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A Break in Character	By : Resting-Madness Category: Final Fantasy VIII > Yaoi - Male/Male > Irvine/Squall Views: 919 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or setting of the Final Fantasy VIII universe and make no money from this work of fan fiction. It's all for fun.

Chapter List
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Selphie turned the page in the book she's reading. It's a different one from before, she'd gone back to the library and searched the shelves with conviction. She was a bloodhound let loose! And finally, she'd came across another book with a male/male couple. Yes! She was eager to read it, the other book left her reeling! One minute the couple were in love, then they fought, then they were in love again. It was a lot of fun. Like watching a dating drama.
She gasped when the light dimmed beside her, and in a flash she hid her guilty secret. She turned to look for what caused the mood lighting, and sees a girl beside her. "Hi." She greeted cheerfully.
"H..hi, Selphie." The girl was figdeting.
"Ahee... Nervous? I'm nobody special, sit down." She patted the bench space beside her. It happens to them from time to time, awestruck cadets marveling after the war heroes. It was fun, at first, but sometimes people could be really weird about it. The plucky girl would prefer it if everyone went back to as per usual. "What's on your mind?"
"Do you.. well, I don't wanna sound like some loser, but.. do you know Squall Leonhart?"
"Since childhood." She laughed inwardly and thought. 'Even though I had to be told that by another forgotten childhood friend.' Blinking, she asked. "Why?"
"I was wondering if you could give him this?" She produced a letter from her pocket, and handed it to Selphie.
Noticing the fragrance coming from it, she laughed sweetly. "Aawww, sure. But, I can save you the trouble. Squall won't accept it."
"He might. I mean, you never know."
"But I do know. He doesn't know you, and heck I don't even know you to let him know who sent it."
"How does anyone get to know anyone if we're playing at warding off strangers?" She bit her lip, a desperate look in her eyes. "You don't have to tell him it's from me. I just want you to hand it to him, and I'll watch and gauge his reaction, then if it's positive I'll approach him on my own and if it's negative... I can spare myself the embarrassment since I never revealed myself to him." She gave a resolute nod.
Selphie mouthed "Wow.", shaking her head, she then gave a nod of her own. "Okay! If you're going to be that brave then I'll do it."
"Really?" She clasped Selphie's hands in her own. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
"Uh-huh." She snickered at the overflowing excitement. Poor Squall. Sometimes good-looks are more ruinous than advantage. "Good luck, though. I don't think Squall likes any girl. I've never seen him show interest."
The cadet's joyous bouncing ceased. Her blue eyes widened from shock. "He doesn't? You don't mean that he's... y'know.." She whispered. "A gay."
Selphie laughed out loud. "Squall? Ahaha, I guess I never thought about it. But, Squall? Ahaha, naah. I just meant, I've never seen him show interest in anybody." She tapped her finger to her chin. "He might be... what's the word.. Asexual."
Relieved the cadet beamed. "Who could blame him? Hyne, I'll bet even his reflection has a crush on him."
Selphie found this all very amusing. 'I wonder if anyone would ever see me that way?' Waving to the girl who just walked away on a cloud of happiness. She mentally slapped her forehead. 'What am I saying? I've got a guy like that.. And when Irvine gets back from his mission, I'm gonna tell him how I feel.' She jumped from start when her book hit the floor with a thump. "Whoops." She scooped it up, and opened it to the page she'd left off on. "Back to Fallwood."
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Squall, as a tiny little six years old, cracked his eyes open. The drowsy peepers looked around through the haze. Something latched onto him while he was lying in bed. "Come on, get out of my bed.." He croaked with a sleepy voice.
"Please... I'm too tired to make it to my own bed," came a voice in the darkness.
Squall gave a weak shove, but gave up quickly. He's too tired to fight the intruder. But, when he felt him snuggling into him, he couldn't help but try to get a look at him in the dim lighting from the moon. If the perpetrator is gone by morning he'll still know who it is so he can give him a good tongue lashing in the light of day. But as he pushed his hair from the specter's face, he felt his hand slowing down due to the length of the soft hair. It reminded him of Sis Ellone. Her hair is long but short that it falls just to above her shoulders.
"Sis..." He closed his eyes, and allowed the embrace. Ut was nice to be reminded of his dear missing sister.
Thanks to restless wanderer, Squall had the best night's sleep. The following morning, he located his bed-buddy playing out in the yard. The kid was down on his stomach hiding in the skimpy grass and twigs, a couple of pine cones in his hand; Squall assumed them to be mock grenades. Selphie loved a good game of war.
Squall had once asked Matron what reason the girl had to wanna play such a horrible game when war is what landed them all in the orphanage. She told him: "It's her way of understanding. It helps Selphie cope with it.". He could understand, because he was about to find his own coping mechanism.
"Irvine?"
Irvine yelped then rolled over onto his back, 'weapon' poised, until he saw whom it was that sneaked up on him. Visibly he relaxed. "Hey, Squall." Embarrassed by the encounter, he quickly added. "Sorry about last night. It was dark, and I was tired. My bed is farther through the room."
Squall stood and stared as a response. It was hard for him to say what he wanted to ask. He's never really paid much attention to this kid before. He's a bit on the skinny side. Slight Galbadian accent. He must be growing out his hair, which is why it reminded the forlorn child so much of Ellone, it falls just to Irvine's jawline.
Irvine stared back, not knowing if there was more to this encounter than Squall saying his name. He grew all the more uncomfortable and decided to speak again. "So like, it won't happen again. I promise."
"If it does… Just.. I don't care."
Irvine blinked, then with a shake of his head he said. "It won't. Really. Besides, I don't want Seifer thinking he can have my side of the bed to himself. He'd probably kick Zell out, too."
"Caught'cha!" Zell, as if summoned by name, sprang out of the bushes then lunged onto the stickily boy.
Squall watched the pair roll around like puppies playing rather than soldiers brawling. He wanted to tell Irvine properly that it was fine if he wanted to share his bed, that he didn't mind, and wanted him to. Sure, it was for his own satisfaction, but Irvine sleeps in the same bed as Seifer. He's used to sharing a small space. All the kids share a bed, except Squall, who sleeps alone. All alone… without Sis.
He walked away from the two, lest he be dragged into the game as well.
Squall, present day, opened his eyes. A smile spread across his lips seeing the Cyclops in bed with him. He backed up so their foreheads were no longer touching. 'I guess in some way, I did know you…' And despite what Irvine had said, he did sleep in his bed a couple more times scattered throughout the year before he was adopted away. Not that Squall remembered any of the times beyond the dream he just woke from.
He raised his hand up and caressed Irvine's cheek. He felt bewitched. His body wanted to return to a couple hours ago when he was riding on uninhibited movement and awash with lurid sensations of taste, sound, touch… Hyne it was amazing. He's never touched someone so intimately before. The most experience he's had with intimacy is dancing with Rinoa at the Garden party. He's been in the dance classes, had partners, but to use it in a public setting to be seen by anyone was exhilarating like being an exhibitionist. You're all hidden then revved up to flash unsuspecting strangers. But, sex, was a whole nother beast.
They were two wild animals going at it. If they could have taken a bite out of each other, they'd be eaten alive. That's how feral it felt. But on the outside.. It was kind and gentle. A skip in the flower fields of Winhill. The scent of flowers blew in through the window just then. This place would drive someone with allergies mad. He leaned over and took a whiff of Irvine.
No surprise he smelled different from the norm, what with their toiletries decorating the ceiling off their boat cabin. The image made Squall laugh a little. He calmed his amusement, then returned himself to the private cove of closeness by wrapping his arms around Irvine and nestling firmly against him, his face tucked hidden into the space of the sniper's neck.
The smell of Irvine's essence lulled him back to sleep, his fingers tangled in the longer hair of his boyfriend. He could live like this forever.
Forever was about an hour more, before he was given a fairytale reawakening. Squall returned the peck but it landed on Irvine's chest as his mouth was moving away as he sat up.
"Sub's here." He pointed at the door with his thumb. "Captain called through the door."
Squall nodded that he understood. Was awake. And would dress quickly and be out the door before anyone could disturb them again.
…
"Since they don't know when we're getting back, let's stop into town for a minute."
"Why?" Squall looked away from the view of the marine life passing the submarine window to Irvine. "Do you need something?"
"I wanna get a new phone."
'Phone?' Squall then looked peeved.
He completely forgot about his cellphone. Not to mention his creds card in the cardholder of his phone cover. Dammit! He pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning. He'd have to wait for a new one, cancel the old one should it resurface. Phone plans. Sinking ships, just say "No". At least he still has his gunblade. Small miracle in the landslide of grievances.
They reached Balamb town in good time; headed straight for the nearest store They bought phones and exchanged their new numbers with each other.
"Hey, call me." Irvine held up his phone. "I want you to be my first," he winked at him.
Noting the hidden meaning, Squall played along and called Irvine's phone.
"Hi. I'm not in right now, on a lunch date with my boyfriend." He impersonated a voice message.
Squall scoffed and hung up. "You wouldn't be that bold."
"Wouldn't I?" Irvine added with cockiness. "I did win Kissing Tag after all."
"Says you. I held your hand for all onlookers to see."
"So. The point was not to be caught."
"I thought it was for being bold? So I've got bonus points."
Tousling Squall's hair, he replied. "Okay."
They exited the store, blending in with the foot traffic of townies.
"Do you wanna have lunch with me, before I get on a train outa here?" He looked so nervous to ask.
Reality just caught up with Squall upon hearing those words. He isn't ready to part ways yet. Not ready to leave this other world. And yet... Best to just pull free as quickly as possible. "No. We should just go our separate ways."
Irvine seemed to understand. "Alright. Guess I'll see ya around."
"Yeah…" he felt himself trying to siphon Irvine's essence into him when his boyfriend gave his shoulder a squeeze before he headed left to the train station. In his head, he kissed him goodbye.
...
Squall hadn't expected a welcome wagon when he'd arrived back at Balamb Garden, but there was Selphie grinning and waving to him when he walked up the main entryway.
"Hey, Squall!"
"Hi."
"Wanna see something funny?" She held out an envelope to him, inside was a card with a picture of a girl clutching her exposed love in the form of a heart. Even she had to grimace at it. Gross.
'Is my humored side trending as a must-see?' He wondered due to her asking if he wants to find something funny. "You wrote me a love letter, that is funny. But I'm gonna have to reject your feelings."
"Not me, stud. Another girl asked me to give it to you, she's shy because she doesn't formally know you." She fell into step with him, he hands behind her back as she made a simple walk look like a skipping stride.
Squall scoffed at that. He could understand a note from Selphie, she knows him and could decide to show interest. But a stranger?
It's the worst thing in the world when a stranger writes you a love letter, based on their feelings for your, which are presumed mannerisms based off of a few things you've done that they found appealing to their ideal type. It's embarrassing and odd. Don't they get that? He prefers a direct asking, a simple physical attraction that could become more through dating, rather than someone treating him like a Build-a-boyfriend. Would you like him this way or that? He wore red once, would you like to see that always or sometimes? Should he be a good cook? It's too much.
"Pass." He stuffed the card back into the envelope then handed it over to the delivery girl.
"But you didn't even read it!" She'd stopped following him when he turned in towards the dorms, and had to shout.
Squall merely shook his head to anymore contact with the unwanted confession. He has other things to worry about. And he took care of it in the shower, one sudsy stroke at a time. He wondered if Irvine would be doing the same once he's back in Galbadia? This was getting harder and harder to manage. Liking, dating, interest in general easy stuff to navigate. But desire... How do lovers stay upright, when all he can think about is being horizontal?
Leonhart was relieved to be back in his usual attire of a tank and jeans. He felt like a tourist in the clothes he bought from Winhill. What a head rush all of that was. From finding out about his true mother to having sex for the first time. Nearly sinking in a busted submarine. This is the most he's done in months since waking up. He has to say it's exhilarating. Refreshing. He's not a hobbled soldier or cadet. He's back to his old self again. In the workplace, anyway. Because being with Irvine... He's never felt so different. But he likes it.
Returning to his room, he put away his dirty clothes to take to the laundry later. Then he turned on the radio to listen to the news and a little music. After putting away what needed to be put away, he wrote out his report on the mission then left to drop it off with the headmaster.
After leaving Headmaster Cid's office, Squall met up with Selphie again. He seemed to be her favorite today. That absence on the heart thing was serious, it seemed.
"How was Irvine?" She casually, though very upfront about the subject, asked.
"As usual." Was the reply.
"Good. I want him to be poised for infiltration."
Squall smirked inwardly, as Irvine Kinneas has already been quite "infiltrated" already. A bit hungry, he headed for the cafeteria. Meal hours are over, but he can get something from the snack machines. "What do you mean?" He played coy.
"I wanna ask him out."
"Just because you miss him?"
Selphie let out a sigh of exasperation. "Well, don't say it like that. It makes me sound dumb."
'But that is the reason why. You've shot Irvine down every chance you got.' Thought Irvine's current love interest.
"I kinda thought you would understand." Selphie said, a bit of sadness in her voice.
"Why, me?"
"Because you reject advances all the time- even Rinoa's! And everyone is waayyy into her."
'Not everyone.' Ticked Squall. He plunked in some gil, then pressed the button for a sliced turkey sandwich, he moved then to a bag of chips, and got a can of iced tea after. So it's not a hot meal, and hates the texture of bread from a refrigerator, it's better than nothing. He was followed back to his room, because Selphie still had more to say.
"You and me, we got a thing where we'd like to be with the person we choose, not so much the person who chooses us." She cocked her head. "At least, that's how I see it with you. A lot of these girls are really pretty, have nice personalities.. it seems, but you always say, "no". And it's not a history thing, because Quistis confessed that she liked you once, too, and you shooed her feelings away."
Squall thought that over. Selphie might be right. He wondered, if he hadn't initiated things with Irvine, but it was the other way around, would he rejected him. Thought that the sniper merely was using him as a means of conquest? 'I probably would have.' He was lucky then, because if it was the other way around, and he rejected Irvine, he never would have been in this rare moment of joy, that's more unique to him than finding the beginning and end of a rainbow that you're actually seeing it on the ground.
"Selphie, Irvine might have moved on."
She paused just outside of the dorm room. "Oh. Well, that's my bad then. I hope he's happy with that person... But, I'll be kinda sad, just for a little."
Trying to offer comfort, he said. "You've still got Laguna."
Selphie looked confused then laughed. "Okay, you're not good with comfort, or moments. Got it. But thank you."
Squall set down his lunch, then addressed Selphie properly. He held her gaze and said, "You're sweet, and fun, somebody will come along someday. And they'll be perfect for you."
"And now you've officially scared me." Though her smile is so sincere her eyes squinted up. "Thanks again. See you at dinner- you are coming to the cafeteria, right?"
"Yeah."
She held up her fist to say "You'd better", then she waved and walked away.
'We need to tell the others sooner than later. Lying low might become a burden.'
August 9th. The day of the Garden Games has arrived.
Each Garden competing in a sports festival extravaganza. Everyone having fun, and getting along. It's a very needed moment in life. Especially after the rift created last year. Where competition could cause problems it hasn't in the past, even with a grand prize trophy to be won. And no one can hold a grudge during silly events like an eating contest or scarf juggling. This was going to be the perfect bridge back to normalcy.
Squall stood on the field amongst the other Balabmites, and kept his gaze professional while his heart raced as it's been months since seeing Irvine in person. He smiled inwardly, as he thought during Galbadians passing to line up in rows beside them. 'Irvine.'
Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one eyeing the sharpshooter. Selphie excitedly waved, and called out to Irvine and Seifer. Along with their other friends. But one cadet was only seeing red in his appearance.
'There he is... Irvine.' Ferris grit his teeth. Whatever means necessary, he was going to torture him...
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A Break in Character