Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ TKO- Total Knock Out ❯ Chapter 24 ( Chapter 24 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Linkin Fantasy 
Non Anime: Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Action | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 05.18.2003 | Pages: 5 | Words: 6.5K | Visits: 325 | Status: Completed
Non Anime: Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Action | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 05.18.2003 | Pages: 5 | Words: 6.5K | Visits: 325 | Status: Completed
Again apologies if its hard to understand because I still don't have the microsoft works back. One more chapter to go thanks again for the comments and staying with it. I appreciate it. Especially for dealing with the legnth of the chapters and time its taking to finish but don't we all love long things??? ;o)
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Chapter 24
After leaving the gym half an hour after they've been there, Squall gave Irvine a ride back to the apartment. They were both standing outside of Squall's door kissing and eventually pulled away.
"So what are you doin' tomorrow?" Irvine asked in a whisper. "Getting ready for the championship game." Squall said and smiled seeing the expression on Irvine's face.
"Oh yeah I kinda forgot about that." Irvine said smiling. "We're gonna be in big trouble if we don't wake up early tomorrow." He added pushing himself closer to Squall to kiss him again.
"Right so we should sleep now." Squall said pushing Irvine away. "Alright alright, I probably won't see you much tomorrow until the game, so good luck." Irvine said.
"You too and don't worry nothings going to be different tomorrow, nothing changes from what I said. We're going to try the couple thing again."
"And for good I hope?" Irvine said with hope. "We'll see," Squall said but smiled afterwards and gave Irvine a kiss. "Good night."
"'Night partner." Squall turned to open his door while Irvine walked to the elevator to get to his apartment.
It was dark in Squall's apartment and he took off his jacket putting it in the closet. Then he went to Zell's room and opened the door quietly. From the light outside the window he could see Zell sprawled over the messy bed sleeping.
He went over to Zell's alarm clock and set the time for when they'd be getting up tomorrow then he left the room closing the door quietly. He went into his own room and set the clock then sat on the bed taking his boots off.
"This is going to be some fun morning." He said sighing heavily afterwards. He kicked his boots under the bed then left the room to take a shower.
.........................................
Irvine got into his apartment whistling happily to himself. He went in his room and stripped down for bed. He left the room heading for the bathroom but stopped and made a detour to Seifer's room.
It was completely dark inside the room and quiet so he assumed Seifer was asleep but was startled hearing his voice.
"Hope you had fun." The low husky voice said. "I did and I thought I told you not to wait up." Irvine said flicking up the light switch. Seifer was in the bed lying on his back uncovered with his hands behind his head.
"I wasn't waiting up I couldn't sleep." He said as Irvine made his way over to him. Irvine sat at the edge of the bed and looked at the blonde. "Why couldn't you sleep?" He asked quietly his voice surprisingly calm and gentle.
When Seifer looked away instead of answering it suddenly hit Irvine and he grinned widely. "Let me guess you're little playmate on your mind. Is he finally gettin' to ya?" Seifer sat up and hit Irvine with the pillow.
"Its not funny," Seifer said but Irvine was lightly chuckling anyway. "How am I supposed to concentrate tomorrow with this shit on my mind?" Seifer asked lying back against the headboard. Irvine stopped laughing and got himself back to serious.
"Its not so bad, I had the same problem myself." Irvine said. "What do you mean you had the same problem?" "You know me and Squall have been havin' our issues, well its been plaguin' my mind and I couldn't really concentrate on you and the game." He paused to make sure Seifer was still listening.
"So I fixed it."
"How?"
"Lets just say we had a little talk and came to an understanding." Irvine said "Now everything's better and my mind is at ease."
"Well hurray for you, how the hell is that supposed to help me?"
Irvine picked up the pillow Seifer hit him with and hit Seifer with it. "Moron, just do what I did. Talk to the kid make things better, put your mind at ease."
"How, he wants us to-to be together or something." "And what do you want from him?" Irvine asked his voice getting back to its calm and gentle tone. Seifer put his head down. "I don't know."
Irivne sighed and stood up handing the pillow back to Seifer. "Well I wish I could help you but don't stay up all night tryin' to figure it out. Get some sleep and wait till tomorrow. Maybe it'll all work out then."
"Yeah thanks." Seifer mumbled while Irvine walked out of the room. "No problem, goodnight." He turned out the light then closed the door.
Seifer sighed loudly into the darkness and dropped his head into his hands.
* * *
It was the night of the championship game the arena was in an uproar with screaming fans. Reporters roamed around with camera men and photographers. The announcer had already given the names of the nights match ups and the game was already underway.
Seifer and Zell entered the ring standing in front of each other quietly staring as the ref talked. This was the night they'd both been waiting for and neither thought it'd be this hard having to face the other.
"Alright, those are the rules understand?" The ref asked them both neither could manage words at the moment so they just nodded. "Alright then lets get it on!" The ref said getting out of their way. The two banged their gloves together and then seperated to their corners.
"Don't be scared Zell his size has nothing to do with anything, not tonight it doesn't. You're the better fighter so go out there and give it all you've got." Squall patted Zell's back and put the mouth guard in. Zell worked out the cricks in his neck and shoulders before going out into the ring where Seifer was waiting.
Ding Ding
As soon as the bell sounded the two started bouncing around each other caustiously waiting for the other to attack.
"Come on Seifer easy out, lets go!" Irvine shouted from the coaches corner.
Seifer and Zell stared at each other with their game faces on as they circled each other.
"Sorry kid." Seifer said and for a minute Zell was confused and didn't even see the glove coming at him. The crowd got louder and Zell heard Squall swear from where he stood.
"One, two....." The crowd was shouting with every hit Seifer made on Zell. The last thing Zell remembered was seeing Seifer mouth sorry and hearing the crowd yell "Three!!!!" Before the glove hit him square in the face and he was down. The ref ran over and did the count. "He's out!" The ref called and the bell rang again to end the match...............
Zell could still hear the ringing sound in his ears as he lied there and when he opened his eyes he saw that he was in his room.
"What the-" He rubbed his eyes then looked at where the ringing noise was coming from, it was his alarm clock. "Oh thank Hyne it was just a dream or nightmare." He sighed of relief and turned the alarm off then dropped back down to the bed. He closed his eyes getting comfortable, ready to go back to sleep then he suddenly snapped back up.
"Oh shit its Friday!" He threw the blanket off and jumped out of the bed running to the bathroom. He went so fast when he turned into the bathroom he slipped on the small rug in front of the door and fell on his ass. "Ow, rrr if this is gonna be one of those days screw the game I'll go home now." He got himself up off the floor and fixed the rug.
Hearing all the noise Squall opened his eyes slowly and lied there. When he became more conscious he heard his alarm and reached over to turn it off. "Fuck." He grumbled and slowly got out of the bed. Staggered out of the room he heard the shower water running and knocked on the door then called through it. "Don't take forever!" "I won't!" Zell said back then opened the door looking out. "I'm not even in yet." He said and laughed then went back in the bathroom closing the door before Squall could say or do anything.
"Who the hell has that much energy this early." He mumbled to himself going to the kitchen.
...........................................
Irvi ne and Seifer were both up and about getting ready for the day. Irvine was in the bathroom dressing from his shower and Seifer was pouring orange juice while the eggs cooked. Irvine came out of the bathroom and joined him in the kitchen then stood in front of Seifer giving him an angry glare.
"What?" Seifer asked putting the glasses on the kitchen table. "How many fuckin' times do I tell you not to use all the hot water?" Irvine said. "Well when I win tonight we can get a bigger place with two bathrooms and we won't have that problem." Seifer went over to the eggs and turned them off, while Irvine got plates for them.
"If you win you mean." Irvine said setting the plates down. "If?" Seifer looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah these other guys are pretty tough. Including that cute little blonde." Irvine said with a wink and grin.
Seifer frowned and started putting the food on the plates then they both sat down to eat.
"Speaking of the kid did, you uh figure out how to solve your little problem?" Irvine asked. "No."
"No, well I hope you can get that head of yours cleaned out before tonight. No chances Seifer you keep your head in and on the game come fight time." Irvine warned. "I will." Seifer said sounding a little down about it. Irvine gave him a worried glance but Seifer had his head down and didn't notice.
* * *
Training for both competitors had begun for the day. Irvine and Squall made sure to check with each other first to see who'd be using the gym at what time. This time Irvine decided to use the arena and let Squall have the gym.
He and Seifer were in the ring sparring with each other. Irvine had on the punching mits while Seifer wore his gloves attacking them.
"That's it come on!" Irvine yelled coaching his pupil on. Seifer hit harder and Irvine kept blocking holding up the mits. He smiled in satisfaction at how well Seifer was doing.
At the gym Squall and Zell were pretty much doing the same thing, sparring with each other, only Squall was the attacker and Zell worked on his defense. Both wearing their gloves and practicing on the matts.
Zell was doing a great job blocking Squall's punches and throwing his own back. "That's good, keep it up." Squall said and they bounced around the matts fighting each other for awhile.
..................................
Irvine and Seifer had finished their work out at the arena and switched to the gym now. Seifer was hitting the smaller punching bag that hung from a tall pole. Wearing just the hand tape now. Irvine watched closely still coaching him on.
Zell and Squall were still in the gym as well but working on the weight machines. Zell was on the bench press the same one he and Seifer were at the night the pictures were taken. Squall roamed around him watching and adding more weight if he thought Zell could take it.
.................................
Zell and Squall were at the arena now and Zell was jumping rope rapidly.
Seifer was on the machines now using the arm press while Irvine watched and added more weight to build up his arm stregnth.
...............................
Squall and Zell were still at the arena on the floor. Squall had told Zell to start his push ups and he did. Using both arms at first then moving to one behind his back.
Meanwhile at the gym Irvine had Seifer doing the same thing but with both hands. He walked around him yelling sarcastic comments but jokingly, pressing him on. Then Irvine carefully sat on Seifer's back adding more weight and laughing. Seifer struggled a little to lift himself and Irvine so he stood up tossing Irvine off. They both laughed.
............................
Zell and Squall were jogging through Deling City as the afternoon rolled along. They were getting encouraging words from the people on the streets. Every now and then Zell would wave at them and smile.
Seifer and Irvine were also out jogging but in a more desolate area to be alone. They were running up to the cliff at the end of the town- where Seifer had taken Zell that night they went celebrating. The two ran to the cliffs edge and stopped catching their breath.
"I think you're ready kid." Irvine said after getting his breath. He smiled and patted Seifer on the back then pulled him into a hug. "Come on lets go rest awhile, get somethin' to eat." Irvine said. "Yeah sure." The two walked off back to the city.
...............................
Squall and Zell had finished their run and ended it at Laguna's bar. When they went inside everyone applauded them. Zell lit up inside at the acknowledgement and raised his arms to them. They made their way to the bar.
"Well if it isn't our possible new champ." Laguna said when they sat down. "Yeah hopefully." Squall said. "So what'll it be? Drinks are on the house." "Cool." Zell said about to order but Squall stopped him. "Not for you, no chances tonight." Squall warned him and Laguna laughed.
"Well then how about a soda." Laguna suggested "Yeah sure." They ordered their drinks. "So are you guys ready for tonight?" Laguna asked bringing them the drinks. "Dude I was ready yesterday." Zell said opening his soda. "That's good, cause you've got tough competition."
'Yeah I do.' Zell thought 'And I hope I am as ready as I feel. I just wanna make Ma proud and Squall and everyone back home......... and maybe even Seifer.' The sudden thought of Seifer made Zell a little depressed because he hadn't seen him for awhile and they still had some talking to do as far as he was concerned.
"Zell are you hungry?" Squall asked bringing Zell out of his thoughts. "Uh yeah but I think I'll eat at home. I'm kinda tired." He said and Squall nodded. "You should get some rest then." Squall said getting up. "Oh no its ok, I'll take the bus back you stay here." Zell said stopping Squall where he was. "Okay, well becareful then."
Zell nodded and left the bar leaving Squall and Laguna to talk.
....................................
After heading home and resting Seifer and Irvine decided to take a stop by Laguna's before the match that night. On the drive there they saw Zell walk by, it looked like he was heading for the bus stop.
"Hey ain't that?" Irvine started to ask but Seifer cut him off responding. "Yeah it is." "Wonder where he's goin'?" Irvine turned his head back to the front. "Maybe you should go talk to him now, there's plenty of time ya know."
It seemed like Seifer was thinking about it but he never responded. Instead he parked the car a few feet away from Laguna's. "What?" Irvine asked. "Get out." Seifer said stating the obvious to him. "Oh I get it. You're gonna make me walk all that way just so you can go chase after your boy toy instead of driving a few more feet to park in front of the door." Irvine said. Seifer wanted to say something smart back but Zell was already on the bus and he needed to follow it.
"Yeah now get out." He said. "Alright alright." Irvine got out of the car smiling the whole time. He turned to say something but Seifer had already sped off. Irvine stood there and sighed. "Young love." He chuckled lowly to himself and made the short walk to the bar.
"Ya'll can all relax Irvine has arrived." He said entering the bar. The people cheered for him and clapped. "Thank you thank you. I'd better see all your drunken ass's at the game tonight." Irvine said and then he spotted Squall at the bar and ignored the peoples remarks back.
"Hey darlin'." He said sitting beside Squall he kissed him on the cheek. "Darlin?" Laguna said smiling. "Does that mean you two are together?" He asked waving a rag at the both of them.
"Sure does and I couldn'ta done it without you." Irvine said and Squall looked at him. "You needed advice?" He asked. "No I coulda got you back on my own. We were just talkin' and Laguna hear sparked an inspiration." Irvine explained getting odd looks from both of the other men.
"Yeah well anyway where's Seifer?" Laguna asked. "Oh he uh had some workin' out left to do before tonight. Ya know Seifer always gotta be on top of everything heh heh." Irvine explained laughing afterwards knowing what he really meant.
............................................
Zell got off the bus and walked himself into the arena. He still had a good hour and a half before they'd start prepping the place for the matches that night. He went inside the darkened arena and walked over to the ring. Making sure he was alone he climbed in the ring and stood in the center of it.
"This is it Dincht we made it and there's no turning back now." He said to himself and closed his eyes imagining the crowd around him filling all the seats and more than half of the arena. He could hear the shouts and cheers, chants to favorite competitiors. The anouncer talking over the mic, the ref prepping the boxers. He could smell food that would be sold in one of the rooms adjoining the boxing arena. He could feel the rush of excitement and energy running throughout the place and he took a deep breath taking it all in.
Just arriving Seifer parked the car outside of the arena and sat inside before actually going in.
"Alright what exactly do I plan on accomplishing going in there?" He asked himself. He sat there quietly thinking about it and came up with nothing. "........Oh well go on impulse as usual." He got out of the car and went inside the arena.
The place was completely empty except for Zell who was inside somewhere. Seifer went in further and scanned the place for the little blonde. He walked around and headed for the ring seeing a figure in it. Sure enough Zell was there lying in the center of the ring. Seifer grinned to himself in confusion and advanced into the ring quietly.
He walked over to Zell's still lying body and crouched over it leaning down close to Zell's face.
"What are you doing?" He asked Zell with a hint of a laugh. Zell's eyes flew open and he jumped up almost popping Seifer in the head with his own. "Seifer! What are you doing here?" Zell slid himself out from under Seifer and stood up, Seifer stood with him.
"I think I asked you something first." Seifer said. "Oh right. Well I was doing an exercise ya know getting familiar with the ring. It's supposed to make fighting in it easier." Zell explained nervously. "Oh, well I just came to....... mentally prep myself for tonight, kinda like you I guess." Seifer said thinking up a quick lie.
"Oh, well I could leave if you want." Zell said heading for the ropes to get out of the ring. "No." Seifer said quickly before Zell left. "Uh you don't have to." Zell turned around. "Okay."
The two of them stood there uncomfortably quiet for minutes not sure what to say. Until they both spoke up simultaneously. "Look."
"Look I didn't really come here for mental preping, well in a way- a different way, I did." Seifer said speaking again first. Zell swallowed hard waiting to hear what Seifer would say. 'Don't get too excited yet, this could be bad.' He told himself. "So..... why did you come?" Zell asked.
"I've been thinking and its been clogging my mind for weeks, what I said to you that day at the clinic."
Zell bit down on his tongue anticipating the explination.
"And it wasn't right what I said and how I said it and when I said it."
Zell nodded.
"So I'm sorry." Seifer said.
Zell fell to the floor inside his mind but remained standing in reality. "Its ok really. Apology accepted." He said and started to leave the ring again but Seifer caught his arm. "Wait that's not all I wanted to say." Zell turned back to him regaining his hope. Seifer dropped Zell's arm and rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know what it is exactly that you want from me but-"
"I wanna be with you." Zell blurted out interupting. "There's nothing else to say that's it." Zell finished. "What do you want?" He asked.
Seifer sighed and crossed his arms. "I don't know but- like I was gonna say- while I'm trying to figure it out you might as well keep me company."
"So what does that mean?" Zell asked. "It means," Seifer said moving closer to him. "I want us to be friends first then we'll see."
He could see Zell's quick disapointment with what he'd said and he put an arm around him. "Look whatever happens in the game tonight happens, just like it'll be with you and me. No predictions no expectations."
Zell nodded in understanding. 'Right, what was I thinking? If he wants to be with me he will if he doesn't I'll just have to live with it. Its not like he said there was no hope. I'll just keep waiting then.' He thought and turned to Seifer saying. "Okay, friends then." He tried his hardest to make an honest smile. Seifer smiled back at him but his was just as forced as Zell's.
'Yeah spontanious was the way to go- wrong anyway. I should of waited and thought about it more.' He sighed mentally and figured it was too late to change his mind now.
"Well good luck tonight." He said to Zell. "Yeah you too." Zell replied and they stared at each other a moment, knowing they should probably leave but neither of them could get themselves to move.
They slowly started leaning in closer to each other until their lips met. It was just a touch at first as their mouths lingered together. It was Seifer who made the first move that started the kiss. It was slow and drawn out, both of them getting reaquainted with the others mouth. Then Zell put his hands on Seifer's waist and Seifer grabbed the sides of Zell's face with his hands.
They deepened the kiss adding their tongues to the mixture. There was more ugrency in the way they kissed now. Neither of them sure why it was lasting so long but neither wanted it to stop. Seifer started backing Zell up towards one of the corners of the ring and they stopped when Zell's back hit the pole in the corner. Seifer pressed himself against the smaller body and started trailing kisses down Zell's neck, then he retraced his way back up stopping near Zell's ear.
"Can I have you again," He asked in a low husky whisper. Zell nodded already lost in the sensation of heat building between them. They kissed again in that same heated passion that Zell felt in his body. Seifer put his hands down between then and pulled down Zell's pants. Zell moaned into Seifer's mouth when he felt warm hands on his even hotter erection. Seifer moved his hands from Zell's cock and around to his back sliding the pants further down, then he turned the boy around.
Zell put his hands on the top rope off to each side of the pole bracing himself for what he'd been waiting for. Seifer undid his jeans and took out his cock getting himself in position behind Zell. Because neither of them had planned this and there was no lube he took his time slowly going in the tight space.
Zell tensed at the first push but relaxed again when Seifer started nibbling at the back of his ear. When Seifer was fully inside he didn't waist anytime pulling out and thrusting back in. Zell rested his forehead on top of the pole and let out a breathy sigh. Seifer held Zell's hips that were pushing backwards into him. They started a steady rhythm together but not too slow because in the back of their minds they knew this couldn't last. The game was only hours away.
...............................................
Irv ine and Squall were out together at a shop in town. Irvine had something he needed to pick up so they went back to the apartment for Squall's car and he drove him to the shop.
"That's the one, its perfect." Irvine said. "You're something else," Squall said to him. "How long have you been planning this?" He then asked. "Awhile now actually, saving up for it everyday." Irvine said.
"Its all yours sir." The shop owner said taking Irvine's money. "We'll have it delivered to your place by tomorrow afternoon." The man continued. "Thank ya kindly. Come on, lets go see if our boys are back yet." Irvine said and they both walked out of the shop.
............................................
After Seifer and Zell had fixed themselves up in the arena bathroom Seifer offered to give Zell a ride back to the apartment. The drive was pretty quiet besides the music from the radio.
They arrived there before Irvine and Squall. After the car was in the garage they both sat inside quietly.
"I meant what I said back there........ about us." Seifer said not looking at Zell. "Whatever happens happens." Zell nodded again this time with a hint of a real smile on his face. After another few seconds Zell opened his door and got out, Seifer followed a second later. They went to the door that lead into the building and took the elevator to their floors.
* * *
Minutes later Squall and Irvine got back to the apartment and seperated, it was time to get ready for the matches tonight.
Squall went inside and found Zell in his room lying on his back on the bed. "Come on get up we've gotta get ready to go." He said and Zell sat himself up. Squall eyed him suspiciously something was off about Zell to him. "So did you get enough rest?" Squall asked.
"Uh...... well not really, guess I wasn't as tired as I thought." Zell said trying not to sound suspicious. "Oh," Squall replied and he stood in front of Zell looking at him closely. Zell just smiled forcefully wondering what Squall was doing.
"You were with Seifer weren't you?" Squall finally asked after a brief silence. "Alright you caught me, I never came back here. I was at the arena and he showed up." Zell said sounding happier about that than he should have.
"You slept with him again didn't you?" Squall asked. Zell didn't say anything back. "You did. Gods Zell, I thought we talked about this." "I know but it was different this time." Zell said. "How?" Squall asked irritably standing in front of him with his arms crossed.
"Well for one he wasn't drunk this time," Zell stated and Squall sighed with annoyance. "And and it was his idea. We talked and things are gonna be fine now with us. He said so."
"Fine if it makes you happy. But promise me Zell you won't let him interfere with your concentration tonight. All thoughts of Seifer leave your head at the door got it?" Squall said authoritively. "Yes sir." Zell said standing and saluting. "You'd better make sure of it, now get your stuff and lets go." Squall said leaving the room. Zell just smiled behind him.
................................................
Irv ine got into his apartment and found Seifer waiting on the couch and looked like he was deep in thought.
"Uh oh should I be worried or glad that you're thinkin' so hard?" Irvine asked jokingly. "Ha ha, where the hell have you been?" Seifer asked. "Oh like you were here the whole time. I had somethin' to take care of. So how'd it go with the little blonde beauty?" Irvine said and he beckoned for Seifer to follow him into his room.
"I don't know, we talked and one thing lead to another." Seifer started and he sat on Irvine's bed while Irvine went into the closet.
"Alright but did you solve anything?" Irvine pulled out an outfit for himself and held it up against himself turning towards Seifer. Seifer shook his head to the outfit and Irvine put it back.
"Yeah I guess so." Seifer answered. "You guess so. Well whatever you do don't let anything clog your mind tonight. I mean it. I at least want you to be one of the last two competing." Irvine pulled out another outfit and got an approval.
"I'll be at the top of my game, I promise." Seifer said standing and the two walked to his room to find him something to wear.
"Now we need something casual for the night not too flashy or anything." Irvine said. He started digging through Seifer's closet. After finding just the right thing to wear they changed and headed for the arena.
* * *
The arena was in an uproar that night and packed from wall to wall. People filled the seats and the isles, there were even some lined against the walls. Lights flashed all over the place, music played in the background of screaming fans and watchers yelling and cheering. The smell of food from venders traveled through the air. It was just like Zell had imagined.
He and Squall walked into the arena and made their way to the competitors room. The ref, anouncer and other two competitors were inside waiting. They were greeted by the ref and anouncer as they entered.
"Zell Dincht right?" The ref asked. "Yeah that's me." Zell answered. "Alright we're missing one more. When they show then we can get this thing started."
The ref walked away from them leaving an open space for reporters to get to them. "So what are your thoughts on the turn out tonight?" A male reporter asked Zell, while a camera man started taking pictures and another filmed. "Its sick ya know. This is the biggest crowd I've ever seen my whole life." Zell answered and like a true star he smiled and waved to the camera.
"So is it a little unnerving for you with the huge crowd, this being the championship game and you're still pretty much the new guy to the scene?" The reporter asked. "I'm not gonna say I'm not nervous but its really just making the anticipation greater, the crowds energy and all." Zell said.
"So are you ready to go up against these guys?"
"I'm ready baby!" Zell said right into the camera. The reporter patted him on the back and thanked them for their time then he moved on to a different competitor.
"Well look at the big television star." Squall was saying. "Yeah I was a natural." Zell laughed.
Outside of the arena Seifer and Irvine were being hounded by other reporters and the crowd that didn't get in to the arena. "We love you Seifer!!!" "Seifer is the drug matter completely over?" "Do you plan to win tonight?" "Can I have an autograph?" Reporters and fans shouted at them.
"Sorry folks no questions or interviews until after the game." Irvine said pushing him and Seifer through the people to get inside. Once inside and spotted, more cheers and shouts went up from the crowd. People on the side walls reached out for quick touches or handshakes, holding out things to be signed. Usually the two would stop and give the fans what they wanted but tonight was too important.
They made their way to the competitors room joining the others. The ref and anouncer greeted them followed by the reporter and his camera men.
"So Seifer are you ready for tonight?" The reporter asked. "Always." He answered. "Great and we're ready to see you guys work." "Alright lets get this show on the road." The ref said after a brief talk with the anouncer about who the first competitors were. The anouncer and reporter went out into the arena and took their places.
"So you guys ready to get your asses beat?" Irvine asked all the other competitors and laughed. "Lets not get too cocky." Squall said to him. "You're just worried that I'm right. Like the get up?" Irvine asked.
He was wearing his black cowboy hat, a red sleeveless see through shirt, red leather pants and black boots. Seifer was wearing a black sleeveless shirt, black leather pants that had flames rising up the sides of his legs and black combat boots. They were both hot like fire to the two looking them over.
"You look fine but this isn't a beauty pagent." Squall said seriously but as a joke.
'Gods he looks hot.' Zell thought, but his staring was interrupted when they heard the anouncer speaking out in the arena.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen this is it, the final four battles to determine the Boxing League World Champion!!!" The crowd applauded and continued there shouts anticipating the first match of the night.
"Looks like this is it." Squall said to Zell fixing his gloves properly. "Don't let the nervousness control you, just do your best. We're proud of you no matter what." He kept talking then patted Zell when he was done. Everyone inside was getting ready to hear the names called for the first match.
"Alright ladies and gentlement in this corner on the left we have a well known competitor to Deling City, he fought his way to the championship game and here he is tonight........... Ricky Rrrrodrigueeeeeez!!!" The crowd cheered for the first competitor of the night as he and his coach made their way out to the ring, a mexican song played in the background.
"In this corner on the right a man who needs no introduction Deling City's own Seifeeeer Alllllmasy!!!!!" The roar of the crowd went up again even louder. "Alright partner lets take him out easy." Irvine said and the two made their way out to the ring. The song in the back ground was once again 'Number One' by Nelly.
Seifer got in the ring joining the ref and other competitor in the center of the ring.
"Alright I want a clean fight, nothin' below the belt. Ready?" The ref asked and the two nodded doing the traditional glove touch then returned to their corners.
"And fight!!!" The ref called and the bell was hit for the match to begin.........
The match ended quickly like most of Seifer's matches. He came out of it with only a few bruises. Now it was Zell's turn to fight the next opponent.
He was fired up and ready to go with the encouragement of the crowd. After the bell sounded for the fight to begin the two competitors bounced around each other waiting to see who'd make the first move. Zell saw Seifer out of the side of his eye, cleaning himself up.
'If I beat this guy that means me and Seifer would be the only ones left and we'd have to fight against each other.' Zell thought. 'Gods why didn't I think about this sooner?'
"Come on Zell fight!" He heard Squall say and snapped out of it getting back into the game just in time too, to avoid a direct hit in the face. His competitor was 5'8 and thin so Zell figured this shouldn't be too hard. After dodging the hit he swung back hard with a right hook catching the guys jaw hard. So hard infact there was a snapping sound.
"Oooh!!" Gasp and shouts from the crowd were heard and the other guys coach was forcing him on to fight.
"Now that's a fuckin' punch." Irvine said to Seifer from where they stood watching. 'Yeah and if he wins this one we'll have to fight, just fucking great.' Seifer sighed and crossed his arms and watched the rest of the fight.
Zell was in defense as the other guy came at him furiously with quick punches. He blocked almost everyone taking a few hits to the chest and face.
"Just get out of it!" Squall yelled from the sideline. Zell heard him and tried to find a way out of defense so he'd be the one attacking. He saw Squall signaling him to go right when the guy punched left since that's all he seemed to be doing. When the oppurtunity came Zell moved to the right making the guys left punch hit air and Zell moved behind him throwing a punch at him from behind. The guy stumbled forwards and Zell got in front of him again and started pummeling the guy.
The crowd cheered louder and actually started chanting his name.
"Zell Zell Zell Zell.........!!" It was just like back home. He took all that energy from the crowd to deliver his final blow. He pulled back and thrust his right arm forwards as hard as he could hitting the guy square in the nose and knocking him backwards, he swayed and Zell hit him again quickly before he could recover sending him to the ground.
The ref ran over quickly for the count everyone waited seeing if the guy could bring himself back up.
"..7....6....5" The opponent was still twitching ".......4..3.....2......1 he's out." The ref said hitting the floor of the ring with his hand then he went over to anounce Zell as the winner.
The crowd cheered as his hand was lifted claiming victory over the match. Zell started climbing out of the ring to where Squall was waiting and he gave him his towel.
"You did great. You made it, you really made it, just one more fight to go now." Squall said while Zell dried himself off.
"Yeah one more fight." Zell said quietly looking over to where Seifer was standing, Seifer was staring at him too because they both knew who would be in the final fight, the final match to decide who'd be the world boxing champion..........
To Be Continued
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Its not really to be continued I just wanted to make you all wait for the final chapter which is already in the works. Oh the suspense -Linkin ;o)
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Chapter 24
After leaving the gym half an hour after they've been there, Squall gave Irvine a ride back to the apartment. They were both standing outside of Squall's door kissing and eventually pulled away.
"So what are you doin' tomorrow?" Irvine asked in a whisper. "Getting ready for the championship game." Squall said and smiled seeing the expression on Irvine's face.
"Oh yeah I kinda forgot about that." Irvine said smiling. "We're gonna be in big trouble if we don't wake up early tomorrow." He added pushing himself closer to Squall to kiss him again.
"Right so we should sleep now." Squall said pushing Irvine away. "Alright alright, I probably won't see you much tomorrow until the game, so good luck." Irvine said.
"You too and don't worry nothings going to be different tomorrow, nothing changes from what I said. We're going to try the couple thing again."
"And for good I hope?" Irvine said with hope. "We'll see," Squall said but smiled afterwards and gave Irvine a kiss. "Good night."
"'Night partner." Squall turned to open his door while Irvine walked to the elevator to get to his apartment.
It was dark in Squall's apartment and he took off his jacket putting it in the closet. Then he went to Zell's room and opened the door quietly. From the light outside the window he could see Zell sprawled over the messy bed sleeping.
He went over to Zell's alarm clock and set the time for when they'd be getting up tomorrow then he left the room closing the door quietly. He went into his own room and set the clock then sat on the bed taking his boots off.
"This is going to be some fun morning." He said sighing heavily afterwards. He kicked his boots under the bed then left the room to take a shower.
.........................................
Irvine got into his apartment whistling happily to himself. He went in his room and stripped down for bed. He left the room heading for the bathroom but stopped and made a detour to Seifer's room.
It was completely dark inside the room and quiet so he assumed Seifer was asleep but was startled hearing his voice.
"Hope you had fun." The low husky voice said. "I did and I thought I told you not to wait up." Irvine said flicking up the light switch. Seifer was in the bed lying on his back uncovered with his hands behind his head.
"I wasn't waiting up I couldn't sleep." He said as Irvine made his way over to him. Irvine sat at the edge of the bed and looked at the blonde. "Why couldn't you sleep?" He asked quietly his voice surprisingly calm and gentle.
When Seifer looked away instead of answering it suddenly hit Irvine and he grinned widely. "Let me guess you're little playmate on your mind. Is he finally gettin' to ya?" Seifer sat up and hit Irvine with the pillow.
"Its not funny," Seifer said but Irvine was lightly chuckling anyway. "How am I supposed to concentrate tomorrow with this shit on my mind?" Seifer asked lying back against the headboard. Irvine stopped laughing and got himself back to serious.
"Its not so bad, I had the same problem myself." Irvine said. "What do you mean you had the same problem?" "You know me and Squall have been havin' our issues, well its been plaguin' my mind and I couldn't really concentrate on you and the game." He paused to make sure Seifer was still listening.
"So I fixed it."
"How?"
"Lets just say we had a little talk and came to an understanding." Irvine said "Now everything's better and my mind is at ease."
"Well hurray for you, how the hell is that supposed to help me?"
Irvine picked up the pillow Seifer hit him with and hit Seifer with it. "Moron, just do what I did. Talk to the kid make things better, put your mind at ease."
"How, he wants us to-to be together or something." "And what do you want from him?" Irvine asked his voice getting back to its calm and gentle tone. Seifer put his head down. "I don't know."
Irivne sighed and stood up handing the pillow back to Seifer. "Well I wish I could help you but don't stay up all night tryin' to figure it out. Get some sleep and wait till tomorrow. Maybe it'll all work out then."
"Yeah thanks." Seifer mumbled while Irvine walked out of the room. "No problem, goodnight." He turned out the light then closed the door.
Seifer sighed loudly into the darkness and dropped his head into his hands.
* * *
It was the night of the championship game the arena was in an uproar with screaming fans. Reporters roamed around with camera men and photographers. The announcer had already given the names of the nights match ups and the game was already underway.
Seifer and Zell entered the ring standing in front of each other quietly staring as the ref talked. This was the night they'd both been waiting for and neither thought it'd be this hard having to face the other.
"Alright, those are the rules understand?" The ref asked them both neither could manage words at the moment so they just nodded. "Alright then lets get it on!" The ref said getting out of their way. The two banged their gloves together and then seperated to their corners.
"Don't be scared Zell his size has nothing to do with anything, not tonight it doesn't. You're the better fighter so go out there and give it all you've got." Squall patted Zell's back and put the mouth guard in. Zell worked out the cricks in his neck and shoulders before going out into the ring where Seifer was waiting.
Ding Ding
As soon as the bell sounded the two started bouncing around each other caustiously waiting for the other to attack.
"Come on Seifer easy out, lets go!" Irvine shouted from the coaches corner.
Seifer and Zell stared at each other with their game faces on as they circled each other.
"Sorry kid." Seifer said and for a minute Zell was confused and didn't even see the glove coming at him. The crowd got louder and Zell heard Squall swear from where he stood.
"One, two....." The crowd was shouting with every hit Seifer made on Zell. The last thing Zell remembered was seeing Seifer mouth sorry and hearing the crowd yell "Three!!!!" Before the glove hit him square in the face and he was down. The ref ran over and did the count. "He's out!" The ref called and the bell rang again to end the match...............
Zell could still hear the ringing sound in his ears as he lied there and when he opened his eyes he saw that he was in his room.
"What the-" He rubbed his eyes then looked at where the ringing noise was coming from, it was his alarm clock. "Oh thank Hyne it was just a dream or nightmare." He sighed of relief and turned the alarm off then dropped back down to the bed. He closed his eyes getting comfortable, ready to go back to sleep then he suddenly snapped back up.
"Oh shit its Friday!" He threw the blanket off and jumped out of the bed running to the bathroom. He went so fast when he turned into the bathroom he slipped on the small rug in front of the door and fell on his ass. "Ow, rrr if this is gonna be one of those days screw the game I'll go home now." He got himself up off the floor and fixed the rug.
Hearing all the noise Squall opened his eyes slowly and lied there. When he became more conscious he heard his alarm and reached over to turn it off. "Fuck." He grumbled and slowly got out of the bed. Staggered out of the room he heard the shower water running and knocked on the door then called through it. "Don't take forever!" "I won't!" Zell said back then opened the door looking out. "I'm not even in yet." He said and laughed then went back in the bathroom closing the door before Squall could say or do anything.
"Who the hell has that much energy this early." He mumbled to himself going to the kitchen.
...........................................
Irvi ne and Seifer were both up and about getting ready for the day. Irvine was in the bathroom dressing from his shower and Seifer was pouring orange juice while the eggs cooked. Irvine came out of the bathroom and joined him in the kitchen then stood in front of Seifer giving him an angry glare.
"What?" Seifer asked putting the glasses on the kitchen table. "How many fuckin' times do I tell you not to use all the hot water?" Irvine said. "Well when I win tonight we can get a bigger place with two bathrooms and we won't have that problem." Seifer went over to the eggs and turned them off, while Irvine got plates for them.
"If you win you mean." Irvine said setting the plates down. "If?" Seifer looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah these other guys are pretty tough. Including that cute little blonde." Irvine said with a wink and grin.
Seifer frowned and started putting the food on the plates then they both sat down to eat.
"Speaking of the kid did, you uh figure out how to solve your little problem?" Irvine asked. "No."
"No, well I hope you can get that head of yours cleaned out before tonight. No chances Seifer you keep your head in and on the game come fight time." Irvine warned. "I will." Seifer said sounding a little down about it. Irvine gave him a worried glance but Seifer had his head down and didn't notice.
* * *
Training for both competitors had begun for the day. Irvine and Squall made sure to check with each other first to see who'd be using the gym at what time. This time Irvine decided to use the arena and let Squall have the gym.
He and Seifer were in the ring sparring with each other. Irvine had on the punching mits while Seifer wore his gloves attacking them.
"That's it come on!" Irvine yelled coaching his pupil on. Seifer hit harder and Irvine kept blocking holding up the mits. He smiled in satisfaction at how well Seifer was doing.
At the gym Squall and Zell were pretty much doing the same thing, sparring with each other, only Squall was the attacker and Zell worked on his defense. Both wearing their gloves and practicing on the matts.
Zell was doing a great job blocking Squall's punches and throwing his own back. "That's good, keep it up." Squall said and they bounced around the matts fighting each other for awhile.
..................................
Irvine and Seifer had finished their work out at the arena and switched to the gym now. Seifer was hitting the smaller punching bag that hung from a tall pole. Wearing just the hand tape now. Irvine watched closely still coaching him on.
Zell and Squall were still in the gym as well but working on the weight machines. Zell was on the bench press the same one he and Seifer were at the night the pictures were taken. Squall roamed around him watching and adding more weight if he thought Zell could take it.
.................................
Zell and Squall were at the arena now and Zell was jumping rope rapidly.
Seifer was on the machines now using the arm press while Irvine watched and added more weight to build up his arm stregnth.
...............................
Squall and Zell were still at the arena on the floor. Squall had told Zell to start his push ups and he did. Using both arms at first then moving to one behind his back.
Meanwhile at the gym Irvine had Seifer doing the same thing but with both hands. He walked around him yelling sarcastic comments but jokingly, pressing him on. Then Irvine carefully sat on Seifer's back adding more weight and laughing. Seifer struggled a little to lift himself and Irvine so he stood up tossing Irvine off. They both laughed.
............................
Zell and Squall were jogging through Deling City as the afternoon rolled along. They were getting encouraging words from the people on the streets. Every now and then Zell would wave at them and smile.
Seifer and Irvine were also out jogging but in a more desolate area to be alone. They were running up to the cliff at the end of the town- where Seifer had taken Zell that night they went celebrating. The two ran to the cliffs edge and stopped catching their breath.
"I think you're ready kid." Irvine said after getting his breath. He smiled and patted Seifer on the back then pulled him into a hug. "Come on lets go rest awhile, get somethin' to eat." Irvine said. "Yeah sure." The two walked off back to the city.
...............................
Squall and Zell had finished their run and ended it at Laguna's bar. When they went inside everyone applauded them. Zell lit up inside at the acknowledgement and raised his arms to them. They made their way to the bar.
"Well if it isn't our possible new champ." Laguna said when they sat down. "Yeah hopefully." Squall said. "So what'll it be? Drinks are on the house." "Cool." Zell said about to order but Squall stopped him. "Not for you, no chances tonight." Squall warned him and Laguna laughed.
"Well then how about a soda." Laguna suggested "Yeah sure." They ordered their drinks. "So are you guys ready for tonight?" Laguna asked bringing them the drinks. "Dude I was ready yesterday." Zell said opening his soda. "That's good, cause you've got tough competition."
'Yeah I do.' Zell thought 'And I hope I am as ready as I feel. I just wanna make Ma proud and Squall and everyone back home......... and maybe even Seifer.' The sudden thought of Seifer made Zell a little depressed because he hadn't seen him for awhile and they still had some talking to do as far as he was concerned.
"Zell are you hungry?" Squall asked bringing Zell out of his thoughts. "Uh yeah but I think I'll eat at home. I'm kinda tired." He said and Squall nodded. "You should get some rest then." Squall said getting up. "Oh no its ok, I'll take the bus back you stay here." Zell said stopping Squall where he was. "Okay, well becareful then."
Zell nodded and left the bar leaving Squall and Laguna to talk.
....................................
After heading home and resting Seifer and Irvine decided to take a stop by Laguna's before the match that night. On the drive there they saw Zell walk by, it looked like he was heading for the bus stop.
"Hey ain't that?" Irvine started to ask but Seifer cut him off responding. "Yeah it is." "Wonder where he's goin'?" Irvine turned his head back to the front. "Maybe you should go talk to him now, there's plenty of time ya know."
It seemed like Seifer was thinking about it but he never responded. Instead he parked the car a few feet away from Laguna's. "What?" Irvine asked. "Get out." Seifer said stating the obvious to him. "Oh I get it. You're gonna make me walk all that way just so you can go chase after your boy toy instead of driving a few more feet to park in front of the door." Irvine said. Seifer wanted to say something smart back but Zell was already on the bus and he needed to follow it.
"Yeah now get out." He said. "Alright alright." Irvine got out of the car smiling the whole time. He turned to say something but Seifer had already sped off. Irvine stood there and sighed. "Young love." He chuckled lowly to himself and made the short walk to the bar.
"Ya'll can all relax Irvine has arrived." He said entering the bar. The people cheered for him and clapped. "Thank you thank you. I'd better see all your drunken ass's at the game tonight." Irvine said and then he spotted Squall at the bar and ignored the peoples remarks back.
"Hey darlin'." He said sitting beside Squall he kissed him on the cheek. "Darlin?" Laguna said smiling. "Does that mean you two are together?" He asked waving a rag at the both of them.
"Sure does and I couldn'ta done it without you." Irvine said and Squall looked at him. "You needed advice?" He asked. "No I coulda got you back on my own. We were just talkin' and Laguna hear sparked an inspiration." Irvine explained getting odd looks from both of the other men.
"Yeah well anyway where's Seifer?" Laguna asked. "Oh he uh had some workin' out left to do before tonight. Ya know Seifer always gotta be on top of everything heh heh." Irvine explained laughing afterwards knowing what he really meant.
............................................
Zell got off the bus and walked himself into the arena. He still had a good hour and a half before they'd start prepping the place for the matches that night. He went inside the darkened arena and walked over to the ring. Making sure he was alone he climbed in the ring and stood in the center of it.
"This is it Dincht we made it and there's no turning back now." He said to himself and closed his eyes imagining the crowd around him filling all the seats and more than half of the arena. He could hear the shouts and cheers, chants to favorite competitiors. The anouncer talking over the mic, the ref prepping the boxers. He could smell food that would be sold in one of the rooms adjoining the boxing arena. He could feel the rush of excitement and energy running throughout the place and he took a deep breath taking it all in.
Just arriving Seifer parked the car outside of the arena and sat inside before actually going in.
"Alright what exactly do I plan on accomplishing going in there?" He asked himself. He sat there quietly thinking about it and came up with nothing. "........Oh well go on impulse as usual." He got out of the car and went inside the arena.
The place was completely empty except for Zell who was inside somewhere. Seifer went in further and scanned the place for the little blonde. He walked around and headed for the ring seeing a figure in it. Sure enough Zell was there lying in the center of the ring. Seifer grinned to himself in confusion and advanced into the ring quietly.
He walked over to Zell's still lying body and crouched over it leaning down close to Zell's face.
"What are you doing?" He asked Zell with a hint of a laugh. Zell's eyes flew open and he jumped up almost popping Seifer in the head with his own. "Seifer! What are you doing here?" Zell slid himself out from under Seifer and stood up, Seifer stood with him.
"I think I asked you something first." Seifer said. "Oh right. Well I was doing an exercise ya know getting familiar with the ring. It's supposed to make fighting in it easier." Zell explained nervously. "Oh, well I just came to....... mentally prep myself for tonight, kinda like you I guess." Seifer said thinking up a quick lie.
"Oh, well I could leave if you want." Zell said heading for the ropes to get out of the ring. "No." Seifer said quickly before Zell left. "Uh you don't have to." Zell turned around. "Okay."
The two of them stood there uncomfortably quiet for minutes not sure what to say. Until they both spoke up simultaneously. "Look."
"Look I didn't really come here for mental preping, well in a way- a different way, I did." Seifer said speaking again first. Zell swallowed hard waiting to hear what Seifer would say. 'Don't get too excited yet, this could be bad.' He told himself. "So..... why did you come?" Zell asked.
"I've been thinking and its been clogging my mind for weeks, what I said to you that day at the clinic."
Zell bit down on his tongue anticipating the explination.
"And it wasn't right what I said and how I said it and when I said it."
Zell nodded.
"So I'm sorry." Seifer said.
Zell fell to the floor inside his mind but remained standing in reality. "Its ok really. Apology accepted." He said and started to leave the ring again but Seifer caught his arm. "Wait that's not all I wanted to say." Zell turned back to him regaining his hope. Seifer dropped Zell's arm and rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know what it is exactly that you want from me but-"
"I wanna be with you." Zell blurted out interupting. "There's nothing else to say that's it." Zell finished. "What do you want?" He asked.
Seifer sighed and crossed his arms. "I don't know but- like I was gonna say- while I'm trying to figure it out you might as well keep me company."
"So what does that mean?" Zell asked. "It means," Seifer said moving closer to him. "I want us to be friends first then we'll see."
He could see Zell's quick disapointment with what he'd said and he put an arm around him. "Look whatever happens in the game tonight happens, just like it'll be with you and me. No predictions no expectations."
Zell nodded in understanding. 'Right, what was I thinking? If he wants to be with me he will if he doesn't I'll just have to live with it. Its not like he said there was no hope. I'll just keep waiting then.' He thought and turned to Seifer saying. "Okay, friends then." He tried his hardest to make an honest smile. Seifer smiled back at him but his was just as forced as Zell's.
'Yeah spontanious was the way to go- wrong anyway. I should of waited and thought about it more.' He sighed mentally and figured it was too late to change his mind now.
"Well good luck tonight." He said to Zell. "Yeah you too." Zell replied and they stared at each other a moment, knowing they should probably leave but neither of them could get themselves to move.
They slowly started leaning in closer to each other until their lips met. It was just a touch at first as their mouths lingered together. It was Seifer who made the first move that started the kiss. It was slow and drawn out, both of them getting reaquainted with the others mouth. Then Zell put his hands on Seifer's waist and Seifer grabbed the sides of Zell's face with his hands.
They deepened the kiss adding their tongues to the mixture. There was more ugrency in the way they kissed now. Neither of them sure why it was lasting so long but neither wanted it to stop. Seifer started backing Zell up towards one of the corners of the ring and they stopped when Zell's back hit the pole in the corner. Seifer pressed himself against the smaller body and started trailing kisses down Zell's neck, then he retraced his way back up stopping near Zell's ear.
"Can I have you again," He asked in a low husky whisper. Zell nodded already lost in the sensation of heat building between them. They kissed again in that same heated passion that Zell felt in his body. Seifer put his hands down between then and pulled down Zell's pants. Zell moaned into Seifer's mouth when he felt warm hands on his even hotter erection. Seifer moved his hands from Zell's cock and around to his back sliding the pants further down, then he turned the boy around.
Zell put his hands on the top rope off to each side of the pole bracing himself for what he'd been waiting for. Seifer undid his jeans and took out his cock getting himself in position behind Zell. Because neither of them had planned this and there was no lube he took his time slowly going in the tight space.
Zell tensed at the first push but relaxed again when Seifer started nibbling at the back of his ear. When Seifer was fully inside he didn't waist anytime pulling out and thrusting back in. Zell rested his forehead on top of the pole and let out a breathy sigh. Seifer held Zell's hips that were pushing backwards into him. They started a steady rhythm together but not too slow because in the back of their minds they knew this couldn't last. The game was only hours away.
...............................................
Irv ine and Squall were out together at a shop in town. Irvine had something he needed to pick up so they went back to the apartment for Squall's car and he drove him to the shop.
"That's the one, its perfect." Irvine said. "You're something else," Squall said to him. "How long have you been planning this?" He then asked. "Awhile now actually, saving up for it everyday." Irvine said.
"Its all yours sir." The shop owner said taking Irvine's money. "We'll have it delivered to your place by tomorrow afternoon." The man continued. "Thank ya kindly. Come on, lets go see if our boys are back yet." Irvine said and they both walked out of the shop.
............................................
After Seifer and Zell had fixed themselves up in the arena bathroom Seifer offered to give Zell a ride back to the apartment. The drive was pretty quiet besides the music from the radio.
They arrived there before Irvine and Squall. After the car was in the garage they both sat inside quietly.
"I meant what I said back there........ about us." Seifer said not looking at Zell. "Whatever happens happens." Zell nodded again this time with a hint of a real smile on his face. After another few seconds Zell opened his door and got out, Seifer followed a second later. They went to the door that lead into the building and took the elevator to their floors.
* * *
Minutes later Squall and Irvine got back to the apartment and seperated, it was time to get ready for the matches tonight.
Squall went inside and found Zell in his room lying on his back on the bed. "Come on get up we've gotta get ready to go." He said and Zell sat himself up. Squall eyed him suspiciously something was off about Zell to him. "So did you get enough rest?" Squall asked.
"Uh...... well not really, guess I wasn't as tired as I thought." Zell said trying not to sound suspicious. "Oh," Squall replied and he stood in front of Zell looking at him closely. Zell just smiled forcefully wondering what Squall was doing.
"You were with Seifer weren't you?" Squall finally asked after a brief silence. "Alright you caught me, I never came back here. I was at the arena and he showed up." Zell said sounding happier about that than he should have.
"You slept with him again didn't you?" Squall asked. Zell didn't say anything back. "You did. Gods Zell, I thought we talked about this." "I know but it was different this time." Zell said. "How?" Squall asked irritably standing in front of him with his arms crossed.
"Well for one he wasn't drunk this time," Zell stated and Squall sighed with annoyance. "And and it was his idea. We talked and things are gonna be fine now with us. He said so."
"Fine if it makes you happy. But promise me Zell you won't let him interfere with your concentration tonight. All thoughts of Seifer leave your head at the door got it?" Squall said authoritively. "Yes sir." Zell said standing and saluting. "You'd better make sure of it, now get your stuff and lets go." Squall said leaving the room. Zell just smiled behind him.
................................................
Irv ine got into his apartment and found Seifer waiting on the couch and looked like he was deep in thought.
"Uh oh should I be worried or glad that you're thinkin' so hard?" Irvine asked jokingly. "Ha ha, where the hell have you been?" Seifer asked. "Oh like you were here the whole time. I had somethin' to take care of. So how'd it go with the little blonde beauty?" Irvine said and he beckoned for Seifer to follow him into his room.
"I don't know, we talked and one thing lead to another." Seifer started and he sat on Irvine's bed while Irvine went into the closet.
"Alright but did you solve anything?" Irvine pulled out an outfit for himself and held it up against himself turning towards Seifer. Seifer shook his head to the outfit and Irvine put it back.
"Yeah I guess so." Seifer answered. "You guess so. Well whatever you do don't let anything clog your mind tonight. I mean it. I at least want you to be one of the last two competing." Irvine pulled out another outfit and got an approval.
"I'll be at the top of my game, I promise." Seifer said standing and the two walked to his room to find him something to wear.
"Now we need something casual for the night not too flashy or anything." Irvine said. He started digging through Seifer's closet. After finding just the right thing to wear they changed and headed for the arena.
* * *
The arena was in an uproar that night and packed from wall to wall. People filled the seats and the isles, there were even some lined against the walls. Lights flashed all over the place, music played in the background of screaming fans and watchers yelling and cheering. The smell of food from venders traveled through the air. It was just like Zell had imagined.
He and Squall walked into the arena and made their way to the competitors room. The ref, anouncer and other two competitors were inside waiting. They were greeted by the ref and anouncer as they entered.
"Zell Dincht right?" The ref asked. "Yeah that's me." Zell answered. "Alright we're missing one more. When they show then we can get this thing started."
The ref walked away from them leaving an open space for reporters to get to them. "So what are your thoughts on the turn out tonight?" A male reporter asked Zell, while a camera man started taking pictures and another filmed. "Its sick ya know. This is the biggest crowd I've ever seen my whole life." Zell answered and like a true star he smiled and waved to the camera.
"So is it a little unnerving for you with the huge crowd, this being the championship game and you're still pretty much the new guy to the scene?" The reporter asked. "I'm not gonna say I'm not nervous but its really just making the anticipation greater, the crowds energy and all." Zell said.
"So are you ready to go up against these guys?"
"I'm ready baby!" Zell said right into the camera. The reporter patted him on the back and thanked them for their time then he moved on to a different competitor.
"Well look at the big television star." Squall was saying. "Yeah I was a natural." Zell laughed.
Outside of the arena Seifer and Irvine were being hounded by other reporters and the crowd that didn't get in to the arena. "We love you Seifer!!!" "Seifer is the drug matter completely over?" "Do you plan to win tonight?" "Can I have an autograph?" Reporters and fans shouted at them.
"Sorry folks no questions or interviews until after the game." Irvine said pushing him and Seifer through the people to get inside. Once inside and spotted, more cheers and shouts went up from the crowd. People on the side walls reached out for quick touches or handshakes, holding out things to be signed. Usually the two would stop and give the fans what they wanted but tonight was too important.
They made their way to the competitors room joining the others. The ref and anouncer greeted them followed by the reporter and his camera men.
"So Seifer are you ready for tonight?" The reporter asked. "Always." He answered. "Great and we're ready to see you guys work." "Alright lets get this show on the road." The ref said after a brief talk with the anouncer about who the first competitors were. The anouncer and reporter went out into the arena and took their places.
"So you guys ready to get your asses beat?" Irvine asked all the other competitors and laughed. "Lets not get too cocky." Squall said to him. "You're just worried that I'm right. Like the get up?" Irvine asked.
He was wearing his black cowboy hat, a red sleeveless see through shirt, red leather pants and black boots. Seifer was wearing a black sleeveless shirt, black leather pants that had flames rising up the sides of his legs and black combat boots. They were both hot like fire to the two looking them over.
"You look fine but this isn't a beauty pagent." Squall said seriously but as a joke.
'Gods he looks hot.' Zell thought, but his staring was interrupted when they heard the anouncer speaking out in the arena.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen this is it, the final four battles to determine the Boxing League World Champion!!!" The crowd applauded and continued there shouts anticipating the first match of the night.
"Looks like this is it." Squall said to Zell fixing his gloves properly. "Don't let the nervousness control you, just do your best. We're proud of you no matter what." He kept talking then patted Zell when he was done. Everyone inside was getting ready to hear the names called for the first match.
"Alright ladies and gentlement in this corner on the left we have a well known competitor to Deling City, he fought his way to the championship game and here he is tonight........... Ricky Rrrrodrigueeeeeez!!!" The crowd cheered for the first competitor of the night as he and his coach made their way out to the ring, a mexican song played in the background.
"In this corner on the right a man who needs no introduction Deling City's own Seifeeeer Alllllmasy!!!!!" The roar of the crowd went up again even louder. "Alright partner lets take him out easy." Irvine said and the two made their way out to the ring. The song in the back ground was once again 'Number One' by Nelly.
Seifer got in the ring joining the ref and other competitor in the center of the ring.
"Alright I want a clean fight, nothin' below the belt. Ready?" The ref asked and the two nodded doing the traditional glove touch then returned to their corners.
"And fight!!!" The ref called and the bell was hit for the match to begin.........
The match ended quickly like most of Seifer's matches. He came out of it with only a few bruises. Now it was Zell's turn to fight the next opponent.
He was fired up and ready to go with the encouragement of the crowd. After the bell sounded for the fight to begin the two competitors bounced around each other waiting to see who'd make the first move. Zell saw Seifer out of the side of his eye, cleaning himself up.
'If I beat this guy that means me and Seifer would be the only ones left and we'd have to fight against each other.' Zell thought. 'Gods why didn't I think about this sooner?'
"Come on Zell fight!" He heard Squall say and snapped out of it getting back into the game just in time too, to avoid a direct hit in the face. His competitor was 5'8 and thin so Zell figured this shouldn't be too hard. After dodging the hit he swung back hard with a right hook catching the guys jaw hard. So hard infact there was a snapping sound.
"Oooh!!" Gasp and shouts from the crowd were heard and the other guys coach was forcing him on to fight.
"Now that's a fuckin' punch." Irvine said to Seifer from where they stood watching. 'Yeah and if he wins this one we'll have to fight, just fucking great.' Seifer sighed and crossed his arms and watched the rest of the fight.
Zell was in defense as the other guy came at him furiously with quick punches. He blocked almost everyone taking a few hits to the chest and face.
"Just get out of it!" Squall yelled from the sideline. Zell heard him and tried to find a way out of defense so he'd be the one attacking. He saw Squall signaling him to go right when the guy punched left since that's all he seemed to be doing. When the oppurtunity came Zell moved to the right making the guys left punch hit air and Zell moved behind him throwing a punch at him from behind. The guy stumbled forwards and Zell got in front of him again and started pummeling the guy.
The crowd cheered louder and actually started chanting his name.
"Zell Zell Zell Zell.........!!" It was just like back home. He took all that energy from the crowd to deliver his final blow. He pulled back and thrust his right arm forwards as hard as he could hitting the guy square in the nose and knocking him backwards, he swayed and Zell hit him again quickly before he could recover sending him to the ground.
The ref ran over quickly for the count everyone waited seeing if the guy could bring himself back up.
"..7....6....5" The opponent was still twitching ".......4..3.....2......1 he's out." The ref said hitting the floor of the ring with his hand then he went over to anounce Zell as the winner.
The crowd cheered as his hand was lifted claiming victory over the match. Zell started climbing out of the ring to where Squall was waiting and he gave him his towel.
"You did great. You made it, you really made it, just one more fight to go now." Squall said while Zell dried himself off.
"Yeah one more fight." Zell said quietly looking over to where Seifer was standing, Seifer was staring at him too because they both knew who would be in the final fight, the final match to decide who'd be the world boxing champion..........
To Be Continued
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Its not really to be continued I just wanted to make you all wait for the final chapter which is already in the works. Oh the suspense -Linkin ;o)