Disclaimer: I don't own any characters or locations - they all belong to Squaresoft as usual.

Note: -tentatively posts chapter- -glances around for people with tomatoes-

I'M SORRY!!!! It's been...how long?....... At least 8 months...probably more...I'M SORRY!!! I LOVE YOU!!! PLEASE READ! -gets pelted with tomatoes-

Talking Helps

Zell walked through the Dormitory halls greeting people as nonchalantly as possible as he made his way toward Squall's door. As he went, a slightly disheveled Irvine hailed him.

"Heya Zell...ahh don't mind the hair, I just woke up. You seen Selphie anywhere?"

Zell looked at him concerned. "Yeah, I know where she is.... why? This is probably not a good time."

I rvine made a goofy smile. "Aww is she in mourning over that scene she made yesterday? Little cutie..."

Zell frowned. "What scene?"

Irvine's face grew a bit more solemn. "Haven't ya heard? She blew up at me and told me it was over...bet she's regrettin' it and misses her Irvine..."

Zell shrugged. "I hadn't heard anything about that. That's not why this isn't a good time though.... Trust me man, leave her alone for a bit."

Irvine slumped. "Aww c'mon...at least tell me where she is? I can talk to her later...."

Zell sighed. "Fine...she's in her dorm."

Irvine's posture instantly straightened and a smile crossed his face. "Thanks man! I'll go talk to her later!"

Zell let out a little laugh, and started to walk towards Squall's dorm. A little thought occurred to him, and he fished in his pockets, turning around.

"Hey Irvine!" he shouted to the retreating figure.

Irvine turned with a bemused look on his face. Zell tossed him the item he'd found in his pocket. Irvine caught it, and then smiled at Zell as he ran the blonde's comb through his hair.

--

Squall turned over on his bed as he heard someone enter his room. He groaned as the tattooed face was made clear in the morning light streaming through the window.

"Zell....not now...I need some sleep..."

Zell looked at him without remorse. "You slept. Now it's time to talk about what's going on."

Squall tried to give him a look of burning hatred, but Zell just stared at him expectantly. Squall groaned again and sat up, while Zell tossed him a white shirt that had been lying across his desk chair. Zell moved the chair closer to the bed and sat down, waiting as Squall finished pulling the shirt over his head. Squall let out a big sigh and looked at Zell.

"All right Zell. Let's talk. What do you want to know?"

"What happened? Tell me the whole story."

Squall told him everything, keeping his voice as monotonous as possible.

"And it's all my fault," he finished, "because I didn't show her how I felt before."

Zell was silent for a moment. "It's not your fault she was unfaithful, Squall."

Squall bent his head and said nothing.

"And I know that ring in your pocket makes this 100 times worse."

Squall let out a stifled moan and faced the wall.

"But everyone makes mistakes," Zell finished, feeling his voice start to break, "and I think if you give Rinoa a chance, she'll do everything she can to make up for her mistake."

Squall said nothing. He didn't even move. After a moment, Zell gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder and left the dormitory without a word.

Note: Zell the hero! What a good friend......anyway, I know you're all very angry at me, but hopefully if I tell you that I plan to start writing the next chapter as soon as I post this one you'll throw less ripe tomatoes at me? No? Oh well.....