THE ZELL DINCHT COLLECTION

WARNINGS

1) I do not own Zell, Squall, Rinoa, Irvine, Seifer, Selphie, Irvine, Quistis, or any other character I may mention from the FF8 series. I may add some more characters, which are mine. If you steal them, I probably won't find out about it. I also do not own most of the towns, monsters, etc… used in this story.

2) This was written cause Zell is the coolest character ever to be created in the FF series. It's rated NC-17 for mostly sex, but there is also some language and violence.

3) This is a yaoi story. If you are offended by yaoi or don't know what it is, then I suggest you leave. You have been warned.

Ok think I got everything. Just read it and leave me some feedback. If you flame me I'll find it funny, so do whatever the hell makes you feel good.

CHAPTER 8: Lokum

Zell still had chips of paint on his fingers when he woke up the next morning. It was 8:00, early for Zell, but there was no way he was getting any more sleep. Today was like Christmas; the earlier he woke up, the more time he got to have fun. The blonde rubbed his eyes with one hand, and ran his fingers through his hair with the other one. It had been a long night, and he only half-slept. He yawned and stretched, and eventually stood up to get in the bathroom. Zell only wore his chocobo boxers, and wandered over to his dresser. He pulled out his Cool Coeurl t-shirt. It was green and had the traditional white cat in the center. Zell wasn't one into fashion, so he just grabbed some khakis. "Match my ass," He grabbed his BA socks (Balamb Athletics), and his lucky boxers (Weiner Dogs wrapped in hotdog buns). Just then there was a loud bang at his door.

"Zell! Zell! Let me in!" Not sure who it was, Zoe moseyed over to the door and opened it a crack. A red haired girl stood outside.

"Zoe!" Zell cried, fairly surprised to see her. "Give me a sec……" he tried, but she pushed the door open and strolled in.

"Where's your manners Zell?" she chuckled, looking at him. Zell blushed a deep red, and looked for something to hide behind. "The chocobos are cute though."

The blonde gave up, and let down his barrier of embarrassment. "What are you doing here?" he questioned, sighing in defeat.

"They haven't given me a dorm yet, so I have to crash with you until then."

"Why are you here? It's only eight!"

"Couldn't sleep. Zell, you're cute with your hair down." Zoe walked over and sat down on his leather couch, and flipped on the TV.

"Tch……I give," Zell sighed, dropping his head to the floor. "I'm getting in the shower, do whatever the hell you want." Zell grabbed a towel from his hall closet, and headed to the bathroom. He kicked off the chocobo boxers, and scratched his chest. It was an early morning. Zell didn't usually wake up before 10. Eight o' clock was insanity. He yawned and tested the water. When it was warm, he stepped in, and threw his head under the water. The water helped him wake up a little, but he was still half-asleep. Grabbing the soap, he lathered up his muscular arms, and moved down to his chest. He yawned as he moved the cold soap over his tummy.

"I'm hungry," he thought, rubbing his hand over his belly button. "Gonna have to convince Zoe to come to the Caf with me." His mind slowly faded to the past, and he began to remember yesterday. The first person he thought about was Puma. He remembered the body heat, and the feeling of Puma's chest against his back. The blonde recalled how peaceful Puma slept at his house. How his hair felt like little Cactuar prickles when you ran your hand through it. He considered the redhead special, and didn't know how it happened, but the boy seduced him. He tried and tried to convince himself that he wasn't gay, that he wasn't attracted to Puma. Zell couldn't do it though. He also found Zoe very sexy, so it swung both ways. One was an accepted love, and the other was a reluctant love. Sighing, Zell just accepted the fact that, yes, he was attracted to Puma. The redhead obviously had a crush on him, so it was mutual. The only thing to do was to ride it out and see where it led. That was all there was to it.

"That's all the thinking I can take today." He shut off the water and stepped out. Grabbing the towel, he dried off. He put on some deodorant, brushed his teeth, and sprayed on some cologne. The blonde started to throw on his clothes, but then decided better then to throw on his shirt just yet. There was a girl outside, and she seemed to have a thing for rubbing his chest. Walking out, Zell took a step back in surprise.

"Looking good," Selphie laughed from his chair. Puma was sitting beside Zoe on the leather couch, but just turned around and didn't say anything.

"Awww……Zelly," Zoe cooed. "Come sit next to me." Zell didn't need a second invitation. He hopped over the back of the couch, and plopped down next to Zoe. "I'd like it better if you didn't wear a shirt today," she smiled climbing on top of his lap. Zoe wrapped her arm around Zell, and started to massage his right shoulder. He enjoyed it, until he caught Puma's glare. The boy didn't seemed pleased with Zoe's flirting. The blonde suddenly realized that it wasn't a good idea to have both Zoe and Puma in the same room.

"Crap………," Zell moaned, smacking his forehead. He helped Zoe off of him, and started to head to his room. "Be right back." He knew he really didn't forget anything, but he just needed an excuse to throw on his shirt, and drain the sexual energy out of the room. He grabbed his ID card, just to use it as an excuse. Walking back to the living room, Zell sat on the arm of the chair, to avoid the pressures of both Zoe and Puma.

"What'd you get?" Selphie looked up to him.

"ID card," he nodded down to her. "So what's our plans for today?"

"Well the festival doesn't start until noon, but I have to be down there by 10," Selphie looked at her watch. "It's about 9 now. I have like, breakfast and refreshments and stuff down there if you're hungry." Hearing this, Zell's stomach rumbled loudly. Selphie looked over to him and laughed. "I'll take that as a yes." The group chuckled, and stood up to leave the room. Zell closed the door behind them, and locked it. They walked around the loop, and through the mob that still remained outside the Quad's corridor.

"Good morning Miss Selphie," one of the faculty members greeted. "Are all three with you?"

"Yes, thank you," Selphie smiled. "We're going to get things started at noon today, just to let you know…"

The faculty member nodded, and let the group through. Zell spotted the buffet bar, and quickly grabbed a plate and filled it up. The rest went to a nearby table and sat down. "Those are for the workers," Selphie told Zell, pointing to the few people who woke up early to hang banners, check the stage's sound, or finish up the last decorations.

"Tch………," Zell was going to argue with her, but he was too busy munching on a piece of bacon.

"So's it all going to be in here?" Zoe questioned, looking down the stairs at the stage, and then to the large trailer.

"Some of it," Selphie replied. "It's a nice day though, so we're prolly going to take it outside then. People can go down to the beach, or we set up a nice little place for them outside."

Zoe nodded, the rest of the group had already heard about the plans last night. Puma eventually went up to get some breakfast. Zoe raided Zell's fridge while he was in the shower, and Selphie was up at 5, and had breakfast somewhere around sixish. Zell and Puma ate their breakfasts quietly, while Zoe and Selphie chatted about girl things. After they finished, Zell and Puma threw away their plates, and joined in on the girl's conversation.

"So I told Friew, I didn't say painic, I said PICNIC," Selphie finished her joke. Zoe chuckled politely, but in reality, nobody found it funny.

"So, Selphie, when do we get to meet Cool Coeurl?" Zell interrupted, rolling his eyes.

"Um………what time is it?"

"Almost 10," Puma replied, staring at his watch. Selphie's face lit up, and was about to say something, but she was interrupted by three loud beats from down below.

>"I'm having trouble trying to sleep………."

>"I'm counting sheep but running out………"

>"As time ticks by…, still I try…"

>"No rest for crosstops in my room."

>"On my own, here we go………"

The group's focus fell on the stage downstairs, and realized that Cool Coeurl had started a practice session.

"I almost forgot," Selphie smiled. "They have warm-ups at ten." Screams could be heard, as the music carried out into the hallway.

>"My eyes feel like they're gonna bleed………"

>"Dried up and bulging out my skull………"

>"My mouth is dry…, face is numb…"

>"Fucked up and spun out in my room."

>"On my own, here we go………"

Those who were helping around the Quad stopped what they were doing, and went down to the stage to get a better view of the band. Zell and company followed, and pushed their way to the front.

>"My mind is set on overdrive………"

>"The clock is laughing in my face………"

>"A crooked spine…, my sense is dulled… "

>"Passed the point of delirium."

>"On my own, here we go………"

The music by the stage was deafening. It was strange to the group, because they had heard this song on the radio only the other day, and now the group who sang it was right in front of them. Cool Coeurl was playing on the stage they built last night, and it was amazing because bands this big just didn't come to Balamb. Zell, Zoe, and Selphie had never even seen a live concert before. The bands that came were never good enough to go see. Puma however, had seen some bands in Fisherman's Horizon, but none of them were as big as Cool Coeurl.

"Wanna go see em'?" Selphie asked, eyes aglow. The group nodded, and followed her up the back of the stage.

>"My eyes feel like they're gonna bleed………"

>"Dried up and bulging out my skull………"

>"My mouth is dry…, my face is numb…"

>"Fucked up and spun out in my room."

>"On my own, here we go………"

Cool Coueurl finished up their song, and were satisfied with the equipment and stage. The crowd of about 20 below begged for another song, but they didn't want to play up all their good stuff. Lead Singer, Lokum, caught Selphie running behind him, and caught her leaping hug.

"That was great you guys!" she gushed. "Everyone is so happy you're here."

Zoe followed her close behind, and chatted it up with the stranger superstars. Zell and Puma were a little shyer. They stood back in awe. To be this close to a band who had millions and millions of fans, not to mention Gil. It was a miracle they were here. How Selphie got them here the biggest question on the blonde's mind. Not only did she get them to play, but also she made a huge profit by selling seat tickets to students. The blonde was amazed that Selphie was so easy going and joking around these superstars.

"Come on Zell, Puma, they don't bite," Selphie yelled still in Lokum's arms. Slowly, Zell and Puma came a little closer.

"Hey I got an idea," Lokum looked at Zell. "We'll go back to our trailer. We can chat there." Zell's mouth dropped. The man looked at him. He recognized his presence. Seeing the awe in the boy, Lokum just laughed, and led the group down the back of the stage. Zell watched him walk by, and didn't move until Zoe slapped his head from behind.

"You're going to be social," she muttered sarcastically. "I can tell." Zell snapped back to reality and ran to catch up with the group.

"You really distracted my workers," Selphie pouted, looking up at Lokum. "I got to keep them motivated. I'll be right back." Selphie ran off. Tribit, the guitarist, and Adrone, the drummer didn't look too set on staying either.

"We'll help out the workers," Tribit told Lokum. "It'll help boost fan support." Lokum nodded and watched the other two run off. Instead of following Selphie, they cut upstairs, and hit the breakfast bar.

"Figures," Lokum shook his head. He opened the door for the three, who quickly went inside. The group was surprised at the smallness of the rooms. It was like living on a bus.

"How could Selphie put you up in a place like this?' Zoe cried. "It's too tiny for three people."

"Eh………we're used to it," Lokum frowned. The group couldn't even stand in the room. Ducking their head, they pulled up a chair at the miniature kitchen table.

"You should see Zell's dorm," Zoe continued the conversation. The boys were still in awe, and weren't going to talk anytime soon. "He's got a huge couch, a chair, and a big-screen TV.

"You're Zell right?" Lokum questioned, looking at the blonde.

"Ye………um……yeah," Zell gulped.

"Alright let's go," Lokum muttered getting up. "It's gotta be better then this place."

"Seriously?" Zoe cried full of excitement. Puma smiled, and Zell just gulped again. One of the most famous musicians in the world was about to sit on his couch, drink his soda, and use his remote. "I don't think Selphie would be too happy if you left the Quad."

"It's 11, we still got an hour before the show," Lokum nodded. He was obviously set on getting out of the hellhole Selphie set him up with. "You don't care do ya Zelly?"

"Zelly? He used my nickname! I can't believe this is happening."

"Zell?" Lokum asked still looking at him.

"Yes……uh……I mean no I don't mind," Zell stumbled. "I have chips……and uh pretzels." "Chips and Pretzels? What the hell are you thinking?" Zell blushed, and looked at the ground.

"Don't mind Zelly," Zoe joked. "He's a little shy." This only added to Zell's embarrassment, but Lokum just nodded, and led the group out of the trailer. They were careful to stay out of Selphie's eyesight, as she would put the kibosh on any attempt they made to leave the Quad. Tribit and Adrone were too busy eating to notice them slip out, so they didn't set off any alarms. That was until they reached the entranceway.

"LOOK ITS LOKUM!!!!!!!" one excited fan screamed.

"SHIT!!" Zell thought. "I forgot about the mob."

"Um……….suggestion?" a frightened Lokum asked.

"Run!!!" Zoe grabbed his hand and ran over three fans to escape. Zell was right behind her, but he caught Puma trip and land on his face behind him. In a few swift moves, Zell pivoted, scooped up the redhead, and ran through the path Zoe created before the mob trampled him. The blonde was SeeD, so he easily outran the crazed fans. They got out of the frying pan, and hopped right into the oven. Like yesterday, the lunch line was horrendous. Seifer still held guard at the entrance, and catching the appearance of the celebrity, ran to have a word with him.

"Lokum, I don't know if you've heard of me……" Seifer smiled, grabbing ahold of the celebrity's shirt from behind. The mob behind them was gaining fast, so having no time; Lokum swung his leg back to trip up the egotistical teen. Seifer fell to the floor with a thud, and Zell made sure to step on him as he ran by. Zoe reached the dorm first, and with the fans 30 feet away, Zell tossed her his ID card, which she quickly swiped through and opened the door. Zell, with Puma under his right arm, reached the door last, and swung it closed right before the mob could push in. Zoe tossed him back the ID card, and he locked it.

"This is what I'm talking about," Lokum laughed collapsing on the leather couch. Zoe passed out on the chair adjacent to him. Zell dropped Puma on the floor, and fell beside him in the doorway. Knocks and screams came from outside, but the group was safe.

"Thanks Zell," Puma looked over to him. "I would've been done without ya." The blonde just smiled and nodded, too tired to construct a response. Puma got up and grabbed two bar stools, and set them beside the couch. He helped Zell to one, and then sat down himself. Lokum was taking up the entire couch, but for all Zell cared, he could put a hole in the wall and would still be asked for an autograph on the way out.

"It's nice Zell," Lokum heaved.

"Thanks," Zell responded, hands behind his head to catch his breath. Lokum got up and decided to go look around the room. Zell was too tired to give him a proper tour, so he just let him go wherever. After about five minutes, he returned to the living room, and had Zell's bright red guitar in his hands.

"You play?" he asked, showing Zell the treasure he found.

"A little," Zell muttered, starting to get his breath back.

"Make him sign it," Zoe mouthed silently to Zell. The blonde got the message, but blushed a deep red. Zoe smacked her forehead, and left the chair in search of something.

"Play me something," Lokum urged. He handed Zell the guitar, and motioned for him to play anything. Zell was far too embarrassed and nervous, but he didn't want to let the rock star down. He started to play a couple of chords, and it was quickly realized that it was Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).

>"Another tuning point, a fork stuck in the road."

>"Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go."

>"So make the best of this test, and don't ask why."

Zell stopped after that though. He was far too embarrassed, so his voice shook at times and he missed a couple of notes. Otherwise it was decent performance.

"Not bad," Lokum smiled. "You want me to teach you?" Zell's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. Zoe returned to her chair, Sharpie® in hand, and smiled at Zell. Lokum strung up a few chords, and then restarted the song.

>"Another turning point. A fork stuck in the road."

>"Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go."

>"So make the best of the test and don't ask why."

>"It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time."

>"It's something unpredictable."

>"But in the end it's right."

>"I hope you had the time of your life."

>"So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind."

>"Hang it on a shelf of good health and good time."

>"Tattoos of memories and dead skin on the trial."

>"For what it's worth it was worth all the while."

>"It's something unpredictable."

>"But in the end it's right."

>"I hope you had the time of your life."

For the next half-hour, Lokum taught Zell how to play, and Zell had it down by the end of it. Zoe interrupted the lesson by tossing the marker to Zell.

"Oh yeah," Zell cried. He had become more social, as the superstar had opened up to him. "Would you mind signing this?" Zell knew he would, but there were still butterflies in his stomach.

"Sure," Lokum picked up the marker, and signed the base of the guitar.

"Dear Zelly Dincht,

Keep practicing the guitar.

You're great already, but superstars don't quit.

Get over the shyness. You're too cool of a kid for that.

Keep your friends close, Selphie's fascinated with you,

and the others seem to love you too.

I'll keep in touch.

Lokum.

"Thanks a lot!" Zell said mesmerized. One of the greatest singers of all time had just signed his guitar. It blew him away. This was easily his best day ever.

"It's almost 11:50," Zoe smiled, looking at her watch. "We should head back."

"YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT!!!!!!" Selphie yelled from behind them.