Without a Sound

Disclaimer: Don't own…

Chapter 26

When the next morning came… I really wanted to go to school. I didn't really like being cooped up in this house. And I felt a lot better.

I moved to the bathroom and took off my clothes. Though I didn't feel the need to look at myself in this full-length mirror anymore, I needed to see something for myself.

I ran my hands over the skin of my chest, my arms, my legs, my lower back… I was really just confused.

Was there something I was missing? I didn't enjoy touching my skin at all. Why would Leon say that he was attracted to me… in that way…

It was like touching aluminum foil or something… all crinkled up in the palm of your hand… I mean, who would be aroused by that?

And it's not as if I don't want him to want me like that… but I have a hard time believing that he really wants… this.

And if we were to finally initiate something… would he really enjoy it?

I shook my head to erase my thoughts. I turned on the water for the shower and hopped in. I didn't really care that it took a while to warm. I just bathed myself then exited the bathroom.

I looked through the clothes again and pulled out a pair of light blue jeans. The knees were ripped.

Here's yet another thing that confused me. Why pay for clothes that have holes in them?

I shrugged and pulled on the jeans and looked for a shirt. I found a regular long-sleeved v-neck shirt.

I smiled. It was a really nice forest green color.

I noticed a dark brown belt at the bottom of the bag and I grabbed it before putting it on.

I moved over to my desk and pulled on my whistle. My shirt dipped a little too low for it to be hidden so I left it out.

I put on my shoes before walking down the stairs. I moved to the fridge where I drank my daily two glasses of milk and made eggs.

I ate silently and when my mother came down the stairs she jumped when she finally spotted me eating.

'Why are you dressed?' she signed.

'I want to go to school.' I signed once I put my plate down.

'Sweetie, are you sure… the last time you ended up pushing your body too far. I don't want you to have another relapse.' She seemed to say.

'You saw how much sleep I got yesterday. I'm so full of energy right now I could explode. I just want to… I'm not pushing myself this time. I feel like if I stay in this house I'll turn into a bump on a log.' I signed desperately.

'Alright. But if you feel like it's too much, please call me or your dad. Please?' she signed.

I nodded and when Roxas came down the stairs I handed him some yogurt and a spoon before walking towards the door as if to say: Let's go!

'You're going to school today?' Roxas asked as he walked towards the front door.

I nodded and moved aside so that my mother could open the door to leave.

We all got into the car and when I the car stopped in front of school, I ran out and jetted towards the gym.

I tried the doors… they were open.

I walked into the locker room and changed into my practice clothes.

I moved to the weight room where I immediately got onto a treadmill and started to jog.

I checked my watch as I ran. It was 6:15. I had an hour and fifteen minutes before I had to homeroom.

I jogged for a half an hour then moved to lifting small weights. After fifteen minutes of that I noticed someone enter the room in the corner of my eye.

'Just can't stay away, huh?' Seifer said and hopped on the treadmill.

I shrugged before continuing. When Seifer got off the treadmill, I decided to stop weight lifting.

'Zell and Tseng are in the gym. Come check it out.' I read and I nodded.

When we entered the gym again I immediately went to sit at the bleachers to watch.

I smiled and watched as Zell weaved the ball in and out of his legs at lightning speed.

I gasped when Tseng managed to take the ball from him. Tseng dribbled slowly and I cocked my head in confusion.

Seifer tapped my shoulder and I looked at him.

'Tseng may be dribbling slow but he knows what he's doing. He combines different dribbling speeds and fakes in order to confuse the opponent then well watch…'

I looked back to the two on the court. It looked like they were playing full court and from the way they were facing Zell was trying to defend the goal.

I couldn't get over how slow he was dribbling… just take it from him Zell! But the moment Zell moved to grab it the ball was somewhere else moving slowly.

WHAT HAPPENED? The ball was now behind Tseng bouncing slowly in his hand. Are you kidding me? Was that even legal?

Zell seemed to get frustrated and moved to get the ball from behind Tseng.

Bad move.

As Zell moved to get the ball behind him, Tseng brought the ball lower to the ground and the ball bounced through Tseng's legs and then he was free to shoot.

Swish.

I looked to Zell who was on the floor completely out of breath. I walked down the bleachers as Tseng pulled Zell up.

'You need to have more patience. Just because you used to things being quick and easy doesn't mean it will always be that way in a game setting. Also your combinations are predictable. You need to begin taking a step out of your comfort zone. The teams this season are a lot harder. They're not going to let you play your little games.' I read Tseng's lips.

Zell nodded and we all walked back into the locker room.

'I need to take a shower… I don't want to smell. Sora you should too. You're just as sweaty as me!' Zell's lips formed.

Shower?

'There are showers in the back. We don't use them a lot because most of the time we don't break a sweat.' Zell seemed to explain.

That's when I noticed that Tseng hadn't broken a sweat at all. It did make sense. He didn't need to put much energy into dribbling.

'C'mon Sora. You don't want to stink all day do you? I'll let you borrow my soap!' Zell said and pulled me towards the back.

I shook my head.

'Sora… didn't we already establish that we don't care what your body looks like? Don't be so modest! I'll have Seifer watch the door and we can wash on opposite sides of the room if we need to. But seriously, I won't hang near you if you stink dude.'

'Towels?' I signed.

'The school provides two or three clean ones everyday. C'mon Sora. Seifer I need to you stand by the door. Don't let anyone in okay?' Zell said to his boyfriend.

'Got it princess.' Seifer retorted.

I giggled silently when Zell pointed to Seifer and signed 'Stupid asshole.'

Seifer looked to me. 'What did he just sign? It didn't look like 'I love you' to me!'

I shrugged.

'Get in the shower you freaks.' Seifer said and I couldn't help but notice the fond look on his face.

Zell pulled me into the shower room where he proceeded to strip away his clothing.

I followed suit with reluctance. I put my clothes on the side so they wouldn't get wet and I walked over to a showerhead.

I turned on the water. I decided I would wait for it to warm up a little. When the water was decent, I walked under the water and began to rinse.

I jumped when something hit my foot. I looked down to see a bar of soap. I picked it up and looked over to Zell.

'Thanks.' I signed.

He nodded before turning around.

I washed myself quickly and returned the soap. After rinsing it all off I turned off the water.

I jumped when a towel ended up smacking me in the head. I caught it before it fell to the ground and dried myself off quickly.

There was a wave of a hand in my peripherals and I turned to see Zell with a towel around his waist.

'We need to get going 'fraidy cat. Hurry it up.' He signed.

I nodded and put the towel around my waist.

We walked back into the locker room and put on our clothes.

'Awww! Sora you look so cute in that green!' Zell seemed to pipe.

I blushed before putting my work out clothes in my bag. I needed to remember to take them home to wash.

'Do you still need me to walk you to homeroom, chicken wuss?' Seifer asked.

I shook my head. To be quite honest, I didn't really know if I did or didn't need to. But I decided I would take my chances.

We all made it to our homerooms without incident. I smiled a little. I was happy that I didn't need to be coddled anymore.

Coach Yuffie was surprised that I was back already. Unfortunately, she made me sit out during P.E.

It was understandable after what happened last time. I sat silently and watched the others play gym hockey.

In study hall, I finished all the work I was missing form skipping a day. I slept through the rest.

When the bell rang for lunch, I smiled. I enjoyed having people to sit next to now. I made a stop at my locker to put away my books.

I closed my locker and turned to get to the cafeteria only to come face to face with someone.

'Hey there cutie. Remember me?' the guy said.

I shook my head and walked around him.

He ran up and in front of me again. 'Don't go! It's me, BRIAN! You know, the cool dude from math class?'

I thought… he was the one that passed me that vulgar note in the middle of Leon's class.

The one that got me in trouble with him.

I shook my head and began to walk to the cafeteria for the third time.

Brian grabbed my hand and whipped me around.

I sighed and pulled out my small notebook and pen:

Is there something you need Brian?

He read the words on the notebook and nodded.

'Yes. You.' He gave me a cheesy smile.

I snorted.

Be serious. And do you mind if we have this conversation as we move towards the cafeteria? I'm starving!

Brian nodded and we walked.

'But I am being serious you know. Sorry about that note… it was kind of inappropriate.' He scratched the side of his head.

I wrote:

Kind of?

'I said I was sorry!' he seemed to yelp.

I sighed.

Brian… you're probably one of the very few people that have approached me with kind words instead of punches. Thank you for that. But if you're being serious with me then I'm going to have to turn you down. I already have a boyfriend.

'Well that sucks…' he trailed off.

I really appreciate your courage in coming out and telling me, though. I know that that's a hard gamble. Don't worry, you seem like a nice person so you'll get someone eventually.

'Well… if you ever find yourself having troubles with your boyfriend… Call me up. I don't mind waiting.' Brian seemed to say.

I shook my head.

I'll see you tomorrow in math class, Brian.

'Yeah…I'm in your civics class too…' he seemed to say.

Then I'll see you next class.

I got my lunch and moved to sit with the basketball team.

'I saw you over there Chicken Wuss! Is that your boyfriend?' I watched Seifer ask.

I blushed and shook my head. I signed that he was the first person to confess to me in my entire life.

'Awwww! What'd he say?' Seifer asked his boyfriend.

'He said that that was his first person to confess to him.' Zell said.

'Cheers to a first confession!' Seifer yelled and I hid my face in embarrassment.

-Without a Sound-

Civics and Free enterprise was so boring… I appreciate learning about government and money and things… but only if it involved math.

Which most of the time… it didn't.

There was a note on my desk and I opened it.

This class is terrible… I might fall asleep :).

-Brian

I wrote a simple reply and passed it to the desk behind me.

When the paper came back to me I took it.

Do you think that Mr. McCurdy looks like a turkey? I think he does if you squint.

I looked at Mr. McCurdy as he recited his lecture.

I snorted.

It was very true… he did look like a turkey.

I never thought of that before… but yes, he looks like a turkey.

Don't get offended… but if you can't hear and you're reading this note… how are you understanding the lecture?

It's a valid question… to be honest I'm missing the lecture. I usually just read the book when I get home. He follows the book down to the last word really.

Is it scary? Not being able to hear or talk, I mean.

I though about it…

Only in the dark… it's not that bad when you can see stuff around you… but in the dark, especially in small rooms… It's probably the closest thing to being buried alive…

Sounds really creepy. How'd it happen?

I was born deaf. My vocal chords stopped working when I was seven.

I'm sorry.

It's not your fault. And I'm fine anyway.

You sure are ;) Very fine in fact…

I snorted again.

You're too much!

I only speak the truth.

Thanks… I gue-

I jumped when the paper was snatched off my desk.

'Sora you have a detention this afternoon for passing notes in class.' Mr. McCurdy said and balled up the not in his hands before throwing it away.

I sighed and paid attention to the rest of the lecture.

In art class we had free draw. I just drew a bunch of shapes on a piece of paper and then drew a different design in each shape.

It was kinda cool when it was finished. In all of the extra blank spaces where I couldn't fit a shape, I simply wrote the name 'Sora' until there were no white spaces left.

Mrs. White put a hand on my shoulder and I watched her say. 'That's a nice collage you have there. Any meaning behind it?'

I shrugged and pulled out another piece of paper:

No. I kind of just did it absent-mindedly.

She nodded.

When my watch vibrated and the bell rang to signify the end of the day, I walked down to the gym.

I walked over to Coach Yuffie and bowed.

When I stood again she gave me a puzzled look.

I wrote:

Coach… I'm really sorry but I ended up getting a detention so I can't come to practice. It won't ever happen again. I'm very sorry!

Yuffie smiled. 'Go to detention kid. I wasn't really going to let you practice much anyway. But when we come back to school on Monday, be prepared to work your but off!' she said slowly.

I smiled:

THANK YOU!

I walked back up the stairs and into the chemistry lab… I felt pretty guilty about getting the detention in the first place. So I walked in with my head down.

I sat in a desk and fiddled with my thumbs.

When I saw a wave in the corner of my eye, I looked up.

'Why are you in here?' Cloud asked.

I pulled out my notebook:

DETENTION

'But why?' Cloud asked.

I blushed with embarrassment:

I was passing notes in class…

Cloud shook his finger at me and I frowned:

I'm sorry…

'Sora… I was only teasing you. We all have a slip ups. I mean that's harmless. If you had a detention for vandalism or something, then I would actually be disappointed in you.' I watched Cloud explain.

I looked down… I still felt bad about it.

When someone came through the door I looked over to see who it was.

'I knew you would be in here! Only you would go to detention early!' I watched Brian say.

I shrugged:

Why are you here?

'Mr. Leonhart gave me a detention, remember?' Brian explained. 'I hate that guy. He's an asshole.' He said the last part behind a hand. I assumed it was because he didn't want Cloud to hear.

I frowned:

I think he's a great teacher.

'He doesn't treat you like you're stupid.' Brian's lips formed.

I frowned deeper:

When did he treat you like you were stupid?

'Like… every time we have class! He talks to me in this tone, as if I can't tell it's there. It's like he's expecting me to get all of the answers wrong so that he can fail me and laugh about it.' Brian said.

I shook my head:

It can't really be like that!

'It is!' he said.

You sure he wasn't just teasing you because you misbehave in class?

'Hey, hey! You should be on my side!' I read.

I frowned.

'Hey… don't look so sad. You look like I just kicked your puppy or something.'

Brian?

He nodded.

No more notes in class okay?

Brain sighed. 'I saw that coming… fine. But I like talking with you!'

I smiled:

We can talk after class.

He smiled in return.

'You sure you don't want to date me?'

I shook my head and blushed:

I love my boyfriend.

I grabbed the whistle Leon gave me and squeezed it in my palm.

'Yeah… Your boyfriend's gotta be one awesome guy. You're like… head over hills dude…' Brian's lips formed.

I nodded and pointed to the side. After that I put the back of my hand to my mouth and spread my fingers open.

Brian gave me a questioning look.

I said he's amazing in sign language.

'I hate when I have to compete with people I don't even know…' Brian seemed to say with a sigh.

I frowned:

You already lost… sorry…

'The game is not over, my friend, until the fat lady sings.'

I can't hear when the fat lady sings…

'Exactly!'

I huffed.

'Alright kids! Detention starts now. Sit and be quiet.' I watched Cloud announce.

Bran sat next to me and we waited.

I sat and examined my whistle silently.

When another person came to the door I looked up.

Leon?

'Cloud, you wouldn't happen to have ink cartridges would you? I really don't want to go downstairs to get some from that weird secretary…' Leon asked.

I smiled.

'Yeah… I should have them in the cabinet over there. They should be on the top shelf.' Cloud said and pointed to the cabinet behind me.

Leon looked at me. 'Why are you in detention Sora?'

I blushed…'P-A-S-S-I-N-G N-O-T-E-S.' I finger spelled.

'Sora you know better than that.' Leon's lips formed.

I looked down and signed my apologies.

He took some ink cartridges from the cabinet before putting them down.

Leon wiped his left palm with his right hand. 'I forgive you'

I gasped. 'How did you know?' I signed.

'S-T-U-D-Y.' Leon spelled.

I beamed.

'I'm happy.' I signed.

Leon nodded before taking the ink and leaving the room.

'Whoa…' Cloud and Brian said together.

'When did Mr. Leonhart learn sign language?' Cloud asked.

'That was cool! I wanna have conversations with you in sign language!' Brian seemed to yelp.

I smiled. I couldn't wait till the end of detention.

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