Break Me From This Bond/Stay With Me - Chapter 5
Title: Break Me From This Bond/Stay With Me
Author: Irvine304
Rating: R
Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Romance
Pairing: Leon/Squall x Cloud
Warnings: OOC, shounen-ai, cussing, WAFF, Flangst, adult themes
Summary: Cloud's lost everyone who's ever given his life worth... There was nothing left, and he was becoming one with that. Until an angel with black wings appeared before him, to prove his life had worth. LeonxCloud AU
Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts/Final Fantasy © Square Enix
Break Me From This Bond/Stay With Me
Chapter 5: Fools’ Gold
“Look, all I want is to eat. Personally I’d rather not go running around town today shopping, because I’m exhausted and would rather sleep…”
Leon sighed as the blond pulled him out of the front door of the apartment complex by his arm. It looked as though he would not be able to rest anytime soon.
As soon as they had finished eating Cloud had thrown the over size shoes, Leon had stolen from the funeral car driver earlier that day, at him and began to pull on his own boots as he commanded Leon to, “Get your feet dressed. We’re leaving.”
Leon, not in the mood to test the blond, and knowing all to well the blond would not allow him a moments rest until he was out of these clothes, allowed himself to be dragged out of the building and into the nearby parking lot of the complex, to be taken shopping...he was not looking forward to this.
Cloud had released Leon when they had made it into the parking lot and continued walking without a word. Leon, not paying very close attention to where the blond was heading, even though he was right beside the man, reached for the car door at his side when the blond had paused.
“Leon.”
Leon turned to Cloud, still having his hand on the car door.
“That’s not mine.” Cloud informed Leon as he straddled a near by motorcycle.
Leon raised an eyebrow at him. “You ride a bike?”
Turning back to Leon, Cloud returned the expression, “Yeah. Why?”
Leon shrugged, then taking another look over Cloud responded, “I guess I just didn’t expect it. You looking so slender and delicate, I didn’t think you could handle something like that. But I guess I was wrong though. This just adds to your stubborn personality. So, I suppose, I should have expected as much.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?!”
Leon made his way over to the bike and sat behind Cloud, gripping onto his shoulders from the front, getting ready for a not so relaxing ride for a very unlooked-forward-to shopping trip. Accepting the fact that he would not be getting his much needed rest anytime soon, he sigh in defeat and replied to Cloud.
“That your weak and don’t want to admit it.” Leon stated evenly.
Cloud fumed, “You bastard. I am not weak!”
Leon sigh again, this time in exasperation. “No, of course not Cloud. Whatever was I thinking?”
Noticing that this was going nowhere, Cloud turned forward and, with more force then necessary, shoved the key into the ignition, and started his bike.
“Hang on, you ass. Wouldn’t want you to fall off.” Cloud warned Leon, heavily with sarcasm.
“You know, you should really wear a helmet.”
“Shut up!”
And with that Cloud furiously pulled out of the parking space and drove out of the lot.
-oOo-
Cloud pulled off the busy main street into a open parking spot and shut off the ignition. He kicked the break down and waited for Leon to move. When he didn’t, Cloud looked back and noticed Leon’s head was still buried into his back, he also realized the that the strong grip Leon held on his shoulders was still there, even though they had been stopped for a little over a minute now.
“Leon?”
Leon felt absolutely horrid. Throughout the ride he was desperately clinging to consciousness as well as onto Cloud for the fear of losing both his awareness and his grip on the blond and ultimately fallen off the bike.
Now that they were parked, something that took Leon quiet some time to realize, he couldn’t find the strength to pull away from the blond. He wasn’t even sure how conscious he really was.
“Leon? …Leon?…Leon!”
Leon jump when he finally heard the blonde’s voice clearly but then slumped right back against him as his fatigue took over.
“Leon? You hear me now?”“Yeah…” Leon mumbled against the blonde’s shoulder, weakly.
“What’s a matter with you? Get off me, we're parked. Lets go.”
At first Leon made no movement but then he released Cloud and slowly got up from the bike, only to fall onto the nearby curb, heavily.
“Leon!”
Cloud jumped down from the bike and rushed to the brunet’s side, hesitantly watching him as he slowly moved into a sitting position.
“Are you alright?”
Leon groaned touching a hand to his forehead, “Fine…lets just get this over with…”
As Leon moved to stand, Cloud came to his side pulling an arm around his shoulder to help him stand.
“Don’t worry, we don’t have far to go. I parked right outside the store…”
-oOo-
“What do you think of these?”
Leon looked up to the blond, a little surprised of how quickly he had returned to the bench outside of the dressing room, where he left Leon to wait, after just giving the blond his sizes.
“That was quick.” Leon commented a little weakly as he watched the blond fumble with the clothes, trying to show an article to Leon. Giving up though, he set the rest of the clothing to the side of the brunet holding up a pair of pants.“How are these? They suit your taste?”
Leon looked to the blond inquiring, “Why do you care what I like? You’re buying.”
Cloud sighed, “Well if I’m going to go out of my way to buy you an entire wardrobe, you might as well like it. Now stop asking stupid questions and give me an answer.” He emphasized by holding the pants back up, in front of the brunet.
Leon eyed the pants, they were similar to what he was currently wearing, which they style he honestly didn’t care for, he preferred much tighter pants. Leon let out a sigh, resting his head into his palm, glancing to the blond, “You want my honest option…right?”
“Well, yeah, that’s why I’m asking.” the blond replied, rolling his eyes.
“…I don’t like them.”
“Alright.” Cloud sighed folding the pants and holding them in his arms, looking back to Leon, “Then may I inquire as to what kind of pants you do like?” Cloud asked with a tone touched with sarcasm. He was beginning to feel a little worried that the stoic man was actually going to turn out to be a pampered princess.
The brunet turned away and replied, “I don’t mind those, I just prefer tighter pants.”
Cloud was a little surprised, and a little relieved, that that was all the brunet asked, “Alright.” Cloud replied as he set the pants down to the floor near the bench, then moving back to the pile he had brought over pulled out a different pair of pants and stood back a bit to show the full length of the pants to Leon has he held them out to him.
Leon looked the pants over and then surprise took over him. Jeans weren’t his top choice in clothing, he preferred, leather, he wasn’t about to bring that up to the blond, but next to leather these were the perfect pants. From the look of them, they would fit snuggly to the thighs but a little loser the rest of the way down. Leon let out a small smile, “I like those.”
Cloud wasn’t sure if he should blush or laugh at the brunets expression. He thought is was funny how he looked at the pants as though he had just made a new friend but he also couldn’t push away how…prefect that smile was. Even if he was seeing just a glimpse of the real thing, it was enough to set his heart pounding. He ended up doing a little of both, lightly blushing and he laughed just as lightly at the brunet.
The smile faded just quickly as it had appeared as the brunet’s eyes flashed to Cloud’s questionly, “What?”
Cloud only smiled, “Nothing, you just seem to really like these.” he laughed lightly then went on adding, “I’ll have to make sure to get a few others like these…” Cloud folded those pants and placed them onto Leon’s lap. When Leon looked to Cloud he just sent him a smile which only vanished when he saw his shirt. Cloud looked away and began shuffling through the pile of clothes as he asked, “…So, what kind of shirts do you like?”
Leon noticed how Cloud’s expression and mood completely shifted as his gaze fell onto the old T-shirt. “I don’t know. I like tank tops, I guess, and T-shirts are fine too….just about anything, I don’t really mind so much.”
“Just about anything, huh?” Cloud repeated and he continued to look down into the pile.
“Yeah.”
“Alright…then this will work, right?” Cloud asked as he held up a bright pink T-shirt that read My Boyfriend is cuter than yours.
Leon jaw about dropped as he was about to say something but he caught himself and thought for a moment before responding, “This is payback for what I told that small raven haired girl, isn’t it?” Leon finished with a knowing smirk.
Cloud busted out laughing, “Yeah, yeah. Was good though, huh?”
Leon laughed a bit himself, “You did catch me off guard. Yeah, that was a good one…but...you aren’t seriously going to buy that for me, are you?”
Cloud laughed again, “And waste my money on a shirt you wouldn’t touch if your life depended on it, or…you don’t really have a life at risk do you?” Cloud asked as he set the shirt down.
Leon was caught a little off guard by the question, “In ways, for example, this body I have isn’t any stronger than yours in the manner that it could die just as easily from a strong enough cause.”
“You talk about your body as though it isn’t a part of you…” Cloud replied so softly, Leon was surprised he had heard him. He looked to Cloud and noticed the blond had taken a seat at his side and was looking at him incredulously. Leon responded just a quietly though he hadn’t meant to, “After being separate from it once, I’m not as attached to it as I once was…”
They stared at each other for a long time before the store intercom come on, surprising them both into jumping out of the trance they were in with one another.
-Attention shoppers Fantasy Wears will be closing shortly, please finish your shopping and go to the nearest cash register to check out. Thank you!-
Cloud looked to his watch, “Fuck, we only have like 20 minutes.” Cloud got up quickly pulling Leon to his feet, shoving the pants that had fallen off his lap into his hands. “We need to get moving lets go!”
Cloud pulled Leon through the store finishing as quickly as Cloud could make humanly possible.
They stopped by the pants and Cloud grabbed two more pairs similar to the ones Leon was already holding, only in slightly different shades, shoving them into the arm Leon was using to hold the other pair and then continued on, pulling Leon along by his free hand.
They stopped by a rack of tank tops that were in packages of five and tossed one to Leon and pulled Leon down into another isle of the store that held all variety of male underwear. Cloud turned to him, “Boxers of briefs?”
“Boxer-briefs.”
Cloud looked at him funny but just tossed a package to him and continues pulling him along, stopping in front of the socks, “Size?”
“12”Cloud grabbed the socks and stopped for a second, “Fuck! Shoes!” he pulled Leon roughly by the wrist over to the shoes isle and stopped. He turned to Leon pulling the clothing out of his arms and setting them to the side. “Alright, you go pick out some shoes you want, don’t be too extravagant, and I’ll be right back after I get you a coat and some more shirts.” without leaving Leon anytime to respond, Cloud was off.
Leon sighed and began to look through the different boots and prices.
--
Leon was sitting on the little bench used to try on shoes, when Cloud was rushing back over, out of breath, and carrying what appeared to be a coat, some t-shirts and perhaps a sweatshirt. It had taken Cloud about ten minutes to get back to Leon, while it took Leon about five to pick out a pair of boots and try them on.
“Alright…grab-…grab that stuff.” Cloud said between breaths as he gestured to the pile of Leon’s soon-to-be clothing. “And follow me…” Cloud turned and began to make his way to the cashier. He placed what was in his arms down before moving so Leon could for the same.
“Together?” The woman asked them.
Cloud had to keep himself from rolling his eyes, “Yeah…” That’s the reason we put them down together obviously…no lady we were just really in the mood to fuck with you…
Cloud looked to his side when he felt himself being stared at and noticed Leon smirking at him, looking as though he was trying to keep from laughing.
“What?” Cloud asked blushing, Could he read my mind too?
“Everything you think shows up on your face.” Leon said choking on a laugh.
Cloud just turned away from him, blushing more.
“That’ll be… 181.70”
Cloud just sighed and moved to hand her his debit card when he heard Leon choke from behind. Cloud turned to him and Leon looked at him astonished, “Can you afford that?”
Cloud glared, “Don’t insult me. I have plenty of money.”
The brunet's look turned serious, “I mean, can you afford this on top of your bills?”
Cloud sighed turning from Leon and handing the lady his card, “Like I said, I’m fine…between all the inheritances, I’m quiet alright….” Cloud signed his receipt, mumbled a thanks and turned to Leon handing him half the bags, “Lets go.”
-oOo-
When they exited the store Leon noticed Cloud didn’t walk to his bike but started down a street. Leon sighed, he was so tired. He moved to catch up to Cloud and questioned, “Where are we going?”
Cloud didn’t even spare him a glance, “Where going somewhere where you can change and I can get a drink.”
Leon eyed him, “That wasn’t very descriptive, and what kind of drink?”
Cloud sighed, “We’re going to a place called Fools’ Gold, and what’s it matter to you what I drink.” Cloud said almost spitting the words at him.
Leon sighed, “It matters…”
“Whatever…”
About a block later they came up to a brick building, closely netted within the surrounding buildings. It had one large plate glass window, a glass, wood framed door, and a smaller window to it's side. The large plate glass window read the title Fools’ Gold in black paint, and right underneath it was one three leafed clover in green paint. Leon found it strange, both the name of the bar and the three leafed clover. Wouldn’t an Irish bar, if that’s what it was, have a four leafed clover? Leon did have long to debate the window as Cloud called him over to follow him in. Leon caught a glimpse of the sign showing the timeframe the bar was open until: 6pm - 6am. Leon wondered as he pushed open the door to the bar and heard a chime, looking to notice a small bell attached the door with another three leafed clover painter onto in, just how often Cloud came to this place.
Upon entering Leon took a look around at his surroundings. The bar, considering its time frame, was set up like a nice dim-lit diner. There were about four small round wooden tables with three chairs to each. Each of the small tables had a small cup in the center burning a golden oil within it, emitting from it a light and pleasant scent.
That was another thing Leon found strange about the bar: its smelt…nice. Leon shook off the strange feeling he was getting and continued to scan the bar. About the only thing left in the bar, besides the few bystanders, was the actual bar itself, which had the same wooden design as the tables, occupied by tall wooden stool. There were even a few liquid candles lit at the bar as well. How strange…
“Leon…Leon…Hey!”
Leon blinked and turned to the blond now standing in front of him, looking rather annoyed; he must have been trying to get his attention for a while now.
Leon touched Cloud face gently, “Yes, my love?”
Cloud blinked, looking shocked, which within a matter of seconds did a 360 and looked pissed, but was also blushing as he slapped Leon’s hand away, “What are you doing, Idiot!?”
Leon sighed, “Well, since were out in public, might as well make it look like were together.”
“Fuck off, you ass!” Cloud shoved the bags into Leon’s arms and pointed off to a doorway, “Go down there and change into something -Anything! Then, when we get home, your are to put those clothes,” He said pointing to his current attire, “back where you found them! Now go!”
Leon hesitated for a moment then leaned down to Cloud’s ear and whispered, “You’re making a scene.” and turn and left.
Cloud slowly turned and notice everyone in the bar staring at him. He flushed instantly and quickly made his way to the bar and sat ordering a drink.
-oOo-
Leon came out from the bathroom not too long after but when he got to the bar he noticed it was plenty of time for Cloud to get through three drinks. From the looks of it he had at least two shots and a beer.
Leon set bags under his and Cloud’s stools and took a seat next to him. He placed one elbow to the bar and resting his head in its palm, turned to Cloud commenting, “You know, you really shouldn’t drink so much.”
Cloud turned to him about to comment when he was taken aback by the change in attire. He stopped himself from yelling at the brunet to take in the new wardrobe: He was wearing his white tank top with the darkest pair of his jeans, which was either a deep blue or a black, (Cloud had trouble telling in this light) along with the black boots Cloud had just seen for the first time, and to top it off he was also wearing the black hip length fake leather jacket he had gotten him.
“You look good. I like the boots.”
“Thanks, I like the coat, wouldn’t have known you knew my taste.”
Cloud shrugged at the comment, “Lucky guess, I guess.” he mumble sipping his beer.
“We did forget something though.”
Cloud eyed Leon skeptically.
“Belts.”
Cloud look to where Leon’s pants hugged his hips, “I don’t think you need them with how tight your pants are.”
“No…I just like belts.” Leon flushed slightly turning away, why did I just say something so…stupid…
Cloud looked at him funnily. Smirking slightly, he turned away responding with, “Okay, Angel Boy, we’ll get you some belts another day.”
The brunet look to the blond incredulously, “Angel Boy?”
“Mmm. You like to call me 'lover', so I’ll call you Angel Boy. Maybe you’ll get how I feel and stop doing things to me.”
“…You’re already drunk.”
“Mmm, no more like buzzed, I’m no where near where I want to be yet, so just leave alone to drown myself.”
“Why do you do this?”
Cloud looked to him incredulously, “You cant be serious -Why the hell do you think?!”
He waited a moment for Leon to respond and when he didn’t, he went on, “I lost the two most important people in my life! Just last year I lost Zack now-…now Aer is gone too, I…” Cloud began to tremble covering his eyes. Then he lifted a hand and waved it to one of the two bartenders. This one was dirty blond with a mullet cut and had gentle blue eyes. He looked sympathetically to Cloud handing him the drink the hand gesture must have called for, “Here you go, Cloud.” he spoke softly, kindly, to the other blond.
Cloud removed his hands from his face, grasping the drink in one hand as he lifted it and began to down it, as tears fell free from his crystal blue eyes. Leon looked to his other side and noticed the other bartender, whom had spiky crimson hair, bright green eyes, and strange black tattoos under each of his eyes, looking over to the blond as well, with just as much emotion as his fellow worker.
Leon looked back to Cloud and noticed it looked as though the blond wanted nothing more to do with him, or was just going to ignore his presence until he was finished. Leon sighed, he’d break Cloud of his poor drinking habit, one way or another, he just needed to brainstorm as to how.
Letting that go for the moment he turned and looked between the bartenders and asked, “How long have you two known Cloud?”
They both looked to him and then each other. The crimson haired pondered as he put some bottles away, “I don’t know, what would you say, Dem?”
The dirty blond looked to the ceiling in thought for a moment as he dried a cup, “Hmm…it was about a year ago when he first came in here.”
“He was a wreak that day…” the crimson haired on murmured, remembering.
The dirty blond looked to Leon, “It was the day of Zack’s funeral when he first came here.”
Leon looked between the two, “How do you know…”
“The blond goes one of two ways when he drinks: he’s either extremely talkative or very quite. But he’s usually always crying.” the crimson one spoke, “So yeah, he told us the whole story that night.”
“Oh, hey!” the dirty blond spoke moving toward Leon, “I don’t mean to be rude but…are you Cloud’s new boyfriend or something” he asked, practically leaning over the bar to Leon.
Leon blinked for a moment, “Um…yeah.”
He laughed, “Thought so, from the way you two were bickering earlier. Oh, by the way, I’m Demyx!” He said pointing to himself and then using the same hand to reach out for a handshake.
Leon looked from Demyx to the extended hand for a moment before grasping it and replying, “Leon.”
“Nice to meet you.” Demyx said with a smile some might die for.
“Hey, don’t forget about me!” the crimson one said, as he finished drying his hands and moved to come over.
“Oh…sorry, Axel.” Demyx said rubbing the back of his head, with a guilty smile.
“Yeah, yeah, sure.” the crimson one replied holding out his own hand, “I’m Axel. Me and Dem here own and run this bar.”
Leon took his hand, “Impressive.”
Axel smiled, “I like to think so.”
Leon took a moment to look over the two. The dirty blond, Demyx, was close to his and Cloud’s height with a similar build to Cloud’s; very feminine. The crimson one, on the other hand, was quiet a bit taller, maybe close to 6 ft, and he was very skinny, almost to the point you might worry if he was healthy. Leon figured he must have just been skinny though, since both of them were in t-shirts, he could see that Axel’s arms did indeed have muscle on them, so he found it unlikely the guy was unhealthy.
“So.” Leon started, “How exactly did you two come up with the concept of this bar?”
Demyx looked up from where he was getting a customer a refill as Axel, who was leaning back against the drink shelf, smirked to Leon as he replied, “The nice dim-lit setting or the name?”
“I’m curious about the setting.” Leon said as he gaze the bar another quick look around before letting his gaze fall back onto Axel, “But lets start with the name.”
“Fools’ Gold…”
“Have you ever had something that was important to you, that others might find pointless or stupid?” Demyx cut in, with the inquiry.
“…I’m not sure I understand the question.” Leon responded truthfully.
In all honestly, he actually had trouble remembering a lot about himself…and about his past…
Axel cut in this time, “Well you know what fools gold it right?”
“Yeah, its an ore that looks similar to gold but really isn’t and it actually worthless. Right?”
“Correct!” Axel said with a smile, “Now say that’s the definition of what the bar title means: something that looks special to you which is actually useless.”
“That’s an awful definition, Axel.” Demyx commented and he started to pick up where Axel had left off with washing glasses.
“Hush you, I’m not finished!”
“Are you saying your bar looks nice but is actually unsuccessful?”
Axel gaped at Leon, as Demyx broke into laughter.
“No! That’s not what I meant!”
“You totally set yourself up for that one, Axel.”
“Shut up, Dem. Just keep serving up those drinks and allow me to explain our bar…what did you call it?” half asking Leon, as he answered for himself, “Oh, right! ’Theme’ the bar theme and name to our friend here.” he gave Leon a little wink, “Yep you’re our friend now, for better or worse.”
“Pfft! You’re just lazy but whatever, you’re doing horrible at that explanation anyways. Just don’t make our bar look too bad by the time your done.”
“Hush! I’m doing fine!”
“Alright, alright.” Demyx said lifted his soapy hands out of the water, defensively. “I’ll let you go on a little longer until I cut in.”
“Good! it’s a deal then! Okay Leon, you know how most people think four leafed clovers are lucky?”
“Yeah?”
“Well what would you think if someone found a three leafed clover just a precious?” Sneaking a knowing glance at Demyx that Leon didn’t catch.
“That would be their problem but I would find it rather pointless since there as common as blades of grass.”
“That’s why its fools’ gold!”
“…You lost me again.”
Axel sighed and dropped his head against the bar in front of Leon as Demyx broke into another fit of laughter.
“Sorry, you’re really just not making much sense…”
“Fools Gold: When you thought you had found something precious the whole time, and it turns out to be fools gold; it looks the same but you realize, it’s not. But you love it just as much as you would if it was real so…I doesn’t really matter that it’s fake, not to you. You love it still. For it’s still precious, it’s still beautiful, and most importantly…it’s yours, even if it’s worthless…I guess that’s what makes you the fool, and it, Fool’s Gold…” Demyx had spoken quietly but his words reached all intended with ease. He looked up after he finished with a light blush and he smiled nervously rubbing the back of his head with his wet hands. “Oh man.” Demyx complained when he noticed what he had done, Axel just busted out laughing. “Shut up!”
“Sorry, sorry.” He said still laughing. At that moment Cloud tapped Axel with his empty beer bottle. “Oh, alright kid.” Axel took the bottle and replaced with a new one, “There ya go.”
Leon watch in discontent as Cloud drank out of his new bottle. “…Why do you still serve him when he’s drinking for all the wrong reasons?”
Axel smiled sadly, “Is there really a good reason?”
“You know what I mean.”
“It’s just another form of gold.” Demyx replied as he come by to start putting some glasses away.
“What does that mean?”
Demyx turned to Leon, “Did you understand my description of fools’ gold?”
“Yeah but…I doesn’t really sound like your talking about actual fools gold. Your using it as a metaphor, right?”
Demyx looked down, “Basically, it means that you found something that makes you feel good and means something to you, whether it has any actual worth doesn’t matter, whether its good or bad for you doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is what it is and what it means to you.” Demyx looked to Leon. “Make sense?”
“I guess but…how does alcohol count?”
Axel cut in for that one, “Alcohol numbs peoples pain, some people turn to it when they cant think of anything else.”
“And you think that’s alright?” Leon countered
“To each his own.” Axel replied
“Alright…” Leon said, still trying to find the logic in all this, “So why a three leafed clover?”
“That’s Dem’s thing. Explain it to him, Demyx.” Axel said with a smirk.
Demyx blushed, “But…”
“C’mon, the man asked, don’t be bashful.” Axel said giving Demy a slap to the back.
Demyx faltered forward and sighed, “Alright…the three leafed clover is my fools’ gold.”
Leon only tilted his head to Demyx. Demyx pulled his wallet out of his pocket then brought out a piece of clear plastic and showed it to Leon. It was a laminated three leafed clover.
“This clover was picked one summer when I was with the boy I loved…” He blushed and frowned and his eyes shined with tears, “He…he never knew how I felt for him, I…couldn’t bring myself to tell him. We were close friends and I didn’t want to wreak that.
“It was a nice summer day when he took me out to a field we liked to go to and he said we would spend the whole day together. When I asked why, I found out he would be leaving for college in the fall.” Demyx smiled sadly, “I started to cry. I clung to him bawling like a baby asking him ‘What? Where? Why?’ Why was he leaving me? What did I do wrong? I begged him to stay…” Demyx took in a shaky breath, “He only smiled as he comforted me. He told me he wasn’t leaving me and I didn’t do anything wrong, he had to go because that school gave him the best chance to become what he wanted to be. He told me he was sorry, he said he knew this would be hard on me… if he only knew…” Demyx sighed, “Then I got up abruptly and said I would find him a four leafed clover, and told him when I did, he’d have to keep it forever. He only laughed and told me good luck.” Demyx smiled, “Unfortunately for me, the field we hung around at was a soccer field. We liked it there because, the days there were no games, it was really nice there, so peaceful…and there were even bleachers for us to sit and do our homework on.” He sighed, “But the reason it was unfortunate was since it was a soccer field it was constantly mowed, so I had a hard time finding anything, even three leafed clovers. I search for 2 hours until I gave up, crying in frustration. He only laughed and told me it was alright because he didn’t need a clover to remember me by because he could never forget me, no matter how far apart we were, no matter what…” Demyx covered his eyes and started to tremble. Axel was leaning back in the distance frowning as he watched his friend, but he never moved from his spot.
After a few moments Demyx started to wipe his eyes, trying to calm down, as he hiccupped and sniffled, “Sorry…” he said finally, then he smiled, “Then the sun was setting when he pulled me to my feet to go. ’Sorry’ he had said holding out a three leafed clover to me ’it was all I could find’. I took it gently between two fingers and I started to break down again. He held me and did his best to sooth me as I cried and clung to him…”
Demyx examined the laminated clover, “This…is that very clover he gave me. I always keep it with me but not for luck, I have it because-…because…” Demyx’s voice cracked, “Actually, I don’t even know why anymore, I just cant let him go.” Before he could crumble in front of Leon, Axel came to him and pulled him into a strong embrace, “Shhh…it’s alright Demy. You don’t have to let him go, you never do…”
Trying to lighten the mood, Leon tried another subject, “So…what’s with the nice romantic setting?”
Axel smiled as he held Demyx, “Actually the place was pretty much like this when we bought it.”
“Rented…” Came the muffled correction from the dirty blond in his arms.
Leon couldn’t help but smile at the dirty blonde’s resilience.
“Whatever, same difference.” Axel said with a sigh, even though the expression on his faced showed he was grateful, as well, for his friend’s recovery. “But as I was saying,” Axel started again, “This set up with the tables and chairs was all here when we started renting it.” he added emphasis to the word for Demyx’s benefit, “I think it was once a diner of sorts, there’s even a kitchen back there.” Axel said as he point to a door in the far back of the bar, “But yeah, we kept it the way it was just cause, well, because we liked it.” he said with a smile.
“As simple as that?”
“As simple as that.”
“Excuse me?” came a the quiet call of another customer at the far end of the bar.
“One second, sir.” Axel called to him.
Demyx began to untangle himself from Axel and Axel watched him with concern, “You sure you’re alright, Dem?”
After Demyx successfully removed himself from Axel, he sent him a smile and said, “I’m fine, Axel. A little pain and a little tears never killed anyone. It’s a part of life. I’m used to the pain I feel when I think about Zexion, its nothing new. I just need to learn to control it is all.” he added with a shrug at the end.
Axel frowned as Demyx moved to take the man’s order, “You know…you don’t have to try so hard on your own. I’m here for you.”
Demyx smiled and turned to Axel after he had set the drink down on the bar for the man intended, “I know, and I’m grateful for that. But Axel, unrequited love isn’t the worst pain in the world.” Demyx side glanced to Cloud, leading Axel to do the same, Cloud didn’t noticed though, he was too lost in the bottle in front of him, in himself. When their eyes met again Demyx finished with, “You know that as well as I do, and trust me, if I reach the point where I cant take hold myself together alone, I will lean on you, you can be sure of that.”
Axel smiled, “Good to hear.”
“…Not to be rude but are you two…?” Leon couldn‘t stop himself from asking when the confusion washed over him.
Axel and Demyx both looked to Leon, taken aback by the question, sending him a strange look before the both of them looked to each other and laughed. Axel was the first to speak, “No, man! Dem and I are just sappy friends, not butt-buddies.”
“Axel!”
“C’mon Dem, don’t get all embarrassed. It’s just another name for it.”
Demyx only grumbled as he filled another drink, blushing vividly.
“Anyways…” Axel started but stopped when he noticed he was being nudged by the blond at the bar, “Hm? What is it, Cloud? Another?” Axel asked reaching for the bottle but Cloud stopped him by shaking his head and pointing to a bottle in the back. Axle noticed which he was pointing to. “Ah.” He said, “Something stronger, huh?”
Cloud said nothing, only allowed Axel to take his bottle as he waited for the drink Axel left him to make.
“Cloud?” Leon tried again, hoping to get something out of the blonde, but Cloud made no reaction to him. Even when Leon went as far as to grab and blonde by the shoulders and shake him lightly, calling to him again, he was met with only silence from the blond.
Leon sighed, resting his head back into his palm as he decided to look past the blond, out the window. Leon jumped slightly when he noticed the near downpour occurring outside and only sighed deeply, mumbling to himself, “I knew it would just get worse…”
Axel noticed the distressed look on Leon’s face when he had glanced to the window, “Something wrong?” Axel asked, setting down Cloud’s drink and turning to look out the window himself, “Ah, weren’t expecting the rain?”
“Correction, knew there would be rain, but I couldn’t keep the psycho indoors.” Leon said with a sigh.
“Ah.” was all Axel replied as he seemed to be pondering something while he watched Cloud down the drink he had just given him. Cloud hissed from the burning sensation left behind, Leon just shook his head in discontentment.
“Well, ya know…” Axel started and went on after he got the brunet’s attention, “Dem and usually take turns driving some of our regulars home when they’re too plastered to make it, or we just don’t want them to try driving.”
Leon raised an eyebrow in surprise, “Very considerate of you.”
Axel smile, “Yeah, I know, isn’t it? But what I meant was Cloud is one of our regulars and seems to be at the point where walking home would be the best choice, especially driving that bike of his, soo…I was just thinking maybe we can give you guys a lift home, if you don’t mind that is?”
Leon could only blink. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t understand these two. What kind of people had a late night bar set up as a cozy diner? What type of people offered to drive home their customers? What form of person could understand the pain people carry better these two. These two people had the most kindest nature Leon had ever experienced…but then again he couldn’t remember any other past experiences with…anyone other than the person he had died for…and he could barely remember her…“Hey, man? You alright? What’s wrong?”Leon looked up to find Axel leaning to him looking at him concernedly. Leon only shook his head and responded, “I’m fine, its nothing, I just…let my mind wander… But I -we, would really appreciate the ride. If you’re sure you could manage.”
Axel still looked a little worried at first but seemed to push his own curiosity aside as he sent Leon a smile an said, “Yeah, it’s not a problem. One person can man this place just fine for a bit.” Axel paused as he scanned the barley occupied bar, then added, “Well…maybe a little longer than that, but you get my point.” he shrugged with his hands before turning in Demyx direction, “Hey Dem! Take a break and take these two home, it’s raining cats and dongs out there.”
Demyx looked up and nodded before setting down the drink he just filled and moved out from behind the bar to grab his coat. Putting it on he turned to Axel with a smirk, “Sure you’ll be alright while I’m gone?”
Axel leaned toward the bar, resting his elbow onto it and his head into his palm, seeming to ponder it, “I donno.” He finally answered, looking back to Demyx with a smirk of his own, “I may set the place up in flames if I’m not careful.”
Demyx seemed a little uncomfortable by the thought, “Please don’t.” he said with a nervous smile.
“I’ll try my best!”
“To or not to?” Demyx asked as he began to help Cloud to his feet. Cloud went willingly, and Leon couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed with the blond as he lifted up his bags.
“I’m sure you’ll find out when you get back.” Axel finished, still smiling slyly.
Demyx just sighed and looked to Leon, “You got all that alright?”
“Yeah I got it.” Leon replied as he moved ahead of Demyx to open the bar door for them. The bell chimed.
“Thanks.” Demyx said to him with a smile as he began to pass him, “Say thank you to your boyfriend, for being so considerate, Cloud.”Cloud only grunted and Demyx just laughed in response and Leon sighed moving to stand next to them at the edge of dry and wet.
“So…” Leon started as he watched the water drops plunder from the sky in heavy droplets, falling forever quickly.
“Umm…” Demyx started as the bar door chimed again and an umbrella was pushed between them and opened. They both turned to find Axel smiling between them.
“You forgot the keys, Dem.”
“Oh, heh.” Demyx rubbed the back of his head with his free hand, “opps…”
Axel laughed, “Look, I’ll go unlock the car for you guys. Here, Leon, give me a few of those bags.”
Leon complied and Axel went off and unlocked the driver’s door, hitting the switch to unlock the rest of the doors. Then moving to the back door he shoved in the bags Leon had given him.
“…Is it alright he just left the bar unattended to?” Leon asked as he watched Axel.
“It’s aright. We trust our customers, and not to mention they’d have to walk right by us if they stole anything big.” Demyx replied turning to Leon with a smile.
Leon only sighed. No, he just couldn’t understand these two…
“All set!” Axel said coming to a stop in front of them, “Alright, you wait here, Dem. C’mon Leon.” he motioned Leon to follow under the umbrella, which he did, as they heard and completive cry from behind them, “But he’s getting heavy!”
Axel only laughed opening the back door for Leon to get in, “You’ll last a few more seconds!” Axel said, shutting the door behind Leon as he went over and help Demyx carry Cloud to the car and helped him get the blond safely into the car before they shut the door and Axel followed Demyx to the front.
“Thanks, Axel.” Demyx said to his friend with a smile as he started the car.
“No problem, babe. Oh hey Leon.”
Leon could see the blush forming on Demyx’s face as well as some frustration as Axel turned to him. When Leon looked back to him, Axel went on. “Take care of Cloud, alright? …He really needs someone right now…”
Leon nodded and said, “That’s why I’m here.”
Of course the look on Axel’s face misread his true meaning of the words, but Leon had expected as much. They didn’t know the truth and never would and that’s how things had to be.
“Thanks.” Axel said with a genuine smile before leaning down to kiss Demyx’s cheek as he move to shut to door, “See ya in a few, hun.”
Demyx only blushed more as he yelled, “Stop it with a the freaking endearments! No wonder Leon thought we were together! Probably half the people at the bar think it too!”
“Half? So your saying like 3 people? I don’t think that’s enough to make such a deal over.”
Demyx growled and Axel only laughed waving a bye to Demyx was he was about to leave when Leon spoke up, “Axle wait.”
Axel looked to Leon. “Yeah?"
"What’s your fools’ gold?” Leon could help himself, he felt compelled to ask.
Axel smiled and replied, “I’m in love with a 16-year-old boy. He’s my fools’ gold.”
Axel gave Demyx another smile before shutting the door.
Leon watched as he disappeared through the bar doors.
Then just as he was out of sight, Demyx drove off.
-oOo-
They ended up making a run for the apartment to try and prevent getting completely soaked, Leon carrying Cloud bridal style, along with half the bags, as Demyx followed close behind with the rest.The attempt to not get soaked failed but there was nothing they could do about it. Leon had removed Cloud’s coat and set the blond onto his bed. He notice the blond was already either fast asleep or pasted out, he figured it was the later. He only shook his head and set the bags down as he turned to Demyx and offered to give him a towel (as soon as he could find one) and a change of the blonde’s clothes, but Demyx refused both, afraid to be a bother. He said he lived with Axel above the bar, so he’d change when he got back. Unable to change the dirty blonde’s mind, Leon could only watch him go.
Returning to the bedroom he watched his blond as he slept. He didn’t understand why he felt the need to think of the blond that way. Perhaps it was because he was here for the blond. He was the reason he was alive again, living. So perhaps that’s why he felt the need to lay claim to the sleeping boy. Or perhaps, it was only he felt this way because he was only alive to help the blond, and nothing more.
Whether it wash his own true feeling or forced ones he wasn’t sure. But what bothered him more than not knowing was the fact he was bothered by it. Why should he care? All he needed to do was watch this boy, show him all that life had to offered him. Show him he didn’t need his dead loved ones to be happy. Show him other forms of happiness. Prove to him it was out there. Let the blond take of hold of that happiness and then let him go…It was all so simple…So why was it all bothering him so much?He had only known this boy for a day but he felt like he’d known him for so much longer…but why?
He growled in frustration as he pulled on his shoulder length hair, beginning to pace. He didn’t want to care, so he wouldn‘t. He wouldn’t care about the boy, and he wouldn’t allow the boy to care for him in return. Everything would stay the course, it had to. Leon didn’t want to be alive, he wanted to be gone, but forgiven. He wouldn’t lay himself a trap on this earth, tied to the blond, but he also wouldn’t fail his mission. It would all be fine, it had to be.
He thought as he turned again to the slumbering blond as an idea came. Yes it would be perfect, he thought as he started to remove the blonde’s shirt. This would show the blond alcohol wasn’t the answer and that he could be with another and survive it. Yes, it would be a start, a rough start, but a start none the less. He continued to remove the layers of clothing the blond wore, as he planned ahead for tomorrow…
A/N: Well? Did you like?
In the next chapter: We'll find out what Leon did to Cloud and watch the fireworks explode when Cloud wakes up.
Thank you all for reading. Please review if you like. I really appreciate your feedback.
Take care all!
Special Thank to my editor
silentstarsong
<- Previous Chapter
<<-First Chapter
Author: Irvine304
Rating: R
Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Romance
Pairing: Leon/Squall x Cloud
Warnings: OOC, shounen-ai, cussing, WAFF, Flangst, adult themes
Summary: Cloud's lost everyone who's ever given his life worth... There was nothing left, and he was becoming one with that. Until an angel with black wings appeared before him, to prove his life had worth. LeonxCloud AU
Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts/Final Fantasy © Square Enix
Break Me From This Bond/Stay With Me
Chapter 5: Fools’ Gold
“Look, all I want is to eat. Personally I’d rather not go running around town today shopping, because I’m exhausted and would rather sleep…”
Leon sighed as the blond pulled him out of the front door of the apartment complex by his arm. It looked as though he would not be able to rest anytime soon.
As soon as they had finished eating Cloud had thrown the over size shoes, Leon had stolen from the funeral car driver earlier that day, at him and began to pull on his own boots as he commanded Leon to, “Get your feet dressed. We’re leaving.”
Leon, not in the mood to test the blond, and knowing all to well the blond would not allow him a moments rest until he was out of these clothes, allowed himself to be dragged out of the building and into the nearby parking lot of the complex, to be taken shopping...he was not looking forward to this.
Cloud had released Leon when they had made it into the parking lot and continued walking without a word. Leon, not paying very close attention to where the blond was heading, even though he was right beside the man, reached for the car door at his side when the blond had paused.
“Leon.”
Leon turned to Cloud, still having his hand on the car door.
“That’s not mine.” Cloud informed Leon as he straddled a near by motorcycle.
Leon raised an eyebrow at him. “You ride a bike?”
Turning back to Leon, Cloud returned the expression, “Yeah. Why?”
Leon shrugged, then taking another look over Cloud responded, “I guess I just didn’t expect it. You looking so slender and delicate, I didn’t think you could handle something like that. But I guess I was wrong though. This just adds to your stubborn personality. So, I suppose, I should have expected as much.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?!”
Leon made his way over to the bike and sat behind Cloud, gripping onto his shoulders from the front, getting ready for a not so relaxing ride for a very unlooked-forward-to shopping trip. Accepting the fact that he would not be getting his much needed rest anytime soon, he sigh in defeat and replied to Cloud.
“That your weak and don’t want to admit it.” Leon stated evenly.
Cloud fumed, “You bastard. I am not weak!”
Leon sigh again, this time in exasperation. “No, of course not Cloud. Whatever was I thinking?”
Noticing that this was going nowhere, Cloud turned forward and, with more force then necessary, shoved the key into the ignition, and started his bike.
“Hang on, you ass. Wouldn’t want you to fall off.” Cloud warned Leon, heavily with sarcasm.
“You know, you should really wear a helmet.”
“Shut up!”
And with that Cloud furiously pulled out of the parking space and drove out of the lot.
-oOo-
Cloud pulled off the busy main street into a open parking spot and shut off the ignition. He kicked the break down and waited for Leon to move. When he didn’t, Cloud looked back and noticed Leon’s head was still buried into his back, he also realized the that the strong grip Leon held on his shoulders was still there, even though they had been stopped for a little over a minute now.
“Leon?”
Leon felt absolutely horrid. Throughout the ride he was desperately clinging to consciousness as well as onto Cloud for the fear of losing both his awareness and his grip on the blond and ultimately fallen off the bike.
Now that they were parked, something that took Leon quiet some time to realize, he couldn’t find the strength to pull away from the blond. He wasn’t even sure how conscious he really was.
“Leon? …Leon?…Leon!”
Leon jump when he finally heard the blonde’s voice clearly but then slumped right back against him as his fatigue took over.
“Leon? You hear me now?”“Yeah…” Leon mumbled against the blonde’s shoulder, weakly.
“What’s a matter with you? Get off me, we're parked. Lets go.”
At first Leon made no movement but then he released Cloud and slowly got up from the bike, only to fall onto the nearby curb, heavily.
“Leon!”
Cloud jumped down from the bike and rushed to the brunet’s side, hesitantly watching him as he slowly moved into a sitting position.
“Are you alright?”
Leon groaned touching a hand to his forehead, “Fine…lets just get this over with…”
As Leon moved to stand, Cloud came to his side pulling an arm around his shoulder to help him stand.
“Don’t worry, we don’t have far to go. I parked right outside the store…”
-oOo-
“What do you think of these?”
Leon looked up to the blond, a little surprised of how quickly he had returned to the bench outside of the dressing room, where he left Leon to wait, after just giving the blond his sizes.
“That was quick.” Leon commented a little weakly as he watched the blond fumble with the clothes, trying to show an article to Leon. Giving up though, he set the rest of the clothing to the side of the brunet holding up a pair of pants.“How are these? They suit your taste?”
Leon looked to the blond inquiring, “Why do you care what I like? You’re buying.”
Cloud sighed, “Well if I’m going to go out of my way to buy you an entire wardrobe, you might as well like it. Now stop asking stupid questions and give me an answer.” He emphasized by holding the pants back up, in front of the brunet.
Leon eyed the pants, they were similar to what he was currently wearing, which they style he honestly didn’t care for, he preferred much tighter pants. Leon let out a sigh, resting his head into his palm, glancing to the blond, “You want my honest option…right?”
“Well, yeah, that’s why I’m asking.” the blond replied, rolling his eyes.
“…I don’t like them.”
“Alright.” Cloud sighed folding the pants and holding them in his arms, looking back to Leon, “Then may I inquire as to what kind of pants you do like?” Cloud asked with a tone touched with sarcasm. He was beginning to feel a little worried that the stoic man was actually going to turn out to be a pampered princess.
The brunet turned away and replied, “I don’t mind those, I just prefer tighter pants.”
Cloud was a little surprised, and a little relieved, that that was all the brunet asked, “Alright.” Cloud replied as he set the pants down to the floor near the bench, then moving back to the pile he had brought over pulled out a different pair of pants and stood back a bit to show the full length of the pants to Leon has he held them out to him.
Leon looked the pants over and then surprise took over him. Jeans weren’t his top choice in clothing, he preferred, leather, he wasn’t about to bring that up to the blond, but next to leather these were the perfect pants. From the look of them, they would fit snuggly to the thighs but a little loser the rest of the way down. Leon let out a small smile, “I like those.”
Cloud wasn’t sure if he should blush or laugh at the brunets expression. He thought is was funny how he looked at the pants as though he had just made a new friend but he also couldn’t push away how…prefect that smile was. Even if he was seeing just a glimpse of the real thing, it was enough to set his heart pounding. He ended up doing a little of both, lightly blushing and he laughed just as lightly at the brunet.
The smile faded just quickly as it had appeared as the brunet’s eyes flashed to Cloud’s questionly, “What?”
Cloud only smiled, “Nothing, you just seem to really like these.” he laughed lightly then went on adding, “I’ll have to make sure to get a few others like these…” Cloud folded those pants and placed them onto Leon’s lap. When Leon looked to Cloud he just sent him a smile which only vanished when he saw his shirt. Cloud looked away and began shuffling through the pile of clothes as he asked, “…So, what kind of shirts do you like?”
Leon noticed how Cloud’s expression and mood completely shifted as his gaze fell onto the old T-shirt. “I don’t know. I like tank tops, I guess, and T-shirts are fine too….just about anything, I don’t really mind so much.”
“Just about anything, huh?” Cloud repeated and he continued to look down into the pile.
“Yeah.”
“Alright…then this will work, right?” Cloud asked as he held up a bright pink T-shirt that read My Boyfriend is cuter than yours.
Leon jaw about dropped as he was about to say something but he caught himself and thought for a moment before responding, “This is payback for what I told that small raven haired girl, isn’t it?” Leon finished with a knowing smirk.
Cloud busted out laughing, “Yeah, yeah. Was good though, huh?”
Leon laughed a bit himself, “You did catch me off guard. Yeah, that was a good one…but...you aren’t seriously going to buy that for me, are you?”
Cloud laughed again, “And waste my money on a shirt you wouldn’t touch if your life depended on it, or…you don’t really have a life at risk do you?” Cloud asked as he set the shirt down.
Leon was caught a little off guard by the question, “In ways, for example, this body I have isn’t any stronger than yours in the manner that it could die just as easily from a strong enough cause.”
“You talk about your body as though it isn’t a part of you…” Cloud replied so softly, Leon was surprised he had heard him. He looked to Cloud and noticed the blond had taken a seat at his side and was looking at him incredulously. Leon responded just a quietly though he hadn’t meant to, “After being separate from it once, I’m not as attached to it as I once was…”
They stared at each other for a long time before the store intercom come on, surprising them both into jumping out of the trance they were in with one another.
-Attention shoppers Fantasy Wears will be closing shortly, please finish your shopping and go to the nearest cash register to check out. Thank you!-
Cloud looked to his watch, “Fuck, we only have like 20 minutes.” Cloud got up quickly pulling Leon to his feet, shoving the pants that had fallen off his lap into his hands. “We need to get moving lets go!”
Cloud pulled Leon through the store finishing as quickly as Cloud could make humanly possible.
They stopped by the pants and Cloud grabbed two more pairs similar to the ones Leon was already holding, only in slightly different shades, shoving them into the arm Leon was using to hold the other pair and then continued on, pulling Leon along by his free hand.
They stopped by a rack of tank tops that were in packages of five and tossed one to Leon and pulled Leon down into another isle of the store that held all variety of male underwear. Cloud turned to him, “Boxers of briefs?”
“Boxer-briefs.”
Cloud looked at him funny but just tossed a package to him and continues pulling him along, stopping in front of the socks, “Size?”
“12”Cloud grabbed the socks and stopped for a second, “Fuck! Shoes!” he pulled Leon roughly by the wrist over to the shoes isle and stopped. He turned to Leon pulling the clothing out of his arms and setting them to the side. “Alright, you go pick out some shoes you want, don’t be too extravagant, and I’ll be right back after I get you a coat and some more shirts.” without leaving Leon anytime to respond, Cloud was off.
Leon sighed and began to look through the different boots and prices.
--
Leon was sitting on the little bench used to try on shoes, when Cloud was rushing back over, out of breath, and carrying what appeared to be a coat, some t-shirts and perhaps a sweatshirt. It had taken Cloud about ten minutes to get back to Leon, while it took Leon about five to pick out a pair of boots and try them on.
“Alright…grab-…grab that stuff.” Cloud said between breaths as he gestured to the pile of Leon’s soon-to-be clothing. “And follow me…” Cloud turned and began to make his way to the cashier. He placed what was in his arms down before moving so Leon could for the same.
“Together?” The woman asked them.
Cloud had to keep himself from rolling his eyes, “Yeah…” That’s the reason we put them down together obviously…no lady we were just really in the mood to fuck with you…
Cloud looked to his side when he felt himself being stared at and noticed Leon smirking at him, looking as though he was trying to keep from laughing.
“What?” Cloud asked blushing, Could he read my mind too?
“Everything you think shows up on your face.” Leon said choking on a laugh.
Cloud just turned away from him, blushing more.
“That’ll be… 181.70”
Cloud just sighed and moved to hand her his debit card when he heard Leon choke from behind. Cloud turned to him and Leon looked at him astonished, “Can you afford that?”
Cloud glared, “Don’t insult me. I have plenty of money.”
The brunet's look turned serious, “I mean, can you afford this on top of your bills?”
Cloud sighed turning from Leon and handing the lady his card, “Like I said, I’m fine…between all the inheritances, I’m quiet alright….” Cloud signed his receipt, mumbled a thanks and turned to Leon handing him half the bags, “Lets go.”
-oOo-
When they exited the store Leon noticed Cloud didn’t walk to his bike but started down a street. Leon sighed, he was so tired. He moved to catch up to Cloud and questioned, “Where are we going?”
Cloud didn’t even spare him a glance, “Where going somewhere where you can change and I can get a drink.”
Leon eyed him, “That wasn’t very descriptive, and what kind of drink?”
Cloud sighed, “We’re going to a place called Fools’ Gold, and what’s it matter to you what I drink.” Cloud said almost spitting the words at him.
Leon sighed, “It matters…”
“Whatever…”
About a block later they came up to a brick building, closely netted within the surrounding buildings. It had one large plate glass window, a glass, wood framed door, and a smaller window to it's side. The large plate glass window read the title Fools’ Gold in black paint, and right underneath it was one three leafed clover in green paint. Leon found it strange, both the name of the bar and the three leafed clover. Wouldn’t an Irish bar, if that’s what it was, have a four leafed clover? Leon did have long to debate the window as Cloud called him over to follow him in. Leon caught a glimpse of the sign showing the timeframe the bar was open until: 6pm - 6am. Leon wondered as he pushed open the door to the bar and heard a chime, looking to notice a small bell attached the door with another three leafed clover painter onto in, just how often Cloud came to this place.
Upon entering Leon took a look around at his surroundings. The bar, considering its time frame, was set up like a nice dim-lit diner. There were about four small round wooden tables with three chairs to each. Each of the small tables had a small cup in the center burning a golden oil within it, emitting from it a light and pleasant scent.
That was another thing Leon found strange about the bar: its smelt…nice. Leon shook off the strange feeling he was getting and continued to scan the bar. About the only thing left in the bar, besides the few bystanders, was the actual bar itself, which had the same wooden design as the tables, occupied by tall wooden stool. There were even a few liquid candles lit at the bar as well. How strange…
“Leon…Leon…Hey!”
Leon blinked and turned to the blond now standing in front of him, looking rather annoyed; he must have been trying to get his attention for a while now.
Leon touched Cloud face gently, “Yes, my love?”
Cloud blinked, looking shocked, which within a matter of seconds did a 360 and looked pissed, but was also blushing as he slapped Leon’s hand away, “What are you doing, Idiot!?”
Leon sighed, “Well, since were out in public, might as well make it look like were together.”
“Fuck off, you ass!” Cloud shoved the bags into Leon’s arms and pointed off to a doorway, “Go down there and change into something -Anything! Then, when we get home, your are to put those clothes,” He said pointing to his current attire, “back where you found them! Now go!”
Leon hesitated for a moment then leaned down to Cloud’s ear and whispered, “You’re making a scene.” and turn and left.
Cloud slowly turned and notice everyone in the bar staring at him. He flushed instantly and quickly made his way to the bar and sat ordering a drink.
-oOo-
Leon came out from the bathroom not too long after but when he got to the bar he noticed it was plenty of time for Cloud to get through three drinks. From the looks of it he had at least two shots and a beer.
Leon set bags under his and Cloud’s stools and took a seat next to him. He placed one elbow to the bar and resting his head in its palm, turned to Cloud commenting, “You know, you really shouldn’t drink so much.”
Cloud turned to him about to comment when he was taken aback by the change in attire. He stopped himself from yelling at the brunet to take in the new wardrobe: He was wearing his white tank top with the darkest pair of his jeans, which was either a deep blue or a black, (Cloud had trouble telling in this light) along with the black boots Cloud had just seen for the first time, and to top it off he was also wearing the black hip length fake leather jacket he had gotten him.
“You look good. I like the boots.”
“Thanks, I like the coat, wouldn’t have known you knew my taste.”
Cloud shrugged at the comment, “Lucky guess, I guess.” he mumble sipping his beer.
“We did forget something though.”
Cloud eyed Leon skeptically.
“Belts.”
Cloud look to where Leon’s pants hugged his hips, “I don’t think you need them with how tight your pants are.”
“No…I just like belts.” Leon flushed slightly turning away, why did I just say something so…stupid…
Cloud looked at him funnily. Smirking slightly, he turned away responding with, “Okay, Angel Boy, we’ll get you some belts another day.”
The brunet look to the blond incredulously, “Angel Boy?”
“Mmm. You like to call me 'lover', so I’ll call you Angel Boy. Maybe you’ll get how I feel and stop doing things to me.”
“…You’re already drunk.”
“Mmm, no more like buzzed, I’m no where near where I want to be yet, so just leave alone to drown myself.”
“Why do you do this?”
Cloud looked to him incredulously, “You cant be serious -Why the hell do you think?!”
He waited a moment for Leon to respond and when he didn’t, he went on, “I lost the two most important people in my life! Just last year I lost Zack now-…now Aer is gone too, I…” Cloud began to tremble covering his eyes. Then he lifted a hand and waved it to one of the two bartenders. This one was dirty blond with a mullet cut and had gentle blue eyes. He looked sympathetically to Cloud handing him the drink the hand gesture must have called for, “Here you go, Cloud.” he spoke softly, kindly, to the other blond.
Cloud removed his hands from his face, grasping the drink in one hand as he lifted it and began to down it, as tears fell free from his crystal blue eyes. Leon looked to his other side and noticed the other bartender, whom had spiky crimson hair, bright green eyes, and strange black tattoos under each of his eyes, looking over to the blond as well, with just as much emotion as his fellow worker.
Leon looked back to Cloud and noticed it looked as though the blond wanted nothing more to do with him, or was just going to ignore his presence until he was finished. Leon sighed, he’d break Cloud of his poor drinking habit, one way or another, he just needed to brainstorm as to how.
Letting that go for the moment he turned and looked between the bartenders and asked, “How long have you two known Cloud?”
They both looked to him and then each other. The crimson haired pondered as he put some bottles away, “I don’t know, what would you say, Dem?”
The dirty blond looked to the ceiling in thought for a moment as he dried a cup, “Hmm…it was about a year ago when he first came in here.”
“He was a wreak that day…” the crimson haired on murmured, remembering.
The dirty blond looked to Leon, “It was the day of Zack’s funeral when he first came here.”
Leon looked between the two, “How do you know…”
“The blond goes one of two ways when he drinks: he’s either extremely talkative or very quite. But he’s usually always crying.” the crimson one spoke, “So yeah, he told us the whole story that night.”
“Oh, hey!” the dirty blond spoke moving toward Leon, “I don’t mean to be rude but…are you Cloud’s new boyfriend or something” he asked, practically leaning over the bar to Leon.
Leon blinked for a moment, “Um…yeah.”
He laughed, “Thought so, from the way you two were bickering earlier. Oh, by the way, I’m Demyx!” He said pointing to himself and then using the same hand to reach out for a handshake.
Leon looked from Demyx to the extended hand for a moment before grasping it and replying, “Leon.”
“Nice to meet you.” Demyx said with a smile some might die for.
“Hey, don’t forget about me!” the crimson one said, as he finished drying his hands and moved to come over.
“Oh…sorry, Axel.” Demyx said rubbing the back of his head, with a guilty smile.
“Yeah, yeah, sure.” the crimson one replied holding out his own hand, “I’m Axel. Me and Dem here own and run this bar.”
Leon took his hand, “Impressive.”
Axel smiled, “I like to think so.”
Leon took a moment to look over the two. The dirty blond, Demyx, was close to his and Cloud’s height with a similar build to Cloud’s; very feminine. The crimson one, on the other hand, was quiet a bit taller, maybe close to 6 ft, and he was very skinny, almost to the point you might worry if he was healthy. Leon figured he must have just been skinny though, since both of them were in t-shirts, he could see that Axel’s arms did indeed have muscle on them, so he found it unlikely the guy was unhealthy.
“So.” Leon started, “How exactly did you two come up with the concept of this bar?”
Demyx looked up from where he was getting a customer a refill as Axel, who was leaning back against the drink shelf, smirked to Leon as he replied, “The nice dim-lit setting or the name?”
“I’m curious about the setting.” Leon said as he gaze the bar another quick look around before letting his gaze fall back onto Axel, “But lets start with the name.”
“Fools’ Gold…”
“Have you ever had something that was important to you, that others might find pointless or stupid?” Demyx cut in, with the inquiry.
“…I’m not sure I understand the question.” Leon responded truthfully.
In all honestly, he actually had trouble remembering a lot about himself…and about his past…
Axel cut in this time, “Well you know what fools gold it right?”
“Yeah, its an ore that looks similar to gold but really isn’t and it actually worthless. Right?”
“Correct!” Axel said with a smile, “Now say that’s the definition of what the bar title means: something that looks special to you which is actually useless.”
“That’s an awful definition, Axel.” Demyx commented and he started to pick up where Axel had left off with washing glasses.
“Hush you, I’m not finished!”
“Are you saying your bar looks nice but is actually unsuccessful?”
Axel gaped at Leon, as Demyx broke into laughter.
“No! That’s not what I meant!”
“You totally set yourself up for that one, Axel.”
“Shut up, Dem. Just keep serving up those drinks and allow me to explain our bar…what did you call it?” half asking Leon, as he answered for himself, “Oh, right! ’Theme’ the bar theme and name to our friend here.” he gave Leon a little wink, “Yep you’re our friend now, for better or worse.”
“Pfft! You’re just lazy but whatever, you’re doing horrible at that explanation anyways. Just don’t make our bar look too bad by the time your done.”
“Hush! I’m doing fine!”
“Alright, alright.” Demyx said lifted his soapy hands out of the water, defensively. “I’ll let you go on a little longer until I cut in.”
“Good! it’s a deal then! Okay Leon, you know how most people think four leafed clovers are lucky?”
“Yeah?”
“Well what would you think if someone found a three leafed clover just a precious?” Sneaking a knowing glance at Demyx that Leon didn’t catch.
“That would be their problem but I would find it rather pointless since there as common as blades of grass.”
“That’s why its fools’ gold!”
“…You lost me again.”
Axel sighed and dropped his head against the bar in front of Leon as Demyx broke into another fit of laughter.
“Sorry, you’re really just not making much sense…”
“Fools Gold: When you thought you had found something precious the whole time, and it turns out to be fools gold; it looks the same but you realize, it’s not. But you love it just as much as you would if it was real so…I doesn’t really matter that it’s fake, not to you. You love it still. For it’s still precious, it’s still beautiful, and most importantly…it’s yours, even if it’s worthless…I guess that’s what makes you the fool, and it, Fool’s Gold…” Demyx had spoken quietly but his words reached all intended with ease. He looked up after he finished with a light blush and he smiled nervously rubbing the back of his head with his wet hands. “Oh man.” Demyx complained when he noticed what he had done, Axel just busted out laughing. “Shut up!”
“Sorry, sorry.” He said still laughing. At that moment Cloud tapped Axel with his empty beer bottle. “Oh, alright kid.” Axel took the bottle and replaced with a new one, “There ya go.”
Leon watch in discontent as Cloud drank out of his new bottle. “…Why do you still serve him when he’s drinking for all the wrong reasons?”
Axel smiled sadly, “Is there really a good reason?”
“You know what I mean.”
“It’s just another form of gold.” Demyx replied as he come by to start putting some glasses away.
“What does that mean?”
Demyx turned to Leon, “Did you understand my description of fools’ gold?”
“Yeah but…I doesn’t really sound like your talking about actual fools gold. Your using it as a metaphor, right?”
Demyx looked down, “Basically, it means that you found something that makes you feel good and means something to you, whether it has any actual worth doesn’t matter, whether its good or bad for you doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is what it is and what it means to you.” Demyx looked to Leon. “Make sense?”
“I guess but…how does alcohol count?”
Axel cut in for that one, “Alcohol numbs peoples pain, some people turn to it when they cant think of anything else.”
“And you think that’s alright?” Leon countered
“To each his own.” Axel replied
“Alright…” Leon said, still trying to find the logic in all this, “So why a three leafed clover?”
“That’s Dem’s thing. Explain it to him, Demyx.” Axel said with a smirk.
Demyx blushed, “But…”
“C’mon, the man asked, don’t be bashful.” Axel said giving Demy a slap to the back.
Demyx faltered forward and sighed, “Alright…the three leafed clover is my fools’ gold.”
Leon only tilted his head to Demyx. Demyx pulled his wallet out of his pocket then brought out a piece of clear plastic and showed it to Leon. It was a laminated three leafed clover.
“This clover was picked one summer when I was with the boy I loved…” He blushed and frowned and his eyes shined with tears, “He…he never knew how I felt for him, I…couldn’t bring myself to tell him. We were close friends and I didn’t want to wreak that.
“It was a nice summer day when he took me out to a field we liked to go to and he said we would spend the whole day together. When I asked why, I found out he would be leaving for college in the fall.” Demyx smiled sadly, “I started to cry. I clung to him bawling like a baby asking him ‘What? Where? Why?’ Why was he leaving me? What did I do wrong? I begged him to stay…” Demyx took in a shaky breath, “He only smiled as he comforted me. He told me he wasn’t leaving me and I didn’t do anything wrong, he had to go because that school gave him the best chance to become what he wanted to be. He told me he was sorry, he said he knew this would be hard on me… if he only knew…” Demyx sighed, “Then I got up abruptly and said I would find him a four leafed clover, and told him when I did, he’d have to keep it forever. He only laughed and told me good luck.” Demyx smiled, “Unfortunately for me, the field we hung around at was a soccer field. We liked it there because, the days there were no games, it was really nice there, so peaceful…and there were even bleachers for us to sit and do our homework on.” He sighed, “But the reason it was unfortunate was since it was a soccer field it was constantly mowed, so I had a hard time finding anything, even three leafed clovers. I search for 2 hours until I gave up, crying in frustration. He only laughed and told me it was alright because he didn’t need a clover to remember me by because he could never forget me, no matter how far apart we were, no matter what…” Demyx covered his eyes and started to tremble. Axel was leaning back in the distance frowning as he watched his friend, but he never moved from his spot.
After a few moments Demyx started to wipe his eyes, trying to calm down, as he hiccupped and sniffled, “Sorry…” he said finally, then he smiled, “Then the sun was setting when he pulled me to my feet to go. ’Sorry’ he had said holding out a three leafed clover to me ’it was all I could find’. I took it gently between two fingers and I started to break down again. He held me and did his best to sooth me as I cried and clung to him…”
Demyx examined the laminated clover, “This…is that very clover he gave me. I always keep it with me but not for luck, I have it because-…because…” Demyx’s voice cracked, “Actually, I don’t even know why anymore, I just cant let him go.” Before he could crumble in front of Leon, Axel came to him and pulled him into a strong embrace, “Shhh…it’s alright Demy. You don’t have to let him go, you never do…”
Trying to lighten the mood, Leon tried another subject, “So…what’s with the nice romantic setting?”
Axel smiled as he held Demyx, “Actually the place was pretty much like this when we bought it.”
“Rented…” Came the muffled correction from the dirty blond in his arms.
Leon couldn’t help but smile at the dirty blonde’s resilience.
“Whatever, same difference.” Axel said with a sigh, even though the expression on his faced showed he was grateful, as well, for his friend’s recovery. “But as I was saying,” Axel started again, “This set up with the tables and chairs was all here when we started renting it.” he added emphasis to the word for Demyx’s benefit, “I think it was once a diner of sorts, there’s even a kitchen back there.” Axel said as he point to a door in the far back of the bar, “But yeah, we kept it the way it was just cause, well, because we liked it.” he said with a smile.
“As simple as that?”
“As simple as that.”
“Excuse me?” came a the quiet call of another customer at the far end of the bar.
“One second, sir.” Axel called to him.
Demyx began to untangle himself from Axel and Axel watched him with concern, “You sure you’re alright, Dem?”
After Demyx successfully removed himself from Axel, he sent him a smile and said, “I’m fine, Axel. A little pain and a little tears never killed anyone. It’s a part of life. I’m used to the pain I feel when I think about Zexion, its nothing new. I just need to learn to control it is all.” he added with a shrug at the end.
Axel frowned as Demyx moved to take the man’s order, “You know…you don’t have to try so hard on your own. I’m here for you.”
Demyx smiled and turned to Axel after he had set the drink down on the bar for the man intended, “I know, and I’m grateful for that. But Axel, unrequited love isn’t the worst pain in the world.” Demyx side glanced to Cloud, leading Axel to do the same, Cloud didn’t noticed though, he was too lost in the bottle in front of him, in himself. When their eyes met again Demyx finished with, “You know that as well as I do, and trust me, if I reach the point where I cant take hold myself together alone, I will lean on you, you can be sure of that.”
Axel smiled, “Good to hear.”
“…Not to be rude but are you two…?” Leon couldn‘t stop himself from asking when the confusion washed over him.
Axel and Demyx both looked to Leon, taken aback by the question, sending him a strange look before the both of them looked to each other and laughed. Axel was the first to speak, “No, man! Dem and I are just sappy friends, not butt-buddies.”
“Axel!”
“C’mon Dem, don’t get all embarrassed. It’s just another name for it.”
Demyx only grumbled as he filled another drink, blushing vividly.
“Anyways…” Axel started but stopped when he noticed he was being nudged by the blond at the bar, “Hm? What is it, Cloud? Another?” Axel asked reaching for the bottle but Cloud stopped him by shaking his head and pointing to a bottle in the back. Axle noticed which he was pointing to. “Ah.” He said, “Something stronger, huh?”
Cloud said nothing, only allowed Axel to take his bottle as he waited for the drink Axel left him to make.
“Cloud?” Leon tried again, hoping to get something out of the blonde, but Cloud made no reaction to him. Even when Leon went as far as to grab and blonde by the shoulders and shake him lightly, calling to him again, he was met with only silence from the blond.
Leon sighed, resting his head back into his palm as he decided to look past the blond, out the window. Leon jumped slightly when he noticed the near downpour occurring outside and only sighed deeply, mumbling to himself, “I knew it would just get worse…”
Axel noticed the distressed look on Leon’s face when he had glanced to the window, “Something wrong?” Axel asked, setting down Cloud’s drink and turning to look out the window himself, “Ah, weren’t expecting the rain?”
“Correction, knew there would be rain, but I couldn’t keep the psycho indoors.” Leon said with a sigh.
“Ah.” was all Axel replied as he seemed to be pondering something while he watched Cloud down the drink he had just given him. Cloud hissed from the burning sensation left behind, Leon just shook his head in discontentment.
“Well, ya know…” Axel started and went on after he got the brunet’s attention, “Dem and usually take turns driving some of our regulars home when they’re too plastered to make it, or we just don’t want them to try driving.”
Leon raised an eyebrow in surprise, “Very considerate of you.”
Axel smile, “Yeah, I know, isn’t it? But what I meant was Cloud is one of our regulars and seems to be at the point where walking home would be the best choice, especially driving that bike of his, soo…I was just thinking maybe we can give you guys a lift home, if you don’t mind that is?”
Leon could only blink. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t understand these two. What kind of people had a late night bar set up as a cozy diner? What type of people offered to drive home their customers? What form of person could understand the pain people carry better these two. These two people had the most kindest nature Leon had ever experienced…but then again he couldn’t remember any other past experiences with…anyone other than the person he had died for…and he could barely remember her…“Hey, man? You alright? What’s wrong?”Leon looked up to find Axel leaning to him looking at him concernedly. Leon only shook his head and responded, “I’m fine, its nothing, I just…let my mind wander… But I -we, would really appreciate the ride. If you’re sure you could manage.”
Axel still looked a little worried at first but seemed to push his own curiosity aside as he sent Leon a smile an said, “Yeah, it’s not a problem. One person can man this place just fine for a bit.” Axel paused as he scanned the barley occupied bar, then added, “Well…maybe a little longer than that, but you get my point.” he shrugged with his hands before turning in Demyx direction, “Hey Dem! Take a break and take these two home, it’s raining cats and dongs out there.”
Demyx looked up and nodded before setting down the drink he just filled and moved out from behind the bar to grab his coat. Putting it on he turned to Axel with a smirk, “Sure you’ll be alright while I’m gone?”
Axel leaned toward the bar, resting his elbow onto it and his head into his palm, seeming to ponder it, “I donno.” He finally answered, looking back to Demyx with a smirk of his own, “I may set the place up in flames if I’m not careful.”
Demyx seemed a little uncomfortable by the thought, “Please don’t.” he said with a nervous smile.
“I’ll try my best!”
“To or not to?” Demyx asked as he began to help Cloud to his feet. Cloud went willingly, and Leon couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed with the blond as he lifted up his bags.
“I’m sure you’ll find out when you get back.” Axel finished, still smiling slyly.
Demyx just sighed and looked to Leon, “You got all that alright?”
“Yeah I got it.” Leon replied as he moved ahead of Demyx to open the bar door for them. The bell chimed.
“Thanks.” Demyx said to him with a smile as he began to pass him, “Say thank you to your boyfriend, for being so considerate, Cloud.”Cloud only grunted and Demyx just laughed in response and Leon sighed moving to stand next to them at the edge of dry and wet.
“So…” Leon started as he watched the water drops plunder from the sky in heavy droplets, falling forever quickly.
“Umm…” Demyx started as the bar door chimed again and an umbrella was pushed between them and opened. They both turned to find Axel smiling between them.
“You forgot the keys, Dem.”
“Oh, heh.” Demyx rubbed the back of his head with his free hand, “opps…”
Axel laughed, “Look, I’ll go unlock the car for you guys. Here, Leon, give me a few of those bags.”
Leon complied and Axel went off and unlocked the driver’s door, hitting the switch to unlock the rest of the doors. Then moving to the back door he shoved in the bags Leon had given him.
“…Is it alright he just left the bar unattended to?” Leon asked as he watched Axel.
“It’s aright. We trust our customers, and not to mention they’d have to walk right by us if they stole anything big.” Demyx replied turning to Leon with a smile.
Leon only sighed. No, he just couldn’t understand these two…
“All set!” Axel said coming to a stop in front of them, “Alright, you wait here, Dem. C’mon Leon.” he motioned Leon to follow under the umbrella, which he did, as they heard and completive cry from behind them, “But he’s getting heavy!”
Axel only laughed opening the back door for Leon to get in, “You’ll last a few more seconds!” Axel said, shutting the door behind Leon as he went over and help Demyx carry Cloud to the car and helped him get the blond safely into the car before they shut the door and Axel followed Demyx to the front.
“Thanks, Axel.” Demyx said to his friend with a smile as he started the car.
“No problem, babe. Oh hey Leon.”
Leon could see the blush forming on Demyx’s face as well as some frustration as Axel turned to him. When Leon looked back to him, Axel went on. “Take care of Cloud, alright? …He really needs someone right now…”
Leon nodded and said, “That’s why I’m here.”
Of course the look on Axel’s face misread his true meaning of the words, but Leon had expected as much. They didn’t know the truth and never would and that’s how things had to be.
“Thanks.” Axel said with a genuine smile before leaning down to kiss Demyx’s cheek as he move to shut to door, “See ya in a few, hun.”
Demyx only blushed more as he yelled, “Stop it with a the freaking endearments! No wonder Leon thought we were together! Probably half the people at the bar think it too!”
“Half? So your saying like 3 people? I don’t think that’s enough to make such a deal over.”
Demyx growled and Axel only laughed waving a bye to Demyx was he was about to leave when Leon spoke up, “Axle wait.”
Axel looked to Leon. “Yeah?"
"What’s your fools’ gold?” Leon could help himself, he felt compelled to ask.
Axel smiled and replied, “I’m in love with a 16-year-old boy. He’s my fools’ gold.”
Axel gave Demyx another smile before shutting the door.
Leon watched as he disappeared through the bar doors.
Then just as he was out of sight, Demyx drove off.
-oOo-
They ended up making a run for the apartment to try and prevent getting completely soaked, Leon carrying Cloud bridal style, along with half the bags, as Demyx followed close behind with the rest.The attempt to not get soaked failed but there was nothing they could do about it. Leon had removed Cloud’s coat and set the blond onto his bed. He notice the blond was already either fast asleep or pasted out, he figured it was the later. He only shook his head and set the bags down as he turned to Demyx and offered to give him a towel (as soon as he could find one) and a change of the blonde’s clothes, but Demyx refused both, afraid to be a bother. He said he lived with Axel above the bar, so he’d change when he got back. Unable to change the dirty blonde’s mind, Leon could only watch him go.
Returning to the bedroom he watched his blond as he slept. He didn’t understand why he felt the need to think of the blond that way. Perhaps it was because he was here for the blond. He was the reason he was alive again, living. So perhaps that’s why he felt the need to lay claim to the sleeping boy. Or perhaps, it was only he felt this way because he was only alive to help the blond, and nothing more.
Whether it wash his own true feeling or forced ones he wasn’t sure. But what bothered him more than not knowing was the fact he was bothered by it. Why should he care? All he needed to do was watch this boy, show him all that life had to offered him. Show him he didn’t need his dead loved ones to be happy. Show him other forms of happiness. Prove to him it was out there. Let the blond take of hold of that happiness and then let him go…It was all so simple…So why was it all bothering him so much?He had only known this boy for a day but he felt like he’d known him for so much longer…but why?
He growled in frustration as he pulled on his shoulder length hair, beginning to pace. He didn’t want to care, so he wouldn‘t. He wouldn’t care about the boy, and he wouldn’t allow the boy to care for him in return. Everything would stay the course, it had to. Leon didn’t want to be alive, he wanted to be gone, but forgiven. He wouldn’t lay himself a trap on this earth, tied to the blond, but he also wouldn’t fail his mission. It would all be fine, it had to be.
He thought as he turned again to the slumbering blond as an idea came. Yes it would be perfect, he thought as he started to remove the blonde’s shirt. This would show the blond alcohol wasn’t the answer and that he could be with another and survive it. Yes, it would be a start, a rough start, but a start none the less. He continued to remove the layers of clothing the blond wore, as he planned ahead for tomorrow…
A/N: Well? Did you like?
In the next chapter: We'll find out what Leon did to Cloud and watch the fireworks explode when Cloud wakes up.
Thank you all for reading. Please review if you like. I really appreciate your feedback.
Take care all!
Special Thank to my editor
silentstarsong
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