Cloud's POV:

"Squall, I think I love you" - Dear gods… even I heard that. "What?" was all the reply a stunned Squall could manage and I smiled as my beliefs were confirmed but at the same time, if I'd heard it, there was a good chance others had as well. Selphie didn't seem to have heard it, Quistis by the looks of things had, and on her other side was Zell. I saw him turn his head. I thought that it definitely could have been worse. It was common knowledge that Zell was gay. He'd been out since 8th grade and got put in hospital by Wakka's group because of it.

I guess he must have thought he'd misheard since he shook his head and continued focussing on Mr Barrett explaining some mathematical theory. I actually felt sorry for Zell. He only had three real friends (Hayner, Pence and Ollette) since he came out and in reality it was forced out of him. Back in the day, he was a bit on the runtish side and people walked all over him and abused him.

Datto from the football team stole his bag and found his diary, well the next morning half the more "interesting" pages were posted around the school. That was the day that he'd been hospitalised with broken ribs, a broken arm and some internal bruising. Wakka really did a number on him and I was one of the only people who weren't afraid of Wakka. Which also meant that I was one of the only people who had stood up for him.

Thinking about what Seifer had said again made me focus more on the issue at hand. If I'd heard it, and Zell thought he heard it… then it was possible that someone else had heard it also… I couldn't help noticing a slight look of triumph on Rinoa's face… "Don't worry Rin; I am quite sure that a few people would love to wipe that look off your face." I would never forgive her for what she'd done four years ago.

As such, I'd love to see her get what she deserved. She was a nasty piece of work alright. Praying that she'd not noticed I focused my attention onto the work in front of me… I really hope she didn't hear, she has the potential to cause some major damage and I know she'd take any opportunity…

Seifer's POV:

"What?" came Squalls voice and his panic was obvious. FUCK! Why did I say that aloud?! Quistis shot me a reproving glare but faced forward almost instantly, I saw that weird guy on her other side look at us shocked but I don't know if he heard properly since he totally looked away, looking like he'd been hearing things.

Cloud looked at us. Worry on his face. Oh shit… "I'll explain later" I hissed at Squall. He took the point and faced forward. There was that bitch who'd been trying to "catch my attention" yesterday. What's so funny then? Why the hell are you looking so smug? I thought to myself then it hit me. Could she have heard? Gods; so much for wanting to keep my sexuality a secret… Two days here and I blow it.

I spent the rest of the lesson completely freaking out now. If "Ms Bitch" heard, or that blonde kid next to Quissy… I'd pound him to the ground if he opened his mouth and I'm prepared to bet that Quissy would slaughter the bitch. Well… what's done is done and I gotta pay the piper sometime.

The bell rang and I bolted to the door, the bitch smiled in an almost sadistic way. "See ya around" she said, smiling that same infuriatingly vindictive smile. I saw the blonde guy leave with his head was down, as if hiding his face from the crowd. "Why did you say that" I heard Cloud whisper as he passed me, Selphie standing next to him. I went red.

"It ain't gonna be good… but we need to talk. Can you skip next period?" I asked Squall and Cloud. "Are you gonna answer me now then; If so then yeah, I'll skip next period." Squall's voice was unusually calm. "Sure, I can. What about Selphie and Quistis though" Cloud asked. "If they want to then fine; I got no doubts that Quissy heard me and I figure since you and Squall here heard, then your friend's got the right to know too"

"Then shall we go back to Garden?" Squall asked. Squall and Selphie nodded. "Garden?" I asked. "Where we were this morning before class, it's our secret area. Only our friends know of it" Cloud smiled. I guess this meant that he thought Quissy and I were his friends. What do you know; I guess there was a silver lining after all.

Squall's POV:

My heart was pounding and I kept hearing those words in my head. "I think I love you…I love you… Love you…" I was getting confused, frightened, frustrated but I had the swooping feeling in my stomach again as well as a feeling of… elation? What the hell… the longer I thought, the calmer I got.

I guess that my curiosity won out over my fear. When Seifer suggested I cut class to get a response from him I was calm and almost eager. If I got a response from him then it would be worth it. Cloud suggested Garden and I began walking. Probably not wise, skipping class, twice in two days but like I said, it'd be worth it if I got answers.

Before I realised where I was, I found myself pushing between the two bushes which was the only way to Garden. I stood there, expectantly, awaiting the explanation to Seifer's words. He was standing a foot or so away from me, a blush burning the tanned skin of his face. The butterflies had broken free and I laughed.

His face changed to another hue of crimson and he mumbled something which sounded like "Shut up, you wanna hear or not" which had the desired effect of muting the sounds of mirth coming out of my mouth. "Yes I want to hear what you meant by you love me." I said seriously. Selphie bobbed up and down excitedly while Quistis leant lightly against a shrub.

"OK. I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you all last night Squall. I guess I really like you. I want to get to know you and I want you to like me too" His colour seemed to intensify every second. Cloud nodded and I felt the heat rise in my face and that almost dizzying, floating sensation. "Seifer, I guess… I was thinking about you last night too you know?"

Once those words escaped my lips, I felt like my world was slipping away. Cloud was next to me and he reached out and held on to my shoulder, anchoring me to reality and sanity. For something which was quite easy to admit, the aftermath was almost impossible to bear. "I am glad. Squall, you just made my day" Seifer said though I was no longer able to comprehend anything. Seifer stepped forward and held my hand.

The searing heat of his hand was electrifying. I felt like I was melting. "Squall?" I heard Cloud say somewhere to my right. That brought me back to reality. I was totally swept up in the moment and had just blurted out something which would mean that Seifer would now expect something of me. He was even holding my hand. I panicked at the thought of Seifer hugging me or even kissing me, but for the moment, he seemed content with holding hands.

"Squall" Cloud repeated and I turned my head to face him. He looked happier than I remember ever seeing him. "You okay? You look like you're about ready to cry" he said laughing. Damn it, he was right. I smiled and laughed along with the others then. I was happy, for the first time in a long time.

My fear that Seifer would be expecting more from me than I was willing to do was, at present, groundless. He was still holding my hand though he smiled and, understanding the sentiment I hadn't spoken, he let go. Funny, but once he let go, I desperately wanted that warmth again.

There's time enough for that later I told myself.