Why Selphie is not allowed near computers
Why Selphie is not allowed near computers

"Get back here so I can kill you!"

Quistis looked up. "I see that the tournament's been concluded."

"You think?" Zell asked, watching Squall chase Selphie all over the Quad. "She could've just tried to store ice cream down his shirt again."

"But, Squaaaaaall! You said you don't even like chicobos! I was doing you a favor!"

"That's not the point! DIE!"

"I take it back, I guess she did beat him," Zell admitted, shaking his head. "It's just, wow, I never thought Squall would lose."

"Zell, you lost to Squall because your chicobo was spoiled beyond belief and couldn't fight her way out of a tub of marshmallows, not because his was overpowered. Get over it already."

He sulked. "How would you know? It's not like you got to fight him." Seifer had beaten Quistis - barely - in an early round of the tournament.

"Irrrrrrrvy!" Selphie wailed. "Call your boyfriend off! I said I was sorrrrrrry!" She had found temporary sanctuary in the fountain - it was no secret that Squall hated water. Wet leather was no fun.

Irvine strolled up and plopped down on the grass next to Zell and Quistis. "Sorry, Selph. That was way out of line."

"You're letting Squall attack her for winning the tournament?" Zell asked, puzzled.

"No, he won, but then she blew up Squall's chicobo." At their blank stares, Irvine explained, "I mean, she literally blew it up, with sparks and smoke and little explody bits of plastic and everything."

"Dude," Zell said, "I didn't know that was possible. Aren't these things, like, supposed to be safe for children?"

"I didn't think it would work!" Selphie hollered. "I was just playing around with the programming! I'll get you a new one, Squally! Don't be mad!"

"Don't call me 'Squally'!"

Zell winced. Only Rinoa got away with calling him that.

"And I don't want a new one!"

"Eeeeeek! I'm sorry!"

Quistis stood up. "If you two don't stop screaming at the top of your lungs, I'm going to gag you and stuff you into a closet! Together!"

Squall growled one last time, then stalked over to the others and stuck his head under Irvine's coat. Awkwardly, Irvine patted the resulting lump.

"Much better," Quistis said. "Now, Squall, if you don't want Selphie to replace your chicobo, what do you want from her? Remember that Dr. Kadowaki is tired of patching us up and isn't buying the 'training accident' excuse anymore."

The lump issued an indistinct grumble. Irvine sighed. "I don't think he wants anything. It's just that it was a present from Laguna, so he's going to be a little clingy until he gets over it."

"I see. I'll have Selphie explain to Laguna and apologize. Have a good afternoon, Squall, and don't wear Irvine out too much." Quistis retrieved Selphie from the fountain and left.

Irvine blushed. Zell tried not to giggle.