Shot in the Dark

Zell’s POV
We should be in Esthar by tomorrow morning, and then we all have to attend a ball. Yaya really wants to go, which is cool, but I wonder what Seifer will say. What he says doesn’t matter, but if he says anything I’m gonna sock him. When I got back from my date last night Irvine was there. I thought he would be out with Selphie and Rinoa. He’s been grumpy ever since.
“Hey man what’s up?” I ask, forcing a smile. I don’t want to fight him anymore, I mean what the hell was I worried about anyways right? He’s my best friend.
“Since when are you talking to me? I thought I was worse than Seifer.” He says with a grumble. Man this could be tough.
“Well… I… sorry man, I just had some stuff I was freakn’ out about you know?” I say reaching my hand out to help him off the couch.
“Whatever.” He says turning towards the television, his butt squeaking against the leather couch. He’s beginning to sound like Squall. I don’t think I could take it if both of my best friends were silent about everything. I miss the teasing, even if it is confusing.
“Come one Cowboy what’s the matter?”
“It’s nothing okay?”
“Did you have a fight with Selphie?”
“Maybe, it doesn’t really matter. We’re not really together anyways.”
“But you love her, and she loves you… I mean I thought you guys were doing great.”
“I don’t know. She’s made me spend so much time with Rinoa. She knows how I feel around her… because of what I did. But she’s not really worried with my feelings right now. Now I can understand that, Noa just lost her father and all but I just kept thinkn’, if Seffie was in pain I would never force her to do anything that’d make it any worse. She said that she didn’t have time to be steady and it’s ‘bout time I accept it.” He says with a deep sigh.
“But… Irvine… I know how much you love Selphie…”
“Yeah, well I love her enough to let her go. Besides I’ve had my eye on somebody lately. I don’t think they’re interested really, but I don’t know.”
“Aw come on, no one can resist a cowboy right?” He grins a little at that, but then his face is set with thoughtfulness.
“Seffie.” He says plainly.
“But… she loves you, a lot, I know.”
“I don’t really want to talk about it anymore, alright? And besides, don’t you have some date to run off to or something?” I deserve that.
“Nah, not tonight. We could just hang out; watch a western or something…”
“What’s with all the sudden interest in my well being?”
“Look, Irvine, I’m sorry that I’ve been so touchy lately. I was just confused about some stuff, but I think I’m over it. I just… I miss getting along; you’re my best friend man. I need you.”
“Worried about seeing Seifer again?”
“Does it show?”
“Yeah it does babe, just relax. He likes to get people riled up, just like I do. Now don’t give him the satisfaction.” He says with a half smile. He doesn’t seem as cheery as usual but it’s better than nothing.
“What have you been up to lately man?”
“Ah, you wouldn’t be interested. What about you? When do I get to meat this, Yaya, of yours?” He says suggestively.
“Never if you plan on trying to seduce her.”
“Nah, if she’s into you then I don’t think she’s my type.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that you’re a spaz that’s what it means my little chocobo.”
“At least I’m not a depraved cowboy sex-a-hall!”
“It’s not as bad a gig as you think.” He says with a chuckle, I bet it’s not.