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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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Irvine looked at the mess of the shared dorm room. This was beyond rude. It was evil manifested into more violent action. Even the innocent were hurt in the violators reign. Ferris was lucky it was done by just one person. He could have been ganged up on, just for sharing a room with an outed gay. Even as he is a newly discovered bisexual, the fact that it involves anything same sex, is enough to get those who don't care for it labeling him as simply 'gay'. Something to be hated and disgusted by.
The victimized sniper schooled down his humiliation and anger by helping pick up the room.
"I tried to stop him." Ferris repeated his words to the guy the offensive attack was intended for.
"Sorry you got hurt because of me." He muttered to Ferris. The guy is sycophant weirdo, sure, but he doesn't deserve to get abused because of simply sharing a space with him. These people need to hurry up and found, so that he could deal out his punishment for them.
Seifer, Zell, and Squall began to help with the cleaning and straightening up.
"If I can be honest," Zell said off-handed. "I'm surprised it wasn't worse. I would have done worse." He lowered his voice and muttered. "I want to do worse."
For the briefest moment the statement was ignored, then Zell's meaning sunk in. Did he just say he wanted do worse, if he were like the offenders, or as an offender he wants to do worse?
"What's that supposed to mean?" Seifer inquired.
Irvine was too stunned to say anything. Didn't Zell say he was fine with it? So what changed? Did something dawn on him, and he just decided to take it back?
"I just.." he shrugged a buff shoulder. "It's friggin gross. Okay! There, I said it!"
All occupants in the room locked bewildered eyes on the martial artists. Was he serious?
Zell felt his cheeks heat up, anger and a bit of embarrassment colored his ears from a blood rush. "At first I thought, 'Irvine is just being a greedy pervert.' But, then I realized what exactly it meant." Locking eyes with his friend, he continued. "It wasn't enough that you had to hit on the girls when we first met up, but every girl! Now you're hitting on guys, too? It's a repulsive lifestyle anyway, to have to know about people like that.. But when it's a friend... it's next-level stomach turning."
Squall growled. "Zell, shut up."
Irvine held out his hand asking that Squall leave it alone. "No, let him speak."
"I don't wanna make trouble for you, I'm not exactly like those assholes who jumped you." His shoulders relaxed a bit before tensing back up. "I really hate knowing this about you. I hate knowing it about any cadet that's in the closet - - For Hyne's sake, we all bathe together! Is nowhere safe now?"
"It's not as if I'd hit on you."
"It doesn't matter who you choose to hit on, the world is eye-candy to your kind, and it makes me uncomfortable." He puffed up his chest, chin in the air, and he awaited a retaliated slug. However... When it didn't come, he relaxed his posture again. "I'm sorry this is all happening to you. I really am, bullying is uncalled for, for any reason.." he looked at Seifer suddenly after stating that. "But, I can't support you. I can't be friends like before. Not anymore." He set down the item he'd intended to put away, then walked out of the room.
Those remaining inside were speechless, silenced by the sudden admission.
"I'll be back to help," Seifer said as he made for the door. "But first, I'm gonna beat the shit out of Dinky." He touched Irvine's arm as if to tell him to keep a stiff upper lip, then he walked out.
"Irvine.."
"It's fine." Replied the brokenhearted. "I mean, at least I know how he feels now, instead of later." He removed the sheet from his bed. He scowled at the urine stain that soaked completely through to the mattress. Looked to be he'll be using the sleeping bag tonight.
"Don't wash those just yet," suggested the commander with a pissed off tone. He seemed to be teetering on angry and sad. One minute his voice was hard and the next soft. "We need to get them checked, it could belong to the person who did this. Even they aren't part of the crowd who'd hurt you, any offender needs to be brought down."
Irvine nodded and dropped the sheets to the floor.
Ferris watched the pair move about the room, he straightened up too. Not at the fastest pace just quickly enough.
"Ferris, you should go." Suggested Squall. "You don't have to help."
"No way. Roommates stick together." He tidied up his borrowed bed in a hurry. "And you can't boot me out over seniority. Neither of us go to Galbadia."
"Fine. Whatever. Stay."
Squall straightened up the bed to Irvine's actual roommate. The guy would probably flip if he came in and saw. He'd likely move out too, not wanting to be caught in the cross-fire.
It took the trio fifteen minutes to aright the wrong done to the room. And when Seifer returned, with an air of satisfaction from giving Zell a piece of his mind, he brought with him the mattress cleaner from the janitorial storage. Irvine used it to sanitize the sullied bed, he only had to wait an hour and ten for the dryer to finish the job. It was annoying to have to do, but the room was spotless once they were done.
P.A.: Irvine Kinneas, you're wanted at the office. Irvine Kinneas to the office. Thank you.
Seifer held his hands up in defense. "I didn't say anything." He declared.
"I wonder what they want," He kept his gaze down from Squall's searching eyes as he walked out the door.
The halls were quiet. Most of the cadets were in class, others the cafeteria. Some were on free period any nowhere to be seen because of it. The sniper was relieved for the solitude. He wanted to dispel the whole incident. Both of them! The room, the beating, the names, and the stares. Zell...
'How could he say things like that? I thought we were good friends? I mean, yeah, he was kinda hard on me sometimes, but it's not his fault he doesn't like flirts. We've all got some personality type that gets under our skin. But, for him to act like that...' He didn't just let him down, he truly hurt his feelings. 'Guess that's what I get for what I said to Squall.' He figured.
"Hi, Irvine!" A girl called out to him when she saw him. "Power, brother. Love for all." She held her hand to her heart.
Irvine smiled. "Thank you."
"I personally haven't even come out to my friends," she said quietly as she approached him. "But, maybe someday." Squeezing his arm in kindness she continued past.
The past Irvine's naughty side would have taken her in and found a visual to pair her with, one Selphie Tilmitt would do, then he would have had a grand old time during the night. But now... He just wants to crawl into a hole and pretend none of this was happening, while still getting to enjoy his new found happiness. He took the elevator to the third floor then stepped out into the hall. He couldn't believe he caught himself checking for secret movement of someone looking to harm him. He continued down to the headmistress's office. He knocked on the door, then entered.
A grin broke out on his face, when he saw Ellone Loire waiting there for him. She grinned in return. She stood from the chair she was seated and greeted him with a hug.
She laughed. "You, Squall, and everyone," She said into his embrace. "It always surprises me how big you've all gotten."
"It's the same for us when we surpass the people who were once taller than us." Releasing the embrace, he looked past her to the Kramers, who watched them fondly. "How do we do this?"
"Well, you have to close your eyes and relax. I'll take care of the rest." She took his hand, and led him to the sofa. It was better he already be laying down than to drop to the floor. "Are you sure about this?"
"Positive. If I can nail these creeps today, it'll be better than finding out people can breathe under water."
Ellone, and the Kramers, quietly found amusement in the reply. Due to their military upbringing, they tended to forget how young the cadets truly are in some ways.
Headmaster Cid pulled a chair close to the sofa for the young woman to use, then stood away with his wife to watch.
"You'll feel a slight headache."
Eyes closed, Irvine nodded, and lay in wait to be taken away or over, or however his dear older sister's ability worked. And in a blink he felt his mind go. It was a strange out of body experience. He could see everything but on the outside. Was his soul removed? Or his subconscious? It was hard to say. But, he knew what it was he was about to see.
"Eh.. That's a bit too far back, eheh," he gave a dry laugh. "It happened a month later, try June."
"Sorry." Ellone sounded embarrassed, and could understand why Irvine was quick to hurry her from the memory as he was in the shower. And not alone judging by the familiar back of the head they both saw.
Irvine and Ellone went through one more rejection before finally finding the right time. The gifted young woman watched with her hands balled, and teeth clenched as one of her younger brothers was brutally beaten by five unidentifiable people. It wasn't easy for Irvine either. He wanted to shout to himself "watch out". He wanted to step in and give better than he was getting. But all he could do was stare, and try to see the face of even one of his attackers. But, damn them, they're all in a ski hat. None of their voices sound too familiar either. But, surely there was something...
Ellone shook her head. "Irvine, please, I can't watch this anymore."
"Just a bit more, please, Elle... I'm sure it will help."
Against better judgement, Ellone kept the connection.
"Right there! I recognize that leg!" Irvine cried out. Yes! They have at least one offender placed. "Okay, Sis, you can let go."
Ellone lunged from the chair and wrapped her arms around Irvine, hugging him firmly. Crying quietly, nothing but streaming tears giving it away. They were monsters! Worse than beasts! Two of them held Irvine by the arms while the other three mercilessly cracked a rib by kicking him. She watched, confused by the usually nimble in appearance moved so sluggish during the brawl. One had even tried strangling him, but another stopped him from manslaughter. Why would anyone do something so terrifying? She's seen so much in her life, and at such a young age, and handled it all with grace, grit, and aplomb. But to watch people she cares for suffer. It was overwhelming.
"It's ok." Irvine whispered.
"It's not."
"I'm doing better." Was the better thing to say. And it seemed to be, because Ellone moved from the embrace to check on such a statement by looking him over.
Edea spoke first. "Did you see anyone familiar?"
Irvine nodded. "Quinn Avalon. They all wore masks, but Quinn's leg came into view under the light. I saw the scar on her leg."
"Quinn Avalon?" Cid was confused by the name being female. It's unusual for women to be involved in such crimes. But, then again, it is common amongst younger females. However, when such things happened it was to another female. The entire party are usually female. "And the rest?"
"Male. Going by their build." Replied Irvine.
Ellone, after giving Irvine a final hug, removed herself from him and remained standing. Edea walked over to her, offering a shoulder, and hug.
Cid pressed the intercom button. "Miss Depaiva, can you call Quinn Avalon to the third floor office, please?"
Ellone stepped from Edea's arms. "May I go? I can't be around that," She could only say "That" as this person has lost their humanity to her. "I don't trust myself."
The Kramers, and Irvine, understood.
Ellone squeezed her brother's shoulder. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Besides, I'd be destroyed by Squall, if any of them found out it was you who helped me. Plus, I'd never forgive myself, if I was to put you in harm's way."
The White SeeDs scoffed at the idea that anything would happen to the gifted young woman while they are in charge of seeing to her safety. Especially if that harm is an attempt from some punk kids.
Ellone smiled at his concerns, then exited the room.
"And you're not mistaken?" Cid had to be sure once they were alone.
He shook his head. "Right leg, horizontal. She got it from picking at it when we were out training five years ago." He looked from Cid to Edea. "She didn't want it healed after a battle with a Jellyeye, thought it looked cool."
There was a knock on the door, all inside turned their head looking at it as if it was the attacker. Disgust didn't hide on the expressions of the victim and the headmaster of Balamb, but Edea remained stoic ice.
"Good afternoon headmasters.. Irvine, hi." She waved as she passed by. "Am I getting an award or something?" It was asked with an anticipated grin. She took a seat, legs crossed. It exposed her scar for all to see.
...
It was beautiful, divine justice. Being that cadet Avalon was Galbadian, Edea took the lead in addressing the matter. She very coolly explained to the young lady that she would be stripped of everything involving her status in the military. Her accounts closed, titles removed, housing gone. And that her final stay on the grounds before getting removed were only to be long enough to go through the process of being stripped from the use of magic. Rumor has it, the pain is worse than getting skinned.
The unsuspecting cadet was baffled. Why? She wondered, when two members of SeeD came in to escort her out of the room and to the medical ward where the dispel of paramagics would begin.
"For the assault of cadet Kinneas... You've been identified." Was headmistress Edea's reply.
"That wasn't... How?"
Edea smirked. "You believe you're clever enough to get away with anything. Figure it out on your own as to how you did not."
Cadet Avalon pulled away from the reach of the SeeD members. "This is ridiculous. He lied to you! It wasn't me!"
"You're being let go on dishonorable discharge due to assault. Would you like to add to the charge?"
Looking from Edea to Irvine, then the SeeD members, she shook her head.
"Thank you. Your dismissed."
"But I want to explain... Can't you reconsider? My parents are gonna kill me when they find out." She walked, with escort, to the door.
"I'd love to hear an explanation good enough to get you off the hook from decidedly harming someone over a personal choice that differs from your own. I can't imagine it."
Quinn began to explain, but processing headmistress Edea's words, she let the matter go. It all made sense then. But, hearing it put like that... Quinn hadn't realized what she'd done. Until now. She looked at Irvine with pleading eyes, but he had his back to her. Never wanting to see her face again.
"Do you think she'll give up the others?" He asked once the guilty was gone.
"She will if she knows what's good for her."
"Considering the punishment.. It might be her choice to keep quiet, lest she be the victim of retaliation once they're all discharged."
"You may be right. The last thing we need is more violence." Cid scratched his chin in thought. "Perhaps if we say it was someone's anonymous tip, it caused suspicion so the students must be questioned? We already brought in one cadet who will go through reforming over their disgust woth you."
Edea shook her head. Cid's idea could work. But, it was a stretch. Grasping at straws. They need to get the names of the guilty party, but it could only be without result of violence. So, how? "In any case, she will be questioned. If we can't get the names of the others, we'll continue to hunt them down."
Irvine thought it sounded a lot like a witch hunt. Except instead of cruelly accusing just anyone, they had to be perfectly sure. "By the way, can y'all go easy on Zell, if he says anything negative? We kinda had a falling out over my sexuality."
"With Zell?" Cid was privy to all sorts of shocking news this year. Squall and Irvine being a couple. Homophobia. Zell, being a part of those who are narrow minded. What next? A circus that draws in children with the intention of murdering them?
"I just thing he needs time to process it."
"I understand."
"And how have you been, since revealing yourself?" Matron asked.
"No more miserable than when the assault went down. It's hard being away from the guy I'm seeing." He said in a glum tone.
"They've threatened Squall, too?"
Edea asked so naturally that Irvine missed it during his reply. "Yeah, they said he'd get worse, if we kept seeing each other... Wait, I never said it was with Squall." There was a bit of panic in his voice.
"It's alright. Squall admitted it to us."
"And," Cid smiled. "We're very happy for you both." He blushed as he admits. "I sort of thought that Squall would find his way to Quistis Trepe. This old man isn't so oblivious as cadets think."
"Why, headmaster Cid, 'shipping' students and instructors.." Irvine teased. "Tisk, tisk."
Cid merely laughed, as he was guilty of just that. "For what it's worth, I hope the two of you can be happy together again."
"Thanks."
"Back to your studies,"
"Ok. Have a good evening." The sniper exited.
0 0 0
"Zell?" Came a familiar voice into the martial artists secluded airspace.
Looking over his shoulder, Zell scrunched his face as he searched for a name. "Hey, um.. Ferris?" He asked when getting a nod. "What's up?"
Ferris walked over to the area where Zell is currently stretching. He's giving serious eye candy without his shirt on, if a female cadet came into the weight room she'd have kids on the way when she left. But, as Ferris is a guy, he looked on with envy. His muscles could never get like that. "Is it true? What you said back there, about not liking Irvine's being gay?"
Zell paused his sit-ups and turned himself to face the younger cadet. He released an agitated sigh. "Look... I know it's none of my business, blah, blah, blah... But can't I be bothered by it? They're disturbing me, it's only right I let them know that."
Ferris held his jaw in place. Zell looks so green just thinking about the perverted cowboy. This was gold! Who better than a man-on-the-inside to really mess with those freaks heads? Weston was ok. But, he and Irvine aren't as close as Irvine and Zell, from what he understands.
"And, it's not your fault if you wanna voice it. And if you're mocked, you feel attacked - - You wanna strike back!"
Zell nodded. "You really get what I'm saying." His face then cleared. "Aren't you trying to like, be bestest buds with Irvine? Are you grilling me to rat me out, or paint me in a bad light? I'm gonna stop you right there, because I wasn't a part of his beat down. You can't pin that on me." He got up from the floor.
Ferris shook his head. "Not at all... Actually... since we're being honest.. I hate it, too." He admitted. "It wasn't an easy thing to stomach when I found out. Especially after seeing him and Squall kiss..." he growled to himself.
Zell lurched back. "What?! Squall?!" He laughed. "You're goofy, Ferris. Squall is so straight. Look how much Rinoa and Quistis, and the rest, fell for him. Girls have a sense," he waved it off. "Squall's not some fag."
"Tch. You wanna bet?"
Zell was silent as he thought about the past few months. "Holy shit..."
Ferris nodded, hands on his hips. "And it's all that dumb cowboy's fault. I worshipped Squall, but to find out he was some freak. I lost it."
"No. He was probably duped by that lech." He crossed his arms.
"You might be right. I thought it was weird how miss Heartily stopped coming around. If only she knew..."
Zell waved it off. "She's strong, she'll bounce back."
Ferris grabbed Zell by the arm, removing it from envy. It was like grabbing marble! "Would you like to help get even with him for ruining Balamb's hero?"
Zell looked unsure. "No. That's too vindictive. Even if he contaminated Squall..."
"Your best friend is gay because of some long-haired twink... Doesn't that piss you off?"
"What if we get caught?"
"We won't. I've got it all planned out."
Zell still wavered. "Nothing bad is gonna happen to Squall? He's still my best friend."
"Nothing at all. He's a victim in this, too."
"Let's hear it."
"Later." He started away. "I wanna tell it to the others. Meet at the ice rink at five pm tomorrow. Ok?"
Zell gave the thumbs up of assurance, then resumed his workout. He stopped shortly after. His stomach was in knots. Laying back on the floor, he looked up and thought that at least something nice came out of it. Squall and Irvine.
X x X
Commentary: Thank you for reading. One chapter to go! Woo! I hope this chapter made sense, because ooh I'm sick. Or coming down with it, so I'm in a cloud. I need more sleep.
Have a magnificent holiday, or make the best of a sucky one (like I'll be doing), stay warm, hug yourself and let you know no matter what, you're doing the best that you can. And you're amazing for that.
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A Break in Character