~Zell~
It’s hard; it’s really, really hard. Why me? Come on, I mean, I’m a decent guy, right? I recycle, give to charities, and volunteer at orphanages. So why would something like this happen to such a great guy like me?
Why is it that I have to be in love with my best friend?
~Squall~
Zell’s avoiding me now. I don’t know why and I wonder why this upsets me so much. I guess I’ve just gotten used to him being around; used to his annoying habits…
I just like to have him by me, honestly.
So just why is my best friend avoiding me like the plague?
I miss him.
Oh, no, Hyne… has he figured out my feelings?
~Zell~
Selphie knows something’s up. I saw her giving me a look. It was a look that said, ‘aww, poor Zelly.’
Then she got this scary look. It makes me shudder. It was a ‘I have to do something to help’ look.
Hyne, what is she planning?
~Selphie~
Eep! I can’t believe it!
Would you believe that two of my friends are in love with the other and they don’t even know it?
Well, it’s true and they’re both too shy to do anything about their feelings.
I’ve got to do something.
But what? Think, Selphie, think!
~Quistis~
Goodness, Selphie got that devious look in her eyes again. I shudder to think of what she’s planning this time.
The last time she got that look, she was planning to give Rinoa a goodbye surprise party, minus Rinoa.
It was kinda funny.
I asked her what she was doing and she said, ‘giving Rinoa a goodbye party.’
‘But she’s already gone,’ I had responded.
‘Yep, I know, that’s why we’re celebrating.’
Nobody ever liked Rinoa much.
~Zell~
Why is he looking at me, again?
We’re all in the cafeteria and I’m trying to eat my hotdog, but Squall won’t stop looking at me…and Selphie, she’s looking at me too.
"Okay, just why are you two staring at me?" I finally shout, my face red. I don’t like the way they keep glancing at me, only to quickly look away when I look at them. It’s… weird.
Squall blushed, but I’m sure I imaged that. He quickly looked down, of course not answering me.
Selphie just grinned.
"Was I? Sorry." Selphie went back to eating.
~Selphie~
Hehe, whoops, Zell caught me staring.
But can you blame me? It’s so cute the way he keeps glancing at Squall… and from the way Zell just yelled, I’m guessing Squall was looking at him too.
Aw, that’s cute.
I still don’t have a plan. Gah, this is frustrating.
Come on, think!
~Squall~
Hyne, that’s embarrassing.
But I couldn’t help but stare at Zell. He’s just… just…
This is so annoying. Why do I have to like him so much… and in this way?
Everything’s so complicated.
Why not Selphie or Quistis? Why couldn’t I like one of them?
~Quistis~
"Okay," I slammed both hands on the table, making everyone jump. "I want to know what’s going on."
I’m sick of being left out. Selphie seems to know something I don’t and there’s defiantly something on Zell and Squall’s minds.
"Selphie, what is it you’re planning… don’t give me that ‘what are you talking about’ look. I can tell you’re planning something."
I turned to Zell, "Why have you been giving Squall the cold shoulder? That’s odd for you."
Zell blushed, looking down.
"Squall, why were you staring at Zell?"
With all my questions laid down on the table, I set back, waiting for some answers.
~Selphie~
Geez, Quistis.
It’s annoying of her to put me on the spot like this.
What can I say, really?
‘Oh, I’m planning a way to get Zell and Squall together’
No, I can’t say that.
"I don’t know what your talking about and I’m not giving you a look." I crossed my arms, giving the blond a grumpy look.
You’re up, Zell. Wonder what he’ll say. I of course know why he’s been avoiding Squall, but I doubt Zell will admit the truth.
~Zell~
"What are you talking about?"
Hyne, Quistis. Why do you have to be so observant?
"I’m not giving him the cold shoulder. Why would I? Squall’s my best friend."
I glanced over at Squall, flushing when I saw that his eyes were focused on me.
He’s staring again.
~Squall~
". . ."
I’m not sure what to say. How can I just tell the truth?
The reason I was staring is because, Zell…
I like him so much.
I don’t get to see him much anymore. Zell really has been avoiding me, even though he claims otherwise.
I was staring because I love you, Zell.
~Quistis~
Well, we’re sure not getting anywhere.
Selphie told me a bold faced lie and I’m sure Zell was lying as well. And Squall didn’t even answer me.
Something is going on, that’s for sure.
Then it hits me.
Selphie… that look… it’s a certain look she gets when trying to play cupid. She does that a lot. Like when she tried to set Nida up with the library girl.
Huh?
Let me do my math…
Selphie’s planning to set someone up.
Zell’s avoiding Squall.
And Squall’s been staring at Zell a lot.
Oh… oh!
Suddenly I know.
Selphie seemed to figure something out about Zell and Squall…
Oh, Hyne… this is…
Kinda cute.
Zell’s crushing on Squall so he’s been avoiding him afraid of his true feelings coming out.
Secretly Squall feels the same way and misses Zell dearly.
Selphie was able to figure this all out because she’s good at these sort of things and she’s been thinking of a way to set them up.
Well, I’ll just make this easy for everyone.
"Selphie, I know what your plan is."
I smirked, a very Seiferish smirk. Seifer would be proud.
"You found out that two of your friends like each other, but they don’t know this, so you’re going to set them up."
Selphie’s mouth dropped open, and it’s clear I hit the nail right on the head.
Zell and Squall are giving Selphie curious looks. They’re so dense, they don’t even realize I mean them.
Turning to Zell, I gave the teen a smile, "You’re avoiding Squall because you’ve fallin’ in love with him and don’t want your true feelings found out."
Before Zell could protest, I turned to Squall, "you’ve realized how much you care for Zell and know it’s love. You miss him so much and wish things could go back to the way they were before."
"Selphie was planning to set you guys up." At that I point to a dumbfounded Zell and Squall.
~Selphie~
Hehe…
Looks like I don’t need a plan anymore.
~Zell~
Good Hyne, what is Quistis saying…?
Oh…
Blinking, I glance over at Squall, whose blushing bright red.
Could that really be true? Does Squall like me?
~Squall~
What? Come again?
Zell’s in love with me? Since when?
Looking over at Zell, I can tell Quistis is telling the truth.
It’s written in his blue eyes.
He really does love me.
And I love him, too.
~Selphie~
"Let’s go." I grabbed Quistis’ arm, pulling her up.
We should leave the lovebirds alone.
~Zell~
"I really do love you… s-sorry for never telling you."
~Squall~
I really wish he had told me sooner, but I’ll forgive him.
We can make up for lost time. We’re still young; we have a full life ahead of us.
"I love you, too, Zell."
Not caring at all who was watching, I leaned over the table, cupping Zell’s chin.
Smiling, I gently kissed him on the lips.
And as I always thought, Zell tasted sweet.
FIN!
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