I knew minds would wander. XP