Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Silence ❯ Chapter 1

SILENCE

Prolog: (Irvine narrator)

They were the perfect couple of Balamb Garden a strange but well matched pair. Seifer and Zell old enemies now new lovers. No ones really sure exactly how they got together or why. It could have been a sudden realization of their feelings for each other. It could be they just started spending too much time together. Whatever the reason- the two hadn't been able to separate since. You'd never see one without the other. No one ever heard of either of them having a problem, no fights outside of their usual friendly name calling and teasing.

They seemed to both be content with their relationship and lives. No one would have ever guessed it was all a fake facade. Its a shame to think about it now and how it had to end up. You always hear that you shouldn't metal in other peoples private lives, especially if they tell you not to, but what if you know something's wrong and want to help then what do you do? What I should have done when I first found out. It could have prevented the whole mess and the outcome. There's never an answer in silence and we all found that out the hard way. Here's the story.

Chapter One

(Irvine) They walked down the halls hand in hand not caring that people were starin' or whisperin'. The only reason they did though was because the two were supposed to be enemies. All through childhood I can remember them goin' at each other. Seifer would hurt Zell, Zell would cry. It was a constant pattern for the two. Now I'm guessing the only crying Zell would do is from Seifer fuckin' him good, heh heh. I laugh but it pains me inside knowing the person I've come to admire is with someone else and a very unexpected someone else.

I don't really know when it started but one day I was just hangin' out with Zell and saw him in a different light. A bright one at that. His youth and vibrancy, the way he can light up a room in seconds. His corny jokes and slow wit make him that more appealing next to his physical beauty. I've never known someone so short to be so comfortable with themselves and so strong and determined not to let his height get him down. He sure is somethin'. Of course no one knows how I feel about him and I plan on keeping it that way.

I watched them, arms around each other casually conversating. I decided to see what the happy new couple was up to.

~~~~~~~~~

Irvine made his way from the wall he stood against to his friends. "Howdy." He said smiling mainly at Zell but not noticeably.

"Hey Irvine." Zell said smiling in return. Seifer gave Irvine a look but didn't say anything.

"So what's the happy couple up to today?" Irvine asked.

"Nothing really just spending time together you know." Seifer said smugly making fun of the fact that Irvine wouldn't know because he was alone.

"Ignore him we're going to lunch wanna come?" Zell asked and Seifer gave Zell's arm a little squeeze. The little blonde looked up at him in question.

"I thought it was just gonna be the two of us?" Seifer asked innocently.

"Yeah but we could let Irvine come just this once right? If you wanna come that is."

Irvine glanced at Seifer who was giving him a 'don't even think about it' look so he turned to Zell. "Uh nah, that's ok I'm gonna go see if Squall's free. You two have fun." He tipped his hat to them and walked away.

Zell waited for him to leave his sight and he turned to face Seifer. "What's wrong with you?" He asked.

"What? Can't a guy want to have lunch alone with his boyfriend?" Seifer explained innocently. Zell thought about it then nodded and smiled up at his lover.

"Yeah I guess you can, sorry."

"What, you think I don't like the cowboy or something?" Seifer said grabbing Zell around the shoulders and started walking them again.

"No its not that."

They made their way out of the school and went to Balamb Diner. The place wasn't crowded yet for the lunch rush but Seifer pulled Zell to the very back booth anyway.

"Why are we sitting back here? I thought you liked being near the door to make fun of the people coming in." Zell asked with a laugh, as they took their seats opposite each other. Seifer shrugged and picked up the menu.

"No reason really, just don't wanna be near the lunch rush. All those people walking back and forth."

"Oh." Zell said and picked up his own menu.

"So what'll it be?" A short woman with curly red hair asked them and Zell began to order.

"Uuh how about the hotdogs an-"

"No you don't want that, they're not as good as the garden ones." Seifer said interrupting him.

"Says you buddy our foods the best around." The waitress said and Seifer gave her a smug look. "So what'll it be then?" She asked again and Zell was gonna say something but Seifer started before him.

"We'll both have the chicken pasta." He told her and handed the woman the menus. She wrote the order and took the menus giving Zell a look.

"Drinks?"

Zell waited for Seifer this time instead of ordering right away. "Go on." Seifer said and Zell looked hesitant for a second but Seifer smiled at him and gestured for him to order.

"Just a sprite unless that doesn't go with the lunch." He said throwing a quick glance at Seifer.

"Its fine, I'll have the ice tea." Seifer said.

"Very well." The waitress said and walked away to get their orders.

Zell was quietly staring at Seifer who didn't notice until he looked away from the window.

"What?" Seifer asked returning Zell's glare.

"....Hm nothing. So what are we doing after lunch?" Zell asked getting comfortable in his seat.

"Damnit, I have a class." Seifer told him leaning back in his own seat.

"That sucks, guess I could just go hang out with someone. Whoever's free."

"Oo-r you could visit your mom or wait in my room till the class is over." Seifer suggested. Zell was about to open his mouth but Debbie, the waitress, came back with their orders.

"There ya go. Enjoy." She smiled at them and left the table.

Zell finished what he was about to say. "Ma's outa town and why can't I just hang out with the others?" Seifer faked a laugh and picked up his fork.

"I was just kidding. You can do whatever you want."

"You sure?" Zell asked watching Seifer's face for any signs that he'd be lying.

"Why wouldn't I let you?" Seifer said reassuring Zell that it was ok.

"I don't know you've been acting funny all day I just thought-"

"Its nothing everything's fine. Now eat before we both have to go back to garden." Seifer said and leaned across the table kissing Zell on the forehead. Zell smiled and started in on his food.

~~~~~~~

"Damn Seifer, didn't know he was the possessive type." I was on my way to Squall's office after having run into the two blondes. I would have loved having lunch with Zell and just Zell because Seifer ain't really the type of conversationalist I'm used to. What the hell was his problem anyway? I mean if he wanted them to be alone he could have just said so instead of giving me the death glare.

Getting out of the elevator I went into Squall's office banging on the door as I opened it. "Anybody home?" I called inside and smiled seeing his usual aggravated face when I make my entrance.

"Do you have to do that every time you come in here?" He asked following me with his eyes as I stood in front of his desk. Leaning down on my elbows I got eye level with him.

"Yup, if I didn't you'd never know I was comin'." I said with a smile and he rolled his eyes. "So you free for lunch?" I asked. He looked at the clock on the desk and nodded. "Good cause I'm starvin' and I don't wanna eat alone." I said not meaning to but sounding aggravated. He stood up and stacked some papers

"What's wrong with you?" He asked putting the papers in a file cabinet.

"Oh nothing you know how I get when I'm hungry, so lets go." Good cover up huh? He crossed his arms and stared at me hard. I just stayed cool and he sighed believing my little lie or he didn't really care either way.

"Alright lets go."

We left the office in silence. It'd be nice to tell someone how I feel about Zell but what good would that do? He's still seeing Seifer and probably wouldn't feel the same about me in return.

"Are we going out, I really don't feel like going to the cafeteria." Squall said bringing me back to life and giving me an idea.

"Yeah sure how about we go to Balamb Diner." I suggested knowing Seifer and Zell would be there. With Squall around things won't be so uncomfortable. It was the perfect backup for me.

We got to Balamb quickly and went into the diner pushing through people because of the lunch rush. I started scouting the area for my little blonde fantasy. There. 'Now what are they doing sitting in the back?'' I'll ask questions later. I making note of where Zell was sitting and turned to Squall.

"Hey look there's Seifer and Zell." I said pointing in the back. "Come on lets go join 'em."

"Are you sure? They might want to be alone." He said already scouting for another table.

"Nah it'll be fine come on." I pushed him from behind towards their table. When we got there Seifer was the first one to see us and there was that look of death again.

"What are you doing here?" He asked and Zell turned around in his seat flashing one of those gorgeous sunshiny smiles at us.

"Hey you came after all." He said to me.

"Yup thought old Squally here needed to get out." I said. Seifer looked over to Squall, aggravation still showing on his features.

"Its ok if we join you right?" Squall asked and Seifer sighed then put on the fakest smile I'd ever seen.

"Yeah sure." He said and before anyone could make a move I took the seat next to Zell. Normally I'd sit across from him to get a better look but I don't think sitting next to Seifer was such a good idea right now. He's probably near exploding because I'm ruining there little romantic lunch.

A waitress came over and got Squall's and my order. After she returned with our food we all got to talking about whatever. Me and Zell and Seifer and Squall. Although it was obvious Seifer kept an ear and eye to me and Zell.

~~~~~~~

Time passed and Irvine and Zell were having a great time talking about a movie they wanted to see, while Squall drank his coffee listening. Lunch was nearly over and they'd all finished their food. Seifer sat back staring at Irvine and Zell behind gritted teeth.

"You know what I hate about scary movies, its like they've always gotta have this loser comic relief guy and they never die." Zell said.

"Yeah I know and the worst part is them dumb females are always tryna show some skin." Irvine added. "Like anyone's trying to see that. Its scarier than the creatures in the movie or the killers." They both started laughing until they heard a beeping noise and looked over at Squall.

"I have to get back to the garden." He said finishing his drink and standing up.

"Me too," Seifer said sliding out behind Squall. "You coming?" He asked Zell.

"What for? I'll keep him company." Irvine said before Zell could open his mouth.

"Yeah I'll be fine here and we'll be back at the garden before your class is over, promise." Zell said hoping to reassure Seifer.

"You'd better be," Seifer said and then he cleared his throat gesturing for Irvine to get out of his seat.

"Oh right." Irvine got up and sat on the other side of the table. Seifer and Zell kissed each other quickly before he left with Squall. The two seated waved to the blade specialist as they went out the door.

"What's his deal?" Irvine asked Zell when the other two were out of sight.

"Who Seifer? Nothing, I think." Zell said not sure himself why Seifer was acting so strange.

Outside of the diner Squall went ahead of Seifer to the garden and Seifer was still standing by the diner looking in the window at Zell and Irvine. "Hm.." He turned away after another minute and started walking back to the school.

~~~~~~~

Finally alone with Zell. I stretched my legs under the table and got comfortable just reveling in his company. Talk about head over heals.

"So you and Seifer gettin' along?" I asked and he finished taking a drink before answering.

"Yeah who'da thought huh."

You're tellin' me.

"Two weeks and you're already like the perfect couple. So what's the bedroom situation like?" I asked slyly leaning forwards on the table. Just as I hoped he started blushing making his adorable face look even younger.

"Oh, you know..... its alright." He said abashedly.

"Just alright?" I said with a raised eyebrow.

"Ok its great, not that I've ever had sex before him but I imagine that's as good as it gets." He said and I shook my head mentally. 'I could show you so much more and make it so much better for ya.' I mentally proclaimed.

"So I guess you're pretty happy with things."

"Yup never felt better," He paused. "I think we're gonna last for awhile." I couldn't help but smile on the outside, I mean I really am happy for him but inside my poor heart was in pain. I just hope he's right about being happy. Not that I'd mind being the one to ease his pain if they ever did break up. I guess I'm just selfishly hopin' someday they do.