Author's Note: Once again, not much of a need for me to say much at the start of this chapter. Still, I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 3: Maybe I'm a Lion
Perspective: Squall
"Alright, smile for the camera!"
I did no such thing.
"Umm, son? Mind smiling? I mean, you want a good school picture, right?"
I haven't had a reason to smile since I was five years old, old man. I don't think anything you say to me right now is going to change that.
"Kid, this is your senior picture we're talking about. Not something you want to mess up, right? Now, smile."
It didn't matter how many times he planned to ask. I wasn't going to smile for him. Only one person in my life was ever capable of bringing a smile to my face.
And she's gone.
"Alright son, I'm getting really ticked off here. Smile."
"Bite me."
"Okay, that's it!"
"Is something wrong here?"
Of all the people to come to my rescue…
"He won't fucking smile! This is supposed to be a simple, easy process and he's-"
"Please, watch your language Mr. Fabool. You're on school property, and some of these kids are freshmen." My blonde-haired 'savior' flashed me a smile before turning back to the man. "Squall isn't exactly a person who smiles a lot, so you'll just have to make do with the best shot of him you can get."
The old man snarled as he turned back to look at me. I endured the two required pictures of myself before walking off.
"Wait, Squall!"
This girl will never give me a break, will she?
"What?" I turned to look upon Quistis Trepe, also known as the one whose mission in life is to pry into my life.
Trust me, that's not a very good idea.
"Well it's just that with everyone else getting their photos taken right now, I figured that we had a few minutes before we have to get back to class. I was hoping maybe we could talk for a minute and-"
"Sorry, not interested." I really wasn't, knowing that she'd just start asking those annoying questions once again.
"So Squall, where are you living these days?
"Is there anything I can do to help out? Living by yourself must be tough, huh?"
"Squall, why is it that you never smile? I mean, even back at the orphanage you were always this way."
Never. Shuts. Up.
"Some of us do care about you, Squall. You'll realize it sooner or later."
Care about me, huh? Why? Why does she care that I even exist? Does she think we share a history? Does she think that because we grew up in the same building for a few years we're linked?
Bonds are weak things that are meant to be severed. I learned that lesson when I was five years old.
"Will I? We'll see about that."
"Alright guys, pencils out! Today we're going to have a bit of fun!"
Why the hell am I taking this class again?
Third period saw me in the one class I dreaded above all else: Journalism. The subject itself isn't that bad in all fairness.
It's just…dear God, why do I have to deal with this guy?
"So, I was thinking to myself last night how best to get you all thinking like a journalist. Now, I wouldn't say I'm the brightest when it comes to these things (that's something I certainly agree with…) but I have made a name for myself in quite a few magazines and all that."
Really? Well, that would explain why I've never heard of the famed Laguna Loire outside of school. I don't have time to read that trash.
"So! Today is all about interviewing one another! Everyone here will partner up with another classmate and get to asking questions. Your assignment tonight will be to compile all this goody goody (goody goody?) information together and get an article typed up for me (great, typing…), got it? Alright guys, let's get to work!"
I remained seated, knowing exactly what was going to happen. Everyone else would pair together, and the last kid without a partner would have to come and deal with me. Can't really blame them, though.
"Hmm…seems we have an odd number here…geez, I really should have checked the class list again, huh?" No kidding. "Well in that case, it looks like you get to have me as a partner, Squall!"
What.
God no. Anyone else. Anyone else but this guy.
It was too late. Laguna had already sat himself down next to me, the man grinning as he pulled a pen out from behind his ear (ugh…).
Some people might ask me why I can't stand the guy, why it is that I can't be in the same room with him for five minutes without wanting to strangle myself.
They can see for themselves.
"So Squall, before we get started I should ask how your summer break went! I mean, you're still off living on your own, right?"
"You could say that."
"Always the strong, silent type, huh Squall? Come on and open up already! Otherwise you're getting the cuchi-cuchi treatment!"
Cuchi…cuchi…what?
I want this man tested for drugs. Right now.
"I held three jobs over the summer. Didn't have much free time. Does that answer your question?"
The idiot just scratched his cheek and smiled. "Technically yes, but as a journalist I'm obliged to pry for all the juicy details. What sort of jobs did you hold? Work at any cool places? Meet any hot chicks? I mean, I hear a lot are into mysterious loners like you."
"I worked at a summer camp, the pizzeria that I still work at, and then as a tutor. I'd rather not discuss the first one (seriously, the less said the better…), the second is the same as normal, and I had to help a kid with his pre-calc twice a week for 200 munny an hour. Does that work for you?"
Laguna just laughed, jotting everything that I had said down in his notepad as he smiled. "Wow, I think that's the most I've gotten out of you yet. You know Squall, you really do need to talk a bit more. I mean, I would've given you an A last year if your presentations hadn't been so, well, brief."
"It's how I am. After last year you should know that well enough."
"Well, I guess I do. Still, doesn't mean you don't interest me. I mean, sure you're all broody on the outside (can a teacher really say that to his student?), but I've seen the poems you've composed and the essays you've written up for me. Top notch stuff, all of it. Your parents mu- w-would be proud."
The two of us sat in silence for a moment, Laguna shifting around in his seat as he smiled. "So! Alright, let's get to the assignment. I mean, while I'll get a little piece written up about you, you're the one being graded after all."
Sadly, what the man said was true. "Fine. Where were you born?"
"You've heard of Esthar, right? Well I was born there thirty eight years ago! Hah, gave you two facts about me with only one question!"
…yes you did. Thanks. I scribbled the information down quickly. Esthar, huh? That place was pretty far from Twilight Town.
"What made you want to teach here?"
"Well, I've always really been into journalism. It's always been my dream to travel the world and learn a lot of interesting things about people and places. And well, as it turns out, I also just happened to pick up a nice little degree in English along the way. Helps that they were hiring here too! So Squall, what are you thinking about doing once you get out of here anyway? I mean, you graduate this spring, right?"
"Not sure yet." As if I could get a good job with my background. Even if I managed good grades again for these last two semesters, I doubt it would be of much use to me. Plus there was my whole financial situation to consider.
"Well, I'm sure something will pop up. That's the thing about life, right? When you're least expecting it- BOOM!"
Half of the class turned to look at the idiot who was acting like a toddler. I really couldn't blame them.
"…new stuff happens. You meet new people, find new opportunities. I mean, I was drafted into the Esthar army at one point and served there for a good two years. I didn't see any wars or anything, but it helped open my eyes a bit to more than a few things."
I tried to imagine Laguna using a gun-
No. The idiot would have shot himself in the foot.
"Interesting (that was a lie). Alright, next question. Are you married?" It was a dumb question, but one I felt to ask. Laguna wore a wedding ring, but never once had he made mention of his wife or even shown us a picture of her. Hell, I half expected him to spend class time gushing over her.
Laguna simply chuckled as he looked down. Did he look…uncomfortable?
"I did once. She's been dead a long, long time though."
I can't say I was really expecting that.
"Sorry."
"Yeah, it's alright. She was an amazing wife for what it's worth. Always keeping me in line, always taking care of things…geez, what's with me today? I haven't talked about Raine in years…"
"I'll cut it from the interview then. Things don't need to get this personal."
"R-Right. Thanks Squall." This is the first time I've ever seen Laguna act this way. Frankly, after all of his antics, it's a bit strange.
A bit sad.
"No prob. Shall we continue then?" Laguna was a bit too open with me after that, telling me all about his favorite foods (Escargot? Curry? Macaroni and cheese?), favorite movie (some obscure fantasy flick where he actually stars as the main character. Note to self: never watch that), favorite band (never heard of the Lunatic Pandora before) and even his first date (some lounge singer whose name I didn't even bother to jot down). He quickly returned to being the same idiot from Junior English, and that never meant good news for me.
"Alright class, that'll be good for now! Let's say we get these interviews written up about two pages typed or so, okay? See you all tomorrow!"
As I finished packing up, I found myself once again accosted by the fool. "Hey Squall, I know you don't have a computer, so if you just want to write it up, that's fine. I understand your situation."
For once I felt I should be grateful. Still, I just nodded at him as I made my way into the hallway. One good deed does not make up for the endless headaches he's caused me.
Terrific. This day was just going so very smoothly.
If it wasn't bad enough that I had to deal with Laguna, I also found myself lacking enough money to buy lunch. Really should have pulled myself out of bed ten minutes earlier and made a damn sandwich. It didn't help that I didn't really have anyone to go begging to either. There was always Quistis, but then I'd be reducing myself to filth. I don't need another reason for her to nag me for details about myself. Knowing her, she'd use my asking for food as an excuse to ask questions, and I'd already had enough of that for one day.
So, no lunch and class taught by a complete idiot. What could possibly make things any worse?
"Wait a second…is that…SQUALL!"
Oh God no.
No no no no no no no!
NO!
I am NOT dealing with him again! It was just a nightmare, a really, really bad nightmare that needed to-
"Squall! It really is you!" The spiky haired freak was at my side a moment later, proving that, sadly, this was reality. A reality that I very much wished I could reject. "Wow, this is awesome! We're acutally attending school together! Man, this is so cool!"
His name: Sora Asami.
His goal: To make my life a living hell.
Someone might wonder how an excitable boy like Sora could possibly make one's life worse. Well, they'd just have to attend summer camp with the kid to find out.
For five years in a row.
With him never, ever ceasing to follow you around.
"Hey Squall, look at this bug I found! Isn't he awesome! I'm totally taking him home as my pet!" The ten year old Sora followed me around as I marched along, hoping that if I just ignored him, he'd go away.
It didn't work.
"S-Squall! M-Mr. Rollie Pollie…h-he isn't moving…"A week later and a teary-eyed Sora had approached me for comfort. In order to help him get through his "loss," I handed him a towel for him to either wipe his eyes or wrap the…bug in.
That proved to be a very big mistake.
"Do you think having a pet would be cool, Squall? Because there's this REALLY cute puppy I saw two years ago in a pet shop and I really want to get it! Just my mom's being stupid and saying she's super allergic or something!" A year had passed, the eleven-year old boy apparently taking my handing him a towel as a sign of some friendship between us. Because he would never leave me alone.
Ever.
It was two weeks of hell every year that I was forced to endure. Pure, unadulterated hell.
"Wow Squall, are you really going to be a counselor-in-training? Because that's awesome! Hey, maybe when I get to be old enough I'll be one too!" A fifteen year old me continued to walk away as the spiky haired boy followed after me. It was always like this. Even when I complained to the counselors about my stalker, they just laughed, telling me it was cute that I was being idolized.
"So Squall, there's this girl I really like." Good Sora, good. Go bother her and not me.
The saddest thing was that that encounter had only taken place a few months back. Even at fifteen years, Sora was still the same.
When I was fifteen, I had to take on two jobs just to be able to deal with rent.
"Yeah, it's great, Sora. Now I need to get to class, so will you-"
"We totally need to hang out, Squall! Two weeks in the summer is not enough!"
This kid really wants to make me kill myself, doesn't he?
Two weeks in the summer is MORE than enough. If there was one thing I didn't need more of in my life, it was Sora.
Laguna comes in at a close second, though.
"Don't you have your own friends to deal with? There's also that girl you're into, right?" I wasn't sure whether to be happy or horrified that I could actually remember one of our 'conversations' back from camp.
Sora just kept up that stupid, annoying grin as he nodded. "Well, yeah, but I mean I want to introduce you to them! And you can give me some advice when it comes to Kairi! Plus it means we'll get to hang out more together!"
That's the last thing I want, Sora. So, this girl's name is Kairi, huh?
Nope, never heard of her.
"Sorry, just not interested."
Oh, God. He's pouting. He's actually pouting at me.
"Please Squall! I've told my friends all about how awesome you are and everything!"
Sora, there's nothing really awesome about me. I'm just a guy who likes to keep to himself, work hard and get along in life.
Honestly, I have to wonder why he even bothers around me. Most people just avoid me after getting the cold shoulder, but this guy?
If innocence was given a form…it would be him.
"Look, maybe later. I've got class now and a lot of things to do after school, okay?"
I'd say that Sora's face lit up like a child's on Christmas morning, but then again the best thing I've ever received for a present was a large box of chocolates from the orphanage.
Pretty good chocolates, but still, that's it.
"Alright! How about after school today! We can all meet together, and then go-"
"I have work after school." That was another thing that I didn't really want to think about. Dealing with the girl who reminds me so much of him with her incessant-
"Then tomorrow after school!"
"Work."
"Then the next day after school!"
"Sora, today is Thursday."
"Even better! We can spend the whole day together."
A gunshot to the head or another whole day with Sora…a bit grim, but trust me, weighing the options isn't as easy as it might sound.
"I have work this weekend, too. I need to earn a lot of money, alright?"
"Geez Squall, you sure do work a lot. You're really awesome like that though! I'm sure you'll be rich in no time."
Yeah, I don't see myself going from three barely-above minimum wage jobs to rich anytime soon, Sora.
"Right. Well, I need to get going. I don't want to be late."
"Alright! See you soon Squall! I'll make sure to keep in touch."
Well, if there was any way school could become more painful, it just found a way. A really, really big way.
Laguna. Sora. And now her. Yep, my life has officially gone to hell.
"So Squall, can you help me out with this one too? I think I have the right answer, but I might have accidentally carried an extra two or so…"
"Selphie, you are solving the wrong problem."
"Oh I know! I just like to do these things my own way!"
The excitable brunette (seriously, if she's Sora's twin sister, I freaking quit) started to whistle as she worked. Because being around her simply wasn't hard enough as it was. No, she just had to make it harder.
"Train, train, take us away, take us away, far away…"
…okay, what the hell is this girl on?
Thankfully, clearing my throat seemed to snap her out of her…trance, the girl snapping to attention as she squeaked an apology. "Right, sorry Squallie! I'll focus more on-"
"Squallie?"
"Oh! It's the nickname that I picked out for you! I hope you like it!"
I don't. Not one bit. It sounds like something Quistis used to call me.
"Right…look, let's just focus on your homework for the minute." I just had to get assigned her, didn't I? It couldn't have been anyone else to make my life just a little bit easier…
"Righto!" Selphie continued to scribble down on her worksheet as I sat nearby. Hopefully she wouldn't need anymore help. Honestly, it was a pain to-
"Hey Squallie!"
God damn it!
"See you tomorrow Squallie! Thanks for all the help!" That hour could not have passed any slower. Yet now it was over, the two of us thankfully parting ways as I was finally allowed to leave campus. Of course, that just meant more work for me, given my schedule.
I didn't bother to return her wave (why should I?) as I started down the street, knowing that at this rate I'd be able to make it to work a good five minutes early or so. Good. I need a bit of a breather.
"Seems you've been hard at work, school boy."
"I could say the same for yourself, Lightning."
I didn't bother to turn back and face the pink haired girl as she followed me down the street. After all, I couldn't afford to be late to work. Every single munny counts for me.
"You know that the Master is still waiting for you to give it back, right? He's trusted you enough with that thing to let you keep it this long. I however, can't say I'm the same way."
"As to be expected from a cop's understudy." I could feel the glare Lightning was giving me on the back of my head. Good. I don't have any reason to be all smiles with her.
"I guess there's a good reason why keep your mouth shut so often. Look, I'm being serious here. You should be thankful that the Master still gives you his blessing at all after what you and Seifer pulled that day."
"Frankly, I am grateful that he still cares about me. But I won't be returning it anytime soon. You can tell him that I'll return with it eventually." I didn't need to remember my last day of training. Everything had gone horribly wrong that day, and I had the scars to prove it.
Or rather, the scar.
"Come on pretty boy, let's see how good you've gotten with that thing!"
"Squall, Seifer, stop this right now!"
"Heh, this will be romantic!"
"SQUALL!"
My hand unconsciously traced the long scar that ran down my face as I turned to look at Lightning. Her expression was softer than I had imagined it to be, but even then those blue eyes of hers were upon me.
"I know that Seifer is the one who instigated the duel, and for that he had suffered the consequences. But that doesn't mean you're off the hook yourself for going along with it, Squall."
"It's been two years, Lightning. Why the sudden interest now?"
The girl simply shrugged. "Been a bit too busy training. The Guardian Corps has been keeping me busy. Still, I saw you at school and figured now would be a good time."
"I expect Seifer never returned his own weapon."
"And we've been unable to track him down."
"Hmph. Then I'll certainly need mine when he comes back for a rematch."
"You really think he'll return just to get another go at you, don't you?"
"Of course. Seifer's a prideful idiot."
"Then I guess the two of you are in the same boat." Lightning turned away as she started to walk in the opposite direction of me. "The Master never expelled you, you know. If you decide to come back, then I'm sure you'll be allowed to keep it for good. You always were a pretty good sparring partner."
I had no plans on going back there. Why?
I guess even I have yet to discover that myself.
"Once you've recovered from your injuries, you're welcome back here, Squall. I understand that Seifer took things way too far, and that your responsibility in the duel was minimal."
Those were the last words that he had said to me before leaving my side as I lay in the hospital. He was always encouraging me to keep training, to keep pushing forward. Yet in many ways, I guess I failed him.
The pizzeria was only a few blocks away, and even with Lightning's interruption, I knew that I'd be able to get there on time. Well, that was a relief after-
"Hey, cut it out!"
The alley that I was in the process of passing contained three figures, the first that caught my eye being a somewhat short teen with blonde hair and a scowl on his face. He was being held down by, well, frankly, two thugs, both of whom grinned as they sifted through what I had to assume was the boy's wallet.
"Oh, got a credit card even! What's a kid like you doing with so much cash? So, you going to tell us the PIN or are we going to have to get serious?"
"How about you get serious with your lives and get a job." Three pairs of eyes turned to look at me as I stepped forward. "I have three. I'm sure the two of you have the brainpower to handle at least one."
"Who the hell does this guy think he is?" The larger of the two thugs tossed the boy's wallet to the ground as he stepped forward, dusting off his knuckles like some sort of tough guy. "Talking trash on us and digging his nose into another's business, huh? Well-"
"You talk way too much." My fist slammed into the man's jaw as he went stumbling back, his mouth wide open as flecks of saliva and blood flew out. I can't say I'm an expert at fighting bare fisted, but I guess watching Tifa train once or twice taught me a few things.
The man crashed to the ground with a moan, his compatriot scowling as he pulled out a switchblade. Great, maybe I shouldn't have gotten myself involved after all.
"You'll pay for that!" Letting go of the boy, he stood up…only to be promptly tackled to the ground, the weapon spinning away further down the alley.
"I'm not letting you punks get away that easy!" The blonde boy was the one smirking now as he managed to put the man into a lock before he smiled up at me. "Looks like we've got these guys handled, huh?"
Not having a phone of my own, I had to go into work (two minutes late, mind you) to call the police. Of course after my boss saw the number I was dialing, he immediately shut up and went back to work. It took about five minutes for the thugs to be taken away, the blonde haired kid and I watching as the police car rolled away.
"Hey, thanks for back then. I would have been in some serious trouble if you hadn't come along."
"You did half the work yourself. It's nothing."
"Yeah, but I wouldn't have even gotten that chance if you hadn't helped out."
"Maybe not." I decided that the conversation was over as I turned back to the Pizzeria and started to head inside.
"H-Hey! Wait! The least I can do is give you some kind of reward or something." Oh god, the kid is sifting through his wallet. And as much as cash would help out right now, I really don't need this.
"It's fine. Look, I have to get to work. Maybe next time or-"
"Oh, so you work in there? Well if that's the case, I'll spread the word to all of my friends that a really awesome guy works here! Hey, I'll stop by with some friends tomorrow and we'll make sure to tip you good! I'm Zidane, by the way! It was nice to meet you, umm…"
"Squall."
"Right, later Squall. And thanks again!" And like that, the boy was off, a boundless source of energy that wouldn't…
I'm really getting sick of these overly energetic kids.
Them and Laguna.
"So, what was that all about?" My manager had apparently gone to the back, as it was none other than Irvine who greeted me. I can't say he's exactly someone I can deal with either, what with his constant flirting and cowboy fetish. The guy wears a goddamn cowboy hat even when he works. Of course whenever I complain about that my boss just says it's good for keeping hair out of the food.
"A kid was getting mugged, so I helped out."
"With the mugging!"
"Yes. I helped mug the kid and then told the police that I did it."
"Geez, harsh Squall. No need to get like that. Still, looks like there is a heart of gold inside of that hard, cold shell of yours." Irvine grinned as turned to look at a few girls who had just stepped inside.
"Squallie!"
…
…
Fuck.
Of all the people. Of all the people who had to find out I worked here.
Selphie smiled as she rushed over to me, the girl bouncing up and down as she smiled (is she seriously always like this?). "Ooh, I know! Maybe from now we should take my tutoring here! I love pizza! Maybe you can even throw in a few free slices!"
"No-"
"Well, if it's a cutie like you we're talking about, I'm sure that would be alright."
There he goes again, playing the suave lady's man. Irvine, she's got to be at least four years younger than you. Then again, neither of them seemed to mind as Selphie broke into yet another obnoxious giggle fit.
Actually, seeing Irvine in jail wouldn't be all that bad…
"So Squall, who's your friend? Or maybe you'd like to tell me, cowboy."
Oh god. Is she flirting with HIM now?
"Well, you can call me Irvine. Now, how about you give me a name to match with that pretty face of yours."
I wanted to gag. Really, really badly.
"S-Selphie!" The girl stuttered out, one of her friends (a redhead) giggling as well as she winked at Selphie.
I swear, if she does make me tutor her here while she flirts with Irvine…
"What will you be having?" I wasn't going to let the two idiots ruin my day any further. I was going to be all business with them now.
This seemed to get them to shut up, Irvine nervously rubbing the back of his head while Selphie looked down at her feet, a smile still on her face.
It was the redhead who spoke up. "Oh, sorry! Well, I'll take two slices of pepperoni please! And please, not too much grease." No promises there: Quina does whatever the hell he wants in the kitchen.
"Noted. How about the rest of you?"
"Oh, well, I'll take pesto chicken! Two slices sound good! Oh, and some spicy chicken wings! That sounds tasty! How about you Nami, what do you want? I'm paying!"
Figures that Selphie would be the one with all the money…
The blonde girl (who a) looked quite a bit like the redhead and b) hadn't said anything up until this point) looked up at me.
"Just one slice of cheese, please."
"Right. Irvine, go tell Quina-"
"Pizza's here!" Right, I forget that Quina usually has some spare slices ready. Then again, Irvine just wanted to impress Selphie for….god knows what reason. "Here you go my lovely ladies. And today it's on the house!"
The redhead and Selphie both lit up. "R-Really! That's so awesome! Thanks so much Irvine!"
My coworker simply tipped his hat and grinned. "Pleasure is all mine."
Thanks Irvine. There goes my tip. Thank you so much for screwing me over once again because of your infatuation with the female gender.
Alright, whatever. It's done. Now they can go sit down, leave us alone and-
"Wait, your name is Squall?"
I just can't catch a break, huh?
It was the redhead who had asked the question as she leaned in to get a better look at me. "You don't think it's the Squall that Sora always gushes about, do you?"
So, these are Sora's friends, huh? Actually, the fact that Selphie is among them really doesn't surprise me.
The brunette actually jumped in place as a response, although I'm not sure what kind of response that really was. "Oh! You're right! I never put two and two together and figured that out! I always thought the Squall from his camp was another Squall."
I severely wish that was actually the case.
"Good observation, Kairi! Wow, to think that-"
"Kairi?"
"Yes?" The redhead quickly turned to look at me, perhaps a bit confused as to why I had suddenly addressed her. Can't say I really blame her though.
"I've heard of you before. You're the one he likes."
"W-What?" In less than a second the girl's face had gone from a light shade of pink to a dark red. "Y-You're talking about…Sora?"
"Yeah. He always gushes about how awesome you are and everything. Told me he thought you were the prettiest girl alive." I didn't know if this really counted as payback for all the hell that Sora put me through, but I guess it just came out-
"Aww! Kairi! See, I told you he liked you!" Selphie cried out as she elbowed her friend in the ribs, Kairi blushing even more violently as she looked down at her sneakers. I almost thought for a moment that she was suffering a really bad fever.
"Sora…likes me…" Even the blonde girl (I think I heard Selphie call her Nami) seemed to be a bit happy at this news as she smiled.
Woah, I hope I didn't start anything with that.
"…thank you Squall. For telling me that." Kairi was now smiling at me, the girl actually appearing rather cute.
"Welcome."
I watched as the three girls retreated to a table, Kairi still blushing as she talked with Selphie and the blonde girl.
Geez, the last thing I wanted to do was start something where Sora was involved. This is what happens when I open my mouth.
It took the trio about a half hour to finish their chat before they got up, Selphie waving at myself and Irvine before she rushed out. The blonde girl simply offered a smile (guess she's like me in that she doesn't like to talk. Understandable.) while Kairi also smiled, although there was that pink tint to her cheeks. Guess she likes Sora too, huh?
Wait.
A girl, finds Sora Asami attractive and likable?
…
Yep, there is no longer any logic in this world whatsoever.
"Alright Squall, your shift's over. Don't want to keep you any longer here than need be." Irvine flashed me a grin, the "assistant-manager" aiming his right hand at me as if it were a gun before pulling back.
Man this guy has issues. And to think he's a year older than me.
Then again, I guess he's always been this way.
"Right. Guess I'd better get going then." Looking into my tip jar, I found that my earnings weren't all that great for the day (great, so much for having my home line work) as I quickly changed some of the coins into bills.
"So Squall, see Quistis much these days? Has she changed at all?"
"Don't remind me of her."
Irvine just laughed. "You were never a big fan of her. Don't really get why, but I won't pry." That's certainly a first for Irvine…
"Right…anyway, I need to head out. Later." I was out the door as quickly as possible, the sun already close to setting from the look of things. Already the red-sky that Twilight Town is famed for glowed above, although I seriously don't see why it's so great. Seriously, seen it once, seen it all.
I watched as the evening traffic moved along at its usual pace. Cars racing through the streets, the town tram trudging along its usual course, a dog racing through the streets-
Wait, what?
"Angelo! Come back!" It was a desperate cry, and for good reason it seemed. The rather large dog raced across the road, unaware that a cat was about to-
Oh hell.
I'm not one to play the knight in shining armor. That was more Seifer's stupid-ass romantic dream.
That being said, I wasn't going to let the dog become road kill before my very eyes.
Maybe that might help explain why I ran into the street and tackled the dog away before a car could run it over.
As I hit the pavement, I almost had to regret my decision. Wouldn't have been surprised if my arm had dislocated.
"…come on." I said to the dog, although I did have to question my sanity a moment later. Talking to animals like that wasn't something I did. Still, the creature was trembling in my arms rather than resisting. Perhaps in the last second of its crazed dash across the street it had realized its folly.
"A-Angelo!" The dog was out of my arms the moment I reached the sidewalk, the girl who had cried out the dog's name trying to hide her tears as she nuzzled the creature. "Don't you ever scare me like that again, okay?"
The dog simply whimpered, probably still traumatized from its near death experience. Can't blame it too much for that.
With my job done, I decided to simply leave before the girl spoke again. "Wait!"
Wait? Why? I need to get home and get my work done. Still have that dumbass interview to write up. Do you really have to take up more time after I just saved your dog?
I turned to look at the girl as I got my first real good glance at her. Well, she had black hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a rather nice looking blue shirt.
Still, in fairness, she didn't look horrible.
"Thank you, for saving Angelo…without you, I…I don't want to think about what might have happened to her."
"Oh, its fine. Just keep a leash on her next time." I was going by the girl's judgment in stating the dog was a she. How the hell was I supposed to know something like that?
Also, isn't Angelo a boy's name?
"She hates leashes though, and this has never happened before." The girl trailed off a bit before shaking her head and smiling. "I'm Rinoa."
"Squall."
"So Squall, how do I repay you for saving Angelo's life exactly? Does dinner sound-"
"I don't need any sort of payment. Also, I ate already." While munny was tempting given my situation, I really wasn't going to take it for something as stupid as saving-
Wait, that makes it two living organisms that I saved in one day.
Can't say that's normal by any means. I doubt Zidane would have gotten himself killed, but still.
"There must be something I can do…alright! Tomorrow night you'll come over to my house for dinner, okay? I'll treat you to something special there!"
And for a moment I thought this encounter would have been mostly painless.
"I don't want to trouble-"
"You aren't troubling me at all, Squall. This is something I'd like to do for you. And you have to come over, otherwise I'll get really upset!"
Like I really cared what some random girl thought about me. "Tomorrow night I-"
And then her eyes were upon me, less than half a foot away from my own. The shade of brown almost reminded me of chocolate as I found them focusing on my own eyes. "You are going to come over tomorrow night. You are going to come over tomorrow night." Rinoa blinked before pulling away. "Did it work?"
Work in making me think you're just as weird as Irvine or Selphie? I'd say so. Still, not quite at Sora levels yet, but-
"Come on Squall, you have to. I get really lonely when my dad is out of town. Well, Angelo is great company, but you know what I mean."
Actually, I found myself wondering about the girl's situation more and more. She couldn't have been any older than me, yet never once had I seen her in the High School. What exactly was her deal?
"I won't take up much time if you're busy. Maybe just an hour or so."
It wasn't her words that convinced me to go. No, I could have easily won on that front and told her that I had no interest in going over.
It was her eyes. There was just something about her gaze that chilled me…something that I felt was slightly familiar.
If anything, I was intrigued.
"…just an hour."
The girl punched the air in excitement (maybe she is as bad as Sora after all) as she smiled. "Alright then, it's a date, Squall!"
"It's not a date. It's me coming over for dessert or something."
This girl is not someone I'd ever want to be associated with romantically…seriously.
"Right! Still, I'm glad you'll be able to come. My house is about two blocks away, 19 Blazar Drive if you know where-"
"I know where the street is, and I can figure it out from there."
"Oh, perfect! I don't even have to give you instructions. If that's the case, I'll see you later Squall!" And like that the girl was off, the dog still in her arms as she walked away.
Well, this day certainly turned into something straight out of hell itself. I had to deal with Quistis' nagging, Laguna's sheer idiocy, Sora's revelation that we attend the same school now, Selphie's insanity, nearly getting run through by a switchblade, Irvine being himself, nearly getting hit by a car and promising to go to some strange girl's house tomorrow night.
Yep, sure was a horrible day.
Yet even as I reflected on all that had transpired, I just had to wonder how much worse it would get the next day. And judging by my newest obligation…
Let's just say I'm not looking forward to what tomorrow brings.
At all.
Chapter 4 Preview: Key to Success
"Sora, I'm in a bikini and I've come to wake you up."
"CONVERT!"
"Ah! Sora, not so hard!"