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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
Squall bagged his lunch then headed for the exit of the cafeteria before any of his friends could spot him. Although he doesn't mind if he's caught and questioned; yesterday after having dinner with Irvine he came up with a list of reasons why he's having some of his meals in the dorm room. Such as: I'm tired, and can just fall asleep instead of eating, I'm studying, I plan to train right afterwards, and his personal favorite, the blank stare response that ends with him leaving without a word, but with enough silent declaration that his business was his own to satisfy his curious friends. It's not mean, they're teenagers, if they don't sometimes show some sass, they'll be declared weirdos.
'Shit.' He exclaimed when he sees Quistis Trepe walking straight towards him. Back straight, face set to "what", Squall prepared himself for the grilling.
"Eating in your room again," she stated before grabbing a tray. "Don't study too hard, Squall, you'll burn yourself out."
"Should a former instructor be saying that?"
"No. But a sisterly friend should." She smiled, her pretty face never really matched the gesture in Squall's eyes.
Like himself, some people just looked sinister or insincere when smiling. Not because they are bad or don't mean the facial emotion, but simply because some people's looks weren't made for it to look happy. He felt a 'small talk' situation rising. He had to make a break for it before the others showed up. "I'm just a little tired, I was training earlier and would rather be close to my bed than have to walk all the way to the dorms once I'm done eating." Boom. Dissuade that excuse to be left alone.
"You and Seifer are alike in many ways."
"You've talked to Seifer?" Idiot! You had your out! He berated himself. But, it was strange to hear. He hasn't spoken to Seifer since the departure, mainly, he suspects, because his free time has been spent on Irvine. Still, though, Seifer could contact him first.
"Of course. He told me he uses his free time to "stay sharp"." She skimmed over the selection of apples choosing a large yellow one to place on her tray. "He says the monsters are plentiful, so it's not too horrible that Galbadia doesn't have the training facility that Balamb has."
"Right." Squall turned away deciding to end the conversation there. If Quistis said anything more then it was to herself because he didn't hear it.
Squall closed the door and locked it. Climbing onto his bed he waited 3 minutes while removing his lunch from the bag. Should he call first? Taking a packet of mustard out, he shook the condiment about then tore it open, squeezing a little onto the bite he's going to take. He checked the clock on his phone by glance then dialed Irvine's number.
'5... 8... 8? Where is he?' Because surely 8 was one ring too many.
"Hi!" Irvine finally greeted with a big grin.
Squall's brow elevated seeing the state his boyfriend is in. A white robe, towel on his head, and looking nicely shower flushed. "What's with the look, are you trying to turn me into a pervert director, telling you where to move the camera while you're doing something dirty?"
Irvine laughed and picked up his phone. "I had to rush from the shower. We had major training today and I lost track of time." He lifted a bag of cheddar sun chips into view. "I've got lunch."
"That's all you're eating?"
He gave a shrug. "It's all I'm hungry for right now, I'll eat a little later." He resumed drying his hair, although now it's under a watchful eye. "Are you free tonight? Wanna watch a movie together?"
"Yeah."
"Perfect. Do you like thrillers?"
'We're secretly dating, I'd say it's an accurate assumption that I like feeling my pulse race.' Thought Squall. "I do."
"So, about this naughty director fantasy.."
Squall snickered. "Bye, Irvine."
"Now hold on! I'll give you a sneak peak from the coming attractions!"
Squall dropped his phone to the bed, screen side down. He'd gone to take a bite, but it was hard to do so through his chuckling smile. He's never felt this way before. A giddy sort of ridiculousness fluttering around in his chest. Well, his face would be more accurate. He just wanted to smile in Irvine's company, and he does, though with not much confidence in the field. Guys like Zell and Irvine, even Seifer, make it look so effortless. Perhaps this sort of happiness with Irvine will change that.
Lifting his phone, he blinked, taken aback by the sight displayed. Cocking his head, he wondered. 'Is that Irvine's butt? It's a lot more plump than I would have assumed.'
"Did I fool you?" Irvine asked when moving his foot that was before the camera.
"No."
"Still no laugh, huh?"
Squall scoffed. "Are you still doing that?"
"I'm on the hunt for the illusive handsome laughter of my boyfriend. I can't back down now."
"You're an idiot." He said fondly. Dressing his next bite with relish he ate it while Irvine told him about his day.
The sniper spoke mostly about the Guardian Force training they've started, and how most cadets are psyched to use it while others are still apprehensive and junction them only for a short time.
"How did you guys draw magic before?" Knowing Balamb cadets rely heavily on fighting with paramagic, he's not sure about Trabia. But, if Galbadia only recently began to junction G.F.s what were they doing in the meantime?
"We're fighters. We swing and we shoot and toss." When we wanna use magic we use this Odin product, it absorbs and casts just like a G.F. would."
'Sounds better than using G.F.s.' Squall asked. "Why use them now then? That sounds more practical."
"They're expensive, Garden could only buy so many. So only really important missions used them."
"Oh. ...How's Seifer doing?"
"Good."
"I heard he's been talking to Quistis," whether it was a lot or a little, he doesn't know. It's none of his business, he liked to keep to himself. But, it was a point of interest.
"Yeah, everyone calls Seifer, I think he was even talking to Zell once."
"What about you?"
"I think everyone has gone back to when I wasn't often around. I'm emailed now and then, but haven't gotten any voice action so far. Except for you."
He wanted to say "Good" but decided against it, and settled for a nod. "Why not call them, I'm sure they'd be happy to hear from you."
"Tomorrow. Today is for you."
Squall stuffed his face to hide the pleased expression. He was about to say something when he heard a knock on his door. "Ssshhh." He instructed, though Irvine was busy snacking in verbal silence. Setting his phone down on the screen, he got up from the bed and went to the door.
Selphie's bright smile greeted him. "You didn't come to lunch again, are you feeling alright?"
"I'm fine." He replied tightly.
"Oh. Then it must be the other reason."
'Other reason? What is she talking about?' Wondered Squall.
"You miss Seifer. He was kinda your best friend."
'I do miss Seifer, a little, but that is so not it.' Mechanically, he replied. "I called Seifer the other day, I don't miss him."
"Than how come you're eating in here, like a sad guy in hiding?"
"I'm tired."
"Oh." That seemed to perplex her. Tired. Selphie never heard of search a word, and if she has the meaning escaped her.
"Is there something you want?"
"Nope! Just checking on you." She smiled all sweet and happy. The cutest puppy would fall over in defeat because of her big green eyes and friendly demeanor. "Wanna hang out with me? Or I can grab a snack and hang out with you."
"No!" he said a little too quickly. "I mean, I'm not in the mood for company. I just wanna relax, and if you're with me I'll feel like I have to talk."
"You won't! I'll be all about the silence." She zipped her lips with pantomime.
"I'll pass this time. Maybe next time?"
"Okay. See you around."
"Yeah."
She waved then wandered off.
Squall released a sigh then returned to his bed. "She's gone."
"It's sweet that she cares. No one notices that I eat lunch in my dorm."
"Don't be like that, people care."
"I'm not being like anything, I'm just stating facts." Closing the bag of chips, he set them aside then picked up his phone. "Tell me about your day."
"The faculty is thinking about adding animal training, dogs and birds."
"Neat. I love animals."
"Yeah, especially cats."
Irvine told him about how they are sending them out recruiting tomorrow and the next day. Squall talked about writing to Ellone, and that she'd sent photos, which he held up to the phone camera. They hung up by the end of lunch, Irvine had a class, but Squall had a free period. He decided to use it productively and made his way to the parking lot. Garden is still parked next to Balamb town, so the cadets could head out and visit any family they have there or shop. Which is what he planned to do.
"Squall! Hey, Squall! Wait up!" Zell called from down the hall.
'What do I have a 'bug me' sign glowing over my head?' Wondered Leonhart. He's not sure if he sped up or not, but it made no difference towards leaving Zell in the dust because the energetic blond was already up at his side.
"Where are you going?"
"Store."
"Me too! I mean, I was gonna see Ma, but I could always shop." He grabbed the knob of the car Squall was standing beside. "Shotgun!" He slid in.
'Duh. If you're not driving, it only makes sense to sit in the passenger's seat.' Gathering himself, he slid into the car and started the engine.
…
'Why did he have to come along. I wanted this to be a quick trip, in and out.'
His cool gaze wandered over to the desired item behind the register, and yet there he stood before the gums pretending to have a tough time selecting the right one to buy. Grabbing an Act 5, he then grabbed a soda and bag of pretzels, seeing that he'd grabbed a honey mustard flavor he put the bag back and grabbed an unflavored.
"I don't know how people can chew gum. Gimme a good mint." He grabbed a roll. "Something is just suspicious about stuff you aren't supposed to swallow." He followed Squall to the next shelf. "Gummy worms are better than bears."
Squall cast Zell an impatient glance. Was he really doing this? Does the martial artist not feel the tension permeating off of him?
"Which ones do you like?"
"I don't eat fruit snacks."
"None?" He made a face then looked pointedly at the chewing gum.
Squall went over to the chip aisle.
"Yes! Score! Combat Kings 11!" Zell was gone in a flash, and his voice was coming from over by the register.
"You gonna buy that?" Asked the female employee with squinted eyes. "We have a strict: no reading policy."
"Oh, sure." Digging in his pocket, he slapped some silver gil onto the counter. "I'm gonna get some water then head home, okay Squall? You don't have to wait for me."
Squall scurried as nonchalantly as he could over to the register once the tag-along vacated the area. "Can I get a box of condoms." He muttered as low but loudly as he could without being heard beyond the employee.
"What size?" The woman asked as she rung up his unwanted items.
"Whatever is regular."
"Any specific braaaand?" She teased, sensing his urgency.
"Whatever will get the job done." He hissed, not in the mood for jokes. Screw the movie, he's currently starring in a thriller.
The employee turned away and grabbed a box of Ronan condoms, ringing them up, the box was stuffed inside the bag. She seemed to empathize with him after only moments ago teasing him, and hid them so they wouldn't show through the sheer plastic bag.
"Your first time?" She couldn't help but ask.
"Why are they placed behind the register?" He mumbled mostly to himself. He could have avoided this whole situation if they were just in the aisles somewhere.
"Probably so the guy can figure out if he really wants to be with her or him." She shrugged her hand. "If you can't commit to being safe, you shouldn't be doing it."
'Thanks for the life lesson.' Squall jumped inwardly when a muscular arm dropped around his shoulders.
"Got everything?"
Squall nodded mechanically then took his things and left the store, Zell free, and returned to Garden with haste.
He doesn't exactly plan to have sex with Irvine when they reunite for the mission. But, it's nice to be prepared. It's nice to know that if it comes up then they're covered. He passed through the hall with ease, but once he hit the dorm he was accosted by someone he doesn't know.
"Hi, Squall." Said the stranger.
He continued past without a word, but was followed.
"I was wondering, do you wanna train with me?"
"No."
"Not for long, just a little bit."
"No."
"But, why?"
"I'm busy, and I don't know you."
"Do you have to?" That stilled his footsteps. "I'm Ferris, Ferris Sergeant."
'Good for you.'
"And you're Squall Leonhart, war hero."
"I'm just Squall Leonhart. Nearly died in a war." He corrected with agitation to the gushing.
"But you're wrong, you're so cool for what you did. I've lived in Balamb Garden for as long as I can remember. If it was gone from that bombing… I don't know what I'd do."
"It's the same feeling for everyone." He grumbled as he stepped into his room. 'Go bother them.'
"Can we, please?" He placed his hands together in prayer. "It won't be for long. I.. it's been a dream of mine… you're my inspiration."
"Later." He shoved the door closed in the cadet's hopeful sprite-esque face. Where do these people come from?!
Tossing the bag onto the bed, he removed the condoms and stuffed them into his overnight bag. He's already packed for the upcoming mission. And with those hidden in wait, he was now fully prepared to go.
0 0 0
Squall could not believe he actually showed up. But, he did want to blow off some energy because he's been mentally bouncing off walls because of scenario after scenario playing through his mind, distracting him in class, as he thought about how to approach having sex with Irvine. He's not so fast and loose but he knows his body has been in desire-mode since confessing that he likes the sniper. He isn't entirely sure if Irvine has reached the sexual interest in him, but the fact that he does enjoy kissing him is a good start.
"Gimme your best shot!" Ferris called over to him.
Squall complied with a level 2 attack. Ferris leapt and skittered around dodging the bolts of lightning only to be struck by the last one on his side. He cried out and fell to a kneel. The heat coursing through his body became volcanic as a Firaga welled inside of him before bursting from his pores.
"Damn, that's strong magic." Hissed the opponent. "No wonder you're top dog."
'You wish, kid, I'm a lion.' Squall advanced on his sparring partner with a quickness that left little time to react. He swung the large broad blade up behind him then down at the younger cadet.
"Aah!" He shrieked.
Using his dagger to block was like using a shield was made of a ball of dry rice held in cupped hands. His guard shattered easily. He lashed out, but Squall jumped back and dodged a slice to the thigh. The tip of his blade stabbed about the cadet's fallen retreat. He could not find a way to stand. He felt like a piece of trash avoiding a poking stick wielded by a persistent jail bird diligently doing community service.
Ferris cast haste on himself then rolled away. His speed gained him an unexpected blow to Squall's side, a sort of pay back for the lightning bolt. But it didn't last. Squall spun on his heels, the gunblade out like a true extension of his arm and used it to cause Ferris to duck, and once he had he was decked on the temple by the heavy tip of Squall's boot.
"Okay, okay! Stop!" Ferris called for a time out with the universal gesture of stabbing his palm with the tips of his fingers. "Man," he accepted the help up. "You're vicious. No wonder you're an elite."
"I'm not." He corrected, although he suspected with this kid that his humility was white noise to the younger man's ears.
"You think if I train more, I can become as solid as you? My punch didn't even phase you." He rubbed his side.
"Anything is possible through training."
"Cool. ..Say, Squall.. do you think I could eat with you at dinner?"
Squall sheathed his blade. "I'm busy." He turned away from the hopeful eyes, and walked off.
It's later that day. He was late to the cafeteria and missed out on the hot dog rush. He wasn't in the mood for the secret hot dog sandwich, choosing soup instead. A cold front came through, and the shorts and tanks became light sweats and a knit pullover. He chose a dinner roll but skipped on the little square of butter offered in the paper doilies that are lined up on the condiments table. The rolls were never hot long enough to melt it all the way, it's gross.
"Good evening, cadet Leonhart." The lunch lady greeted.
"Hi." He supposed she felt on friendly terms with him, since he stuck around to help them put up the chairs yesterday. But it paid off because she hid some hot dogs for him to have had for lunch that day. Kindness pays off. "I'm taking this to go."
"Good for you. Study hard and get ahead in life."
"I will."
He checked the firmness of the cap over his cup of soup, then with a curteous nod he left the line. Dinner. Excuse. He's ready to go.
It was truly by the grace of the graceless Hyne that he escaped unseen. He saw Zell at their usual table bending over to get a good whiff of his food. But neither of the girls. Just as well they're running late, it was a good thing. And with the sliding door firmly locked to seal him safely from the peeping world, he let himself relax as he streamed a movie with his boyfriend.
X x X
Commentary: Thanks for reading, I appreciate it. I wanted this chapter to be longer but I also thought it's better to save that for the next chapter.
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A Break in Character