Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction / Other Fan Fiction ❯ Strings Attached ❯ Suzie Loves Johnny, Johnny Loves Jack ( Chapter 3 )

 

Chapter Three

Suzie Loves Johnny, Johnny Loves Jack

 

“You're sweet darlin'. I don't deserve you,” Irvine drawled.

 

Sprawled out on the floor of Selphie's apartment, which he'd pretty much moved into at this point, the gunman sat propped against the brightly colored couch. One leg clad in beige leather was bent so that he could rest his arm on it. While the set of smooth and slim thighs on either side of him was tempting, his mind was occupied with another matter involving the dark haired Commander. One of several distractions was the soothing feel of gentle fingers running through his hair.

 

Selphie sat on the couch, her bare feet set against the colorfully printed rug while she made room for Irvine to lean back between her knees. Having ditched her pink clothes she wore scrubs of gray pants and a lilac-purple shirt. When the violet-eyed man who'd stolen her heart was feeling too much stress, she'd often sit like this with him. Casually running her hands through his hair, he seemed to like that.

 

“I suppose it's no secret by now that I love you,” Selphie said with a slightly fearful air of shyness.

 

The gunman seemed to straighten a bit, stiffening at her words. Just as the copper haired girl was about to retract her hands, he relaxed again.

 

“Yeah, and I can tell you right now, that you could do so much better.”

 

With a heavy heart, Selphie leaned forward and hugged the cowboy's neck. “But I don't want to,” she whispered.

 

“Hyne, I'm trying Selph, I swear I'm trying.”

 

“What's wrong?” she questioned, ready to listen to his troubles. He'd shown up with that anguished expression he wore far too frequently as of late.

 

“I can't get him out of my head. I don't know what to do. It doesn't feel like a normal crush, like I can just have a fling with someone else and be over it,” Irvine confessed.

 

As Selphie felt the air stolen from her lungs her eyebrows drew together in a pained expression. This had been her worst fear. Uncertain of the proper words to say or even if her voice would work, the young woman asked, “Have you tried to use someone else?”

 

Irvine knew well enough that admitting to all his one-night stands was not going to deter the energetic pilot. Hyne had blessed him with the presence of the green-eyed girl in his life, but this affliction with the Commander was feeling like some curse that evened the balance.

 

“No,” the gunman answered truthfully. Aside from having scoped out a few look-a-likes who fell miles short of the marker, he hadn't been able to go beyond the visual stage. Not only did he find no attraction, whether for the fact that they weren't quite cute enough or they simply weren't Squall, he felt too much guilt for Selphie's sake. “`Look but don't touch' has pretty much become my motto.”

 

Selphie was bereft. Good news and bad news canceled each other out. With a dampened mood, she wanted to feel happy and excited over the fact that Irvine had truly stopped sleeping around. This was actually the furthest she ever expected him to come for her. Violet eyes would always look at other women, but it was a true testimony of the cowboy's devotion when he didn't touch other women. Yet, as great as this development was, it was completely overshadowed by the fact that Irvine was developing serious feelings for Squall.

 

“Thank you,” was all the green-eyed girl managed to say.

 

With a wry smirk, Irvine patted the arms that hooked around his neck. “I said I was trying babe. You were always special. But Hyne knows what I'm gonna do now.”

 

Squeezing tighter, Selphie debated with her emotions. On the one hand, Irvine couldn't try and find a solution in a quickie since that wasn't how he worked anymore. On the other hand, there weren't many options or answers to this problem.

 

Tentatively, Selphie raised her head. Staring forward over Irvine's shoulder, she spoke quietly, “You can use me.”

 

The auburn haired man stiffened. “No,” he affirmed harshly.

 

“But-” Selphie began to assure, but Irvine pulled away suddenly and turned to glare at her.

 

“No,” he repeated. Shifting to his knees, he crawled closer. Straightening up, he reached out and cupped either side of the copper haired girl's rounded face. “I want our first time together to be special. After all this time, all I've done so that I can be worthy enough for you, I'm not gonna make you another nameless face on my list. I'll find some other way to get over Squall. You've done enough just listening to me.” Gently he leaned forward and pressed his lips to her forehead.

 

Momentarily mute, Selphie simply sat on the couch.

 

“I should go,” Irvine said before standing tall. Without even retrieving his hat, he swept to the door.

 

Brows cringed, the copper haired woman stared at the black material of the gunman's retreating back.

 

Unable to remain idle, she snapped to attention and leapt up from the couch. Pacing for a moment, she fumed over the fact that nothing could ever be simple.

 

There was an idea that had begun to form in the back of her head, but it was the sort of action that should only be taken as a last resort. Having just heard the sweetest sentiments from the man she loved, she was beginning to consider actually exacting extreme measures.

 

With her resolve building on the matter, she decided her time would be best spent working on props and helping out with the construction of the stage. It would relieve some frustration and maybe help to cheer her up a little.

 

It was difficult when she found herself in such situations. Being that it was rare for her to ever feel depressed, there really wasn't any designated person she felt inclined to run to. Irvine always came to her, among other people, but whom did she go to?

 

`Maybe Quistis,' she thought as she pulled on a pair of socks.

 

 

**

 

With well-mannered strides, Quistis walked into the quad. The sun was bright and the air held the scent of the sea. Her worn flip flops were too flimsy to make any noise against the solid ground, though as she picked the pace up when skipping down the small set of stairs, they made a small scuffling sound.

 

Toting a brown leather saddlebag, she carried her laptop and miscellaneous items to work on. Even she tended to dress down weekends, not wearing her combat gear or SeeD uniform. She wore a simple white t-shirt that had a very faded picture of a Chocobo and her light blue jeans felt like regular cotton with the denim so soft from washing.

The blonde instructor had been in town, more specifically in the center of the large dome shaped plate that made up the center of Fisherman's Horizon. While she didn't make it a habit to go tanning or sunbathing, winter was coming and being stationed in FH gave her a last opportunity to soak up the bright warm rays while doing some light weekend work.

 

Upon receiving a call from Selphie, she'd been a bit wary about what form of festival work she was about to be dragged into. However, their seemed to be a slight tone to the younger woman's voice that hinted at distress.

 

Having readily agreed to meet the copper-haired pilot at the nearly finished staging area, Quistis walked along the sunny quad.

 

The blonde's slight concern increased upon catching sight of the energetic girl before her presence was known. Selphie sat on the stage's edge with a noticeable slouch to her shoulders, as though something was physically weighing them down. Her bright green eyes stared off at the ground vacantly, with little traces of the outward energy she usually dispersed in large amounts. Idly, she swung her sneaker-clad feat back and forth, but the motion seemed limp.

 

“Hey,” Quistis called out a little ways before approaching completely.

 

Immediately, the young girl brightened. Straightening her posture, she beamed at the blonde instructor and gave an unnecessary wave of her hand.

 

Crystal blue eyes considered the changed, wondering how often this happy go lucky form might have been a façade. There didn't seem to be any traces of false hood to it, yet after her observations a moment ago, there was no mistaking that Selphie was nowhere near as happy as she let on.

 

Closing the distance, the Head Instructor ducked her head under the strap of her bag as she took it off and gently placed it up on the stage. Turning around, she hefted herself up to sit beside the green-eyed girl.

 

After a moment of silence, she gave a knowing rock to the side and nudged the smaller woman's shoulder with her own. “So, what's up?” she questioned with a tone that implied she was playing the therapist in their unofficial session.

 

Without expression, Selphie stared off. The view was nice, though not nearly as great as when they were in the middle of the sea. The water was close though, enough so that she could here the waves every so often, when everything got real quiet. There were seagulls up above, which was something she considered odd, since there was no shore.

 

Calling Quistis with the intent of having the instructor cheer her up had been the extent of her plan. Beyond that, Selphie hadn't considered what she was going to tell the mature woman. Within their group, they didn't really have secrets, but there were still some things that they confided in a single person with the hopes that no one else would find out. She wasn't entirely sure that this was the case with Irvine. Granted, he'd stated that the knowledge of his crush on Squall was supposed to stay between the two of them. But, after finding out that it wasn't uncommon, the gunman seemed rather lax about secrecy.

 

After a prolonged silence, Selphie gave a soft laugh. “Not much, the usual. The stage is coming along a lot faster than I'd planned, which is awesome. And, the guys even said they'd like to help out wherever they can. A few of them gave me a hand in building the Tunnel of Love.”

 

Keenly, Quistis eyed the seemingly happy girl beside her. Reaching up, she took her glasses off and set them atop her bag. “That's nice,” she commented.

 

“Yeah,” Selphie mumbled faintly.

 

Taking a deep breath of the clean air, the blonde woman let out a heavy sigh. “So, how `bout telling me what's bothering you?”

 

“You can tell, huh?” Selphie questioned rhetorically, simply procrastinating.

 

“It was your voice on the phone,” the blue-eyed instructor answered regardless.

 

Frustrated and worried, Selphie let out a few forced chuckles. The small tremors inadvertently turned into sobs. Sniffing disdainfully, she swiped at her eyes. Making excuses, she forced her voice to speak steadily, “I guess you can't be happy all the time and not need to just cry every once in a while.”

 

Quistis didn't reply to the excuse. Raising a hand, she gently rubbed circles against the light purple t-shirt on Selphie's back. This seemed to trigger the floodgates as the girl choked out a louder sob and turned to hug her. Silently, the instructor kept the comforting massage going while Selphie cried against her shoulder.

 

Eventually, the tears subsided. With wet streaks running down her cheeks, the copper haired girl pulled away with a few sniffs. Swiping again at the salty liquid, she left the telltale redness below slightly puffy eyes.

 

Quistis wasn't exactly the most sensitive woman in the world. In fact, she was probably second on the ranking list of strict and emotionless, right below Squall. But, that was generally her professional manner only. As a friend, she was much more informal and capable of relating to people. Not just in a practiced mode of fraternizing conduct, but truly relating.

 

“It's Irvine,” Selphie admitted.

 

Silently, the blonde waited. She was a consoling listener, not a gossiping bosom buddy.

 

With a wry smile, Selphie once again cast her green-eyed gaze towards the waters in the distance. “I'm in love with him, but everyone knows that by now.”

 

Giving an affirmative nod, Quistis commented, “From the way he's stopped hitting on everything with two legs and a c-cup, I'd say he cares about you too.”

 

Scoffing, Selphie nodded her head as well. “Yeah, we had a talk earlier. I should be tearing through the halls right now. This is what I've been waiting for.”

 

“So, why aren't you?”

 

“`Cause he's falling in love with someone else,” Selphie stated distantly.

 

“What?” Quistis asked incredulously.

 

“It was just a jealous crush,” the younger woman rambled, “That's how it started. But now, things are different.”

 

Light eyebrows drew together in confusion. Quistis didn't follow.

 

Selphie regarded her friend with an imploring look. “Am I a bad person to want to hurt Squall like this?”

 

Frowning, the Head Instructor realized that there was more going on behind the scenes than she'd originally guessed. “Selphie, can you explain a bit more?”

 

The copper haired girl rubbed her forehead in a frustrated manner. “When Irvine first suspected something going on between Seifer and Squall, he got jealous. At first, he was flipping out because he was attracted to another guy. He came to me, and I told him about how it was normal. I mean, it's hard to not think Squall's cute even on his worst days.”

 

A mild blush crept into the instructor's cheeks as she recalled a time when she'd believed herself to be in love with her former student.

 

“It was just jealousy,” Selphie affirmed with a lost look to her eyes. “But, he can't just go off and sleep with someone to find whatever release it is that he used to. Now, it's growing. He said it's more than just a simple crush and I'm afraid that the longer it goes on, the further away he'll become.”

 

“Irvine is in love with Squall?” the Head Instructor reiterated with disbelief.

 

“He hasn't said so exactly, but that's what is mounting up to be.”

 

With a calculating look, Quistis questioned further, “Does Squall know?”

 

Selphie replied with a scoff.

 

With a nod of understanding, Quistis conceded to their leader's obliviousness about his own appeal.

 

Reluctantly, Selphie confided the most distressing matter she had on her mind. “It's not so much that Irvine's becoming serious about his affections for someone else, as it is my urge to take matters into my own hands. Hyne Quisty, I really think I'll end up hurt Squall with this one.”

 

Confused again, Quistis prompted for more information, “If you're going to challenge him to a duel, I can guarantee that he won't get hurt.”

 

Giggling a little at this, Selphie turned her eyes to stare into light blue ones. Solemnly, her face fell from its slightly amused state. “I'm thinking of asking Squall to sleep with him.”

 

Blinking, Quistis didn't think she'd heard right. “Ask Squall to sleep with Irvine?” she questioned.

 

“He can't get over it by sleeping with just anyone. And, even if there's no guarantee that it'd work, it's the best solution I've got. I hate seeing him upset like this.” Taking a deep breath, Selphie stated a bit more clearly, “I love Squall, but I love Irvine more. If I can help him out, I'll do it even at Squall's expense.”

 

“Selphie, think about what you're saying,” Quistis reasoned. “Irvine getting to have sex with Squall is not going to fix any of this. Besides, there's no possible way Squall would ever agree to any of it.”

 

Whimsically smiling, Selphie's eyes turned downward. “I don't doubt that I could find a way. I'm just worried what'll happen to the Commander. I mean, he's totally in love with Seifer, and as much as I don't want to screw that up, I'm totally in love with Irvine.”

 

“Selphie,” the Head Instructor spoke cautiously, holding a slightly worried tone, “Are you serious?”

 

“Absolutely,” Selphie replied.

 

“Well, I don't agree one bit. If jealousy is what caused in the first place, then maybe that's what can fix it.”

 

It took a moment for the instructor's words the set in. Blinking several times, Selphie frowned. “Huh?”

 

Sighing, Quistis began to explain, granted she had just pieced everything together for herself as well, “If Irvine likes Squall because he can't have him, then maybe he'll like you if he can't have you.”

 

“Quistis,” Selphie groaned, “That's the oldest trick in the book. It'd never work.”

 

Raising her eyebrows, Quistis turned to look forward. “And somehow tricking Squall into sleeping with Irvine is?” she questioned mockingly.

 

Though Selphie opened her mouth to retort, no words came out. After a moment of open mouthed silence, she finally said, “Okay, maybe I could try your way first.”

 

With a small smile, Quistis slung an amicable arm around the girl's shoulders. “Good, cause if you'd decided to go with the other way, I'd have to stop you. Rest assured, you don't ever have to worry about hurting the Commander, cause I won't let you.”

 

Forcefully chuckling, no amusement evident, Selphie replied, “You're kind of scary sometimes.”

 

“We all have something we want to protect.”

 

“I don't hate Squall. It doesn't matter how cold he can be or how many times he sets the lock on Ragnarok's ammunition, I'll still love him.” Selphie declared abruptly. As an after note, she grumbled, “Even if he totally stole my man.”

 

With a shake of blonde hair, the older woman assured, “I know, I know. But, you love Irvine more.”

 

“Right,” Selphie affirmed.

 

“I suggest you go out and find yourself a suitable man to play the part,” Quistis hinted, changing the subject.

 

Frowning at the sudden dilemma, Selphie couldn't imagine how she'd be able to do it. Considering she'd just confessed her devoted feelings to Irvine, she doubted it would work. “Irvine knows I love him,” she reminded.

 

Dropping her arm, Quistis shifted to hop off the stage. “That doesn't mean a really cute guy can't come along and flirt shamelessly with you.”

 

Straightening up with a renewed sense of vigor, Selphie questioned aloud, “Who do I know?”

 

Quistis gave a shrug. Seeing the restored vibrant gleam in those green eyes, she considered her job done. “Find someone younger, someone who will bounce back when you let them down in the end.”

 

“Hmm,” Selphie intoned with a sly smirk, “You seem to know an awful lot about this Quisty. Is there something I don't know about you?”

 

Blushing Quistis set her glasses in place. “No,” she spoke a bit stiffly.

 

Not pushing the matter that made the blonde woman uncomfortable, Selphie clapped her hands together and gave an animated bow of her head. “Thank you Quisty, you really saved me.”

 

“Anytime,” the instructor brushed off.

 

“So, now that you're here-” the copper haired ball of energy began, but was promptly cut off.

 

“I have some work to take care of. I'd love to help you out here,” she gave a gesture to the staging area while she adjusted her bag's strap across her chest, “But, I can't.”

 

“You're just saying that,” Selphie complained.

 

“Maybe,” Quistis admitted, but turned on foot and began to walk away.

 

**

 

Squall walked along the empty corridor of the second floor with Rui at his side. Carrying a stack of folders in his arms, he remained relatively silent. Having just finished an extended meeting with Rui and a small group of senior cadets, he felt confident that the curriculum would be successfully altered for the coming spring semester. He had yet to address the instructors. The dark haired thief from Dollet had been rather adamant about first discussing it with other students. This was definitely not something he'd been too keen on, but he had to admit that while he'd been a student himself less than a year ago, being a gunblade specialist had set his courses up in a rather unique fashion. Not to mention, he'd been a bit more driven than many of the students.

 

Input from the senior cadets was well valued. He needed to get a feel for how great a work load students could take on while covering as broad a spectrum of skills, incorporating a little of everything.

 

Now, after listening to excited suggestions and requests, he'd spent nearly twice the amount of time away than as planned. Seifer was going to throw a fit.

 

Squall gave a small smile at this. Perhaps he was as sadistic as Seifer, taking pleasure in the other's anger.

 

Rui walked along side the Commander, feeling ridiculously giddy over the fact that he knew practically nothing about the system, but he'd still been involved with everything. He couldn't help but let it go to his head a little, the way the senior cadets gave him questioning glances while Commander Leonhart treated him special. Even if it was only because he was going to be the one giving instructions during the thieving skills courses.

 

Carrying his own stack of folders, the dark haired boy kept his mouth closed, but couldn't rid himself of the content smile on his lips.

 

As they approached the elevator, the familiar voice of Marlboro man called out.

 

“Squall,” Irvine greeted, “I was wondering if we could talk.”

 

Stirred from his musings over Seifer's anger at being away for so long, Squall turned his stormy eyed gaze to the auburn haired gunman leaning against the wall beside the elevator. With a mental shrug, he figured he could stay away a bit longer. It wasn't like he was permanently attached to the ex-knight, just that he had said he'd be back by now. “Sure,” he replied.

 

Standing straight, Irvine walked closer. His violet eyes shifted towards the dark haired boy. “Alone,” he specified, “In private.”

 

Brows furrowed for a moment, Squall debated what to do with his folders.

 

“I can take those back too,” Rui suggested, referring to the Commander's stack.

 

“Can you carry them all?” Squall questioned with doubt.

 

“No problem,” Rui assured, his tone held all the eagerness of a loyal puppy trying to please its master. “You want them in your office?”

 

Thinking a moment, Squall answered, “Take them to my apartment. Seifer will let you in.” The fleeting anger that passed through the gunman's eyes at the mentioning of the ex-knight's name went unnoticed by the pale brunet.

 

“Got it!” Rui called, his face hidden from view behind his now twice as tall pile.

 

Squall almost laughed at the fumbling manner in which the younger boy searched for the down button on the elevator.

 

Turning his attention to Irvine, Squall gave an expectant look that told the taller man to lead the way.

 

TBC….