The New Me

Chapter 30

A/N: Wow, there are alot of cameos in this chapter…Traverse Town truly is a place that everyone passes through. Well, anyway, despite that fact that practically every reviewer called for this day, I’m not really fulfilling demands. Kairi is still not gonna die, no matter how much you ask for it. But now, the stage is set. I’m still not sure how I’m gonna handle Riku and Leon in the same place… V_V

Also, I apologize in advance to all Tifa fans. I really don’t have anything angst her, it just worked out this way. I’m sorry.

On a side note to M.D.Sora: Eiii!!!111one!! (Ok I’ll never do that again) You saw what I wrote? Well I meant it; your stories really do get the most notice in this section. And all your stories are addictive and well written. I mean, I was surprised you reviewed my story, was like the highlight of my day. I know that sounds crazy, I love all the people who review my story, but I really do feel like you’re one of the, if not, the best KH fanfic writer here. But that’s me. Everyone has their own opinion.^^


“LET’S HIT THE BLACKJACK!!!” Yuffie threw her hands up into the air and spun around to face the party. Cloud smiled weakly, Aerith frowned, and Leon rolled his eyes.

“What are we doing here again?” He asked.

“We’re here, Leon, to take your mind off of who-know-who.” Yuffie smiled at him.

“Though it is a deplorable place, and hardly the place to take a sixteen; let alone a thirteen year old,” Aerith turned her head and glared at Cloud.

“I said I was sorry.” The blonde grumbled, but Aerith kept up her disapproving looks.

Even though he wasn’t there, the gang had chosen to celebrate Sora’s birthday according to tradition, although Aerith was there now too. She came to make sure that no one did anything too outrageous.

The group stood in the main square of the Fourth District of Traverse Town. They were debating where to go. Yuffie already made it known that she wanted to go to the Blackjack, which was on surprise. After all, the Blackjack had the best materia slots games in town. Cloud felt more like food, or toy shopping, which in this case would get him in a world of trouble, so he kept his mouth shut. Aerith really didn’t want to go anywhere, so it was up to Leon.

He shrugged. “I guess the Blackjack is alright.” Yuffie threw up her hands in victory.

“Wait, isn’t that the strip club?” Aerith raised an eyebrow.

“Well yea,” Yuffie smiled, “But it’s also the casino. And that’s were we’re going. Leon’s the only one going to the strip club.”

“What? Why am I going?”

“To look for a good time duh.” Cloud tilted his head, “After all, the Honeybee Inn doesn’t cater to you’re needs…but the Blackjack’s got women and men.”

“What do you mean cater to my needs?” Leon growled.

“Look, Leon, I’m not getting in a fight with you over you being ga-” Cloud stopped his sentence and ducked to avoid his friend’s fist. Really he didn’t have to worry, because Aerith grabbed his wrist and glared at him.

“I am NOT in the mood.” She violently tossed threw Leon’s hand back at him. “Now let’s go.” She walked off toward the neon sign of poker chips, cards, and a dancing girl.

Leon glanced at Cloud, a little angry, before following Aerith. Cloud followed and so did Yuffie. She energetically strutted down the street, talking about what she was going to do with all the extra materia she was going to win.

“Frankly, if we’re here for games…let’s check out the rides and haunted house at Gold Saucer,” He smiled at Aerith, “You up for it?”

“Hmm…A haunted house? Do we ride it? Or explore it?”

“It’s a themed hotel, but we can walk around…its like being in a horror movie.” He smirked at her.

“Yea, remember, we took Sora in there before we lost him…man Leon he nearly squeezed your arm off.” Leon rolled his eyes, but it was true, Sora did get freaked out by the haunted hotel.

“Well, I guess that would be alright.” Aerith held up her finger to the blonde, “Just as long as you behave yourself, C-”

“CLOUD!” Aerith stopped. Someone cut her off. They all turned to see a girl with long dark brown hair and dark brown eyes running up to them. She was wearing a white T-shirt, a tight black leather skirt held up by red suspenders, and black boots.

She ran up to the blonde and embraced him in the biggest bear hug and kiss on the cheek. “Cloud! Cloud! Cloud! Cloud! CLOUD!!” She pulled back and left her hand on his shoulders. She looked him up and down and smirked. “You look so good! I mean, I saw you, but wasn’t sure at first.”

“Cloud,” Aerith leaned over and grabbed his arm, “Who’s this?” The other girl looked at Aerith a little surprised, but then smiled at her.

“Oh, um, guys, this is an old friend of mine, Tifa.”

She extended her hand, “It’s nice to meet you. And you are?”

“Aerith.” She extended her hand as well, and while their faces were sincere, you could clearly see they were trying to crush each others hands.

Leon leaned over to Yuffie, “I think Aerith’s angry…”

“Just a bit…”

“SO? Tifa, is it? Do you live in Traverse Town?”

“Yep. I just moved here from Midgar. I cut a deal with the Blackjack, they bought my old bar back home, and I have a 7th Heaven bar set up here. I was really surprised, but Mr. Setzer liked my drinks so much he insisted I work for him.” She smiled at her.

“Oh yea, I thought the bar sign in there looked familiar,” Cloud absently shot off his mouth, and Aerith twisted her face into an angry look. He decided not to give himself away any more.

“Really? So you’re a business woman?”

“Yep! I decided to come to Traverse Town and work the 7th Heaven bar here.”

“Why come all the way out from home?”

“Well,” Tifa grabbed Cloud’s other hand, “I knew Cloud her was going to the Shinra SOLIDER Academy, and I figured, why not! I’ve got someone here, and it’s been forever since I’ve seen him when he left our mountain home. I really missed him.”

“Well that’s great!” Aerith tightened her hold on Cloud; the boy looked at the two of them and tried to pull his limbs free. “But, as you can see, right now, we’re busy…”

“That’s ok! I’m not working right now. I can tag along. Or, Cloud could show me around…” The bustier of the two girls pulled Cloud towards her, “Why don’t you show me the Town, Cloud? It’s a lot smaller than Midgar, but I’m sure you’ll be able to tell me all the interesting things about this place.”

“Oh you don’t want Cloud for a tour guide,” Aerith yanked him so hard she caused Tifa to stumble and Cloud to fall into her, “He’s dreadfully forgetful…he’d forget his own life if I didn’t keep track of it for him.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound like the Cloud I remember.” Tifa leaned forward and nodded at Aerith.

“Well, people change.” Aerith smiled at her. “So we’ll be going now.”

“I’ll go with you!”

Cloud looked over his shoulder at Leon and Yuffie and mouthed ‘Help’.

“…Should we?” Leon asked.

“Maybe…he is kind of stuck.” Yuffie walked up to the trio. “Hey guys, I have an idea.” They looked at her. “Why don’t you both show Tifa around, and we’ll all catch up at the Blackjack later. That way, Cloud will be spending time with both of you.”

“That doesn’t help, Yuffie!!” Cloud tried to kick her.

“That’s a great idea!” Tifa ruffled Cloud’s hair. “We’ll be a happy little trio exploring the town. Just me, Cloud, and his friend.”

“That’s ME, Cloud, and the tag-along.” Aerith crossed her arms.

“That’s what I said.” Tifa snarled.

“Please guys…”

Yuffie waved, “Leon and me will meet you at the Blackjack!” She ran up to Leon and grabbed his hand. “Come on.”

“No, guys! Wait!” Tifa moved to stand in front of Cloud.

“So where to first?”

“Why don’t we show her our old school?” Aerith nodded. Cloud sighed. Tifa laughed. The others ran.

“Should we feel bad about leaving Cloud like that?” Yuffie asked looking over at Leon.

He shook his head, “Nah, he had it coming. Its karma.”

“Is it karma, or you just enjoying the pay back?”

“Maybe it’s a bit of both?” Leon chuckled at her, and rounded the corner to the Blackjack.

The line to get into the Blackjack was always long. It didn’t matter if it was the dead of night or the middle of the day. It was the most ritzy, popular joint in the Fourth District, and it was impossible to get in if you weren’t ‘the right people’. Luckily for Leon and Yuffie, they had a friend on the inside.

Leon shook his head as he got out his wallet. “I can never understand why everyone comes here.”

“Hello? What part of ‘BEST MATERIA SLOTS’ around don’t you understand?”

“That’s why you come here Yuffie. But all these people?” Leon pointed to the line, “City officials, businessmen, workers, housewives? What a mix…”

Leon stepped up to the door in the front of the line. A few people gave him dirty looks for skipping, but he didn’t care. The bouncer was currently arguing with what looked like a kid. He only came up to about Leon’s chest. He had blonde hair, short in the front and pulled back in a ponytail. He was wearing a blue vest, jeans, and gloves. Other than looking like a kid, the only thing that set this person out of place was the long monkey-ish tail he had.

“For the LAST TIME, my girlfriends doing a show today! I got a ticket!”

“And again, no kids. Kid. So go home, and eat some bananas.” The man at the door didn’t even bother to look at the guy he was talking to. His cold red eyes were looking out over the crowd, only slightly blocked by his long black bangs. He looked a little sickly with his pale white skin and thin frame. But his voice was deep and humble, his body seemed to melt into the doorframe due to his all black clothing, and the gold gauntlet on his left hand didn’t help.

The guy he was talking to was grinding his teeth, “Look! Last time! I’m supposed to be in there!!!” He held up his pass. The door man looked at it, took it with it free hand, and used the gauntlet to rip it up. “H-hey! You can’t do that!!”

“Look, kid. I know you; you’ve been harassing ‘The Princess’ She told me to make sure you bug off. You it’s a show, not a coup and feel.”

“W-why you-” The doorman got annoyed and in one swift motion drew a gun out of nowhere and pointed it at the guys head.

“Last time. Get lost.” The guy backed up and Leon stepped forward.

“Hey Vincent. You still work here?” The door man nodded and put his gun away.

“A pay checks, a pay check. Got your I.D.?”

“Awww, Vinny, why do you have to check? You know its us.”

“Yuffie, you call me ‘Vinny’ again and I’ll revoke your entry.” The ninja scowled. Leon pulled out the backstage pass. It had Sora’s name on top, and under listed the party. The entire group was in the picture making crazy faces. It had no expiration date.

“So, Vinn-I mean, Vincent, Irvine still here?” Yuffie asked with an evil smirk in her eye.

“He’s not into chicks.”

“Not for me! For L-”

“Thanks, Vincent.” Leon grabbed Yuffie before she could finish and dragged her inside.

“Man, Leon, you’re so up tight.” Yuffie pulled herself free and looked around. The Blackjack was as glamorous as ever. The ground floor was the casino, and it was a room of flashing lights, sounds, jackpots going off, tables, dice rolling, wheels turning people cheering, people morning, wining and losing. The Casino Blackjack, Yuffie felt like a kid in a candy store.

“I’m gonna go hit the mater-”

“Yuffie, calm down…there are plenty of places for you to waste your munny.” Leon grabbed her and pulled her through the casino. There was a large stage on one side of the casino; this is where the ‘tamer’ acts performed, most of them women. There were tables and booths set up for people to sit. A large bar, entitled ‘7th Heaven’. Leon made a note to ask Tifa what drinks were good. There were waitresses and waiters walking around, bring people drinks and food, there were dealers swapping out between tables, and employees like Vincent walking around looking to toss out anyone who made a fuss.

Although there was a line outside, the place was packed with people. It was truly the most popular place to hang out in town.

“What’s up?” The ninja asked him once the sat down in a booth. The floor show was just starting. A guy on stage was introducing someone by the title of ‘The Princess’.

“Look, Yuffie, why are you doing this?” Leon asked her.

“What? It’s good for you. You need to take your mind of Sora.”

“I don’t need to go to a high class strip club to get my mind off Sora. It was off him to begin with.”

“God, Leon, you’re so experienced with ‘De-nial’ I never knew you went to Egypt,” she rolled her eyes. The boy just frowned at her. The performer on stage now came out, wearing a white mage out fit they kept themselves hidden and began putting on a dance. You could see a few other’s in the background, waiting for their cue.

“Yuffie, why do you guys think I need this?” Leon leaned back in his seat, he couldn’t see the show.

“Well, for starters, you seem really down lately. Even more than usual. And you weren’t doing so hot after we got that letter from Sora where he was talking about the silver haired kid.” Leon sat in silence. “I mean, me and Cloud are harsh…but Leon we just want you to be happy. So we push you a little.”

“Well I think you push too much.” The person on stage pulled back the white mage robe to reveal a girl with long black hair, wearing a light yellow cocktail dress and black go-go boots up to her thighs. She started doing a more elaborate dance, and the performers in the back ground jumped out to dance with her.

Yuffie looked up at the show and took her eyes of her friend, “…Leon, do you know for how long Sora had a crush on you?” Leon turned around to see the show. “Three years. At least that’s as long as the two of us have been counting. We noticed it back when we brought Sora here, to Fourth.”

“Yea, what a disaster, that was.” He muttered.

“Listen! Remember, when we found Sora backstage with Irvine, he was so happy to see you. He practically flew into your arms. And that kiss!” Leon turned back to face her. Yea, even he had to acknowledge it then, Sora really had a crush on him. The little boy had jumped up and planted a kiss on his cheek. It was so sudden and so full of emotion, even if it wasn’t on the lips.

But Leon knew Yuffie was wrong, and he was sure if she really thought about it, she’d see it too. Sora had had a crush on Leon since the day he beat up a bunch of bullies chasing him after school. Three days after that, Sora took to hanging out with the group. Seven years. Seven years, Leon was sure Sora liked him before he even knew what it was…though if you asked him too, he couldn’t pin point when his own affection had developed for the little brunette. Maybe it was the day Seifer and his gang threatened him in that alley way.

“I can take care of my own emotions, Yuffie. I don’t need you guys to fix me up, or help me get along with someone.”

“Then why did you let Sora slip through your fingers?” She asked him, now back to looking at him and ignoring the show.

“I didn’t.”

“Yes you did! You told him to move on! You said so yourself, Leon. He really doesn’t want to! And you know you don’t want to either.”

“So then why did you bring me here if that’s what you think?”

“Because, I wanted you to wake up and know that you don’t want to move on. But seeing as how you’re as stubborn as hell, its only going to click in your head if you realize it for yourself-” Yuffie was interrupted by a shriek on stage. The both turned to see the dancer was now smacking senseless that guy from the front door.

“Wonder how he got in?” Yuffie asked absent mindedly. Another bouncer got on stage; he was a big guy, short black hair, broad and angry face, dressed in all grey. He picked up the boy by his tail and the girl shook his head. The three left the stage, the other occupants watching the show booed a bit in protest.

The owner of the Blackjack, Setzer Gabbiani, came out on stage and started to apologize.

“Well,” Leon stood up, “You’re free to go now, Yuffie.”

“Oh? And where are you gonna go?”

Leon smirked at her, “Up stairs of course. I’m going show you how great an expert I am on ‘De-nial’.” He smiled at her and walked off. Yuffie shook her head, and made her was over to the materia slots.


You had to take and elevator to get to the third floor. The third floor was actually where the strip club was. As Leon stood in the elevator, he contemplated Yuffie and Cloud’s behavior. It was nice of them to try to help him, but really, he could take care of himself. He didn’t need his friends to push him into a relationship. Especially not with someone underage.

Leon sighed; besides, Sora seemed pretty content in his new home, aside from that Riku kid hitting on him, Leon saw no reason to try to inhibit Sora’s new life. He already knew as soon as Mrs. Hikair took him out of his arms, he knew he’d have to move on. To find someone else.

He stepped off the elevator and into the club; however, it did not necessarily mean he needed a man. After all, there were plenty of women, as class mates, students, and even some teachers who asked him out before. They just threw themselves on him, for why he’d never understand. Oh sure, some where sincere about their affection, but more often than, they just wanted him because they heard who his father was.

The strip club was, of course, packed with women, and a few clusters of guys here and there. The club wasn’t exclusively a male strip club; it just slowly morphed to be that after so many years. And seeing as how it attracted more women to the Blackjack, Mr. Gabbiani didn’t feel to inclined to swing it back the other way. The room was filled with raised platforms, flashing lights on the stages, cat walks, and poles; not to mention the decorations on the wall were more than a little obscene. From the elevator, Leon could spot two guys and one girl on stage. They seemed to be apart of the same act since they were all wearing doctors’ out fits.

Leon walked around the room, and found and empty booth to sit in. He was rather far away from any of the stages, but he was fine with that. He really didn’t feel like hooking up with anyone from a strip club anyway. No matter how classy it was. A waitress in a bunny cocktail out fit walked up to him, and Leon gave her his order. She walked off, swaying her hips suggestively. Leon was left wondering if she did that because she was supposed to or wanted to. He signed and took a look around.

Did he really want to hook up with someone so soon anyway? It’s hard to walk away from someone you’ve held onto for years; it’s hard to give up a first love.

‘A first love?’ Leon turned his head and took his drink from the waitress. ‘Is that how important Sora is to me? Was he really my first love?’ Leon took a drink. He had never thought about Sora liked that. He knew he had been Sora’s first, but Leon was sure he had felt affection before. He’d even had a girlfriend before. Stole her from Seifer; one of the greater accomplishments of his rivalry with the boy. But he had stolen her heart for more than that right?

After all, she was cute, sweet, and a great kisser, among other things. Leon took a swig of his drink. ‘She didn’t bother to check me for ID…’ Leon thought as he drank. ‘I did like her for more than just the satisfaction of one upping Seifer…right? I like girls, Sora’s been the only boy I’ve ever fallen for…and even that was iffy.’

Yea, it was iffy because he was so unsure of himself. He was unsure of what to do with Sora the entire time he was here. It was easy to ignore back when he was just a kid, but when Sora started to realize what it was he felt, it became so hard. Leon just pushed him away, ignored him, forgot him, hung out with Yuffie all the time.

‘I completely avoided him after that night in the club…I made sure we were rarely ever alone, and rarely ever in a situation where anything could actually happen…’

And Sora waited patiently for him to acknowledge him. He even caved into to being Aerith’s dress up doll after the time she first showed him off.

‘I’m such a pervert…the first time that Aerith showed us Sora in a dress, I could have died. He was twelve. I’ll never forget that Cloud laughed…I shouldn’t have punched him. It gave it away to Sora that he liked him like that.’

He sighed and took another drink. There was no pointing in milling over the past. It was true, he let Sora slip through his fingers. But what could he do about it? He could move on, that’s what he could do.

He finished off his drink and stood up. Now, the question was how to move on?

Leon took another swig from his drink and looked around. There were two new acts on stage. One guy was whipping a group of women into a frenzy; the other was dancing with a man from one of the groups of guys watching. Leon looked over at them, clearly the man who had gotten on stage was drunk, but no one minded. The two on stage were bumping and grinding, the guy slipped a fist full on munny into the dancers shorts, but judging by the look on both there faces, he did a bit more when his hands disappeared.

Leon shook his head. Yes, that’s just how I want to end up: drunk and grouping strippers. He finished off his drink and ordered another. Still, no one checked him for ID.

After about his sixth drink, he was tired of watching the drunken citizens of Traverse Town make fools of themselves. He stood up and got ready to go, when the lights switched out on stage for a moment. Everyone in the room dropped their volume and turned their heads. Leon stood next to his table and watched the remaining spotlights come together to focus on the center stage.

It’s true, he wanted to go, but even he was curious as to what was up next. After all, he had sat in the strip club for at least an hour and not seen anyone he knew. Or at least the one person he knew. And the sudden start of western music was enticing. So he stood and watched.

Out from the curtain stepped a man, his entire body was hidden behind a long tan trench coat, and his face hidden by a large cowboy hat. Instantly, the women cheered, some of the men did too. Leon remained silent. He watched the man slink across the stage, holding the hat so that his face was hidden. He ignored the cries of the crowd and walked along the side of the catwalk, his large black boots clinking all the way. The entire time the music was soft and low while he made his way, and suddenly it stopped.

The man stopped in front of a large booth of women, he carefully stepped down and extended his hand to one woman. She had long blond hair, fair skin, soft blue eyes, but she looked like she could hold her own.

“Are you Miss Celes Chère?” he asked in a low voice.

The woman looked at her friends, and then back to the man, “Y-yes…it is…” She was blushing furiously, but her facial expression clearly read she was ready to kill her friends.

“Then allow me to introduce myself…”The man tipped up his hat to reveal grey hair, blue eyes, and a young charming face, “My name is Locke. I’ll be your, entertainment for the evening.” And with that the hat and coat were gone in a flash. The woman, Celes, screamed something, but it was drowned out as she was yanked on stage by the now scantily clad young man while the music whipped up again. The crowed cheered, the lights flashed, and Leon shook his head.

He turned around and walked away from his table to the elevator, ‘If Yuffie or Cloud ever did that to me, I’d kill them.’ Leon shook his head as he pressed the elevator button. There was aloud shout and he looked over his shoulder, it seemed like Celes was really getting into Locke’s act. He smirked. It seemed like the Blackjack had a new cowboy. He turned to step onto the elevator.

Everyone, including himself, was wrong about seeing Irv-

“Hey, Squall!” Never mind…seemed they were right.

Stepping off the elevator, fully dressed, but still very much a cowboy, was Irvine. His pony tail seemed like it was longer, but his height was the same. Leon had now grown to be the same height as him.

“It’s, Leon now….hey Irvine.” He waved and nodded. He took a step to get on the elevator, but Irvine pulled him back.

“Leon? Since when?”

“He sighed, “It’s a long story…”

“Well, I’m not working tonight. Care to tell me?” He smiled and waved a hand over toward the bar.

“Not really.” Leon withdrew his arm from Irvine’s grip and recalled the elevator.

“Aww, well, I guess I’ll just have to ask Sora then.” He smiled. “Where is the little tyke? I ran into Yuffie downstairs, she told me I could find you up here. But where’s the little one?”

Leon shook his head, “He moved away…”

“What! Why?” Irvine frowned. “I was hoping to do a show for him on his big day!” Leon chuckled a bit.

“It’s kind of my fault, but that’s another long story.” The elevator arrived and Leon turned to wave good bye. However, Irvine was looking at him funny.

“I hope you don’t think you’re going to leave? No one gets my favorite costumer in the making hauled off from town and doesn’t tell me about it.” He grabbed Leon’s hand and dragged him toward the bar. “You’re going to tell me why Sora moved!”

“B-but, I’ve got to go…”

“No you don’t! Yuffie’s wracking up plenty on the material slots. And she said Cloud still ain’t here yet. So you’re stuck with me for the evening!” Leon inwardly cursed, but gave in. So he was drinking with Irvine for the evening. It wouldn’t be too bad.


Laughter filled the little booth next to the bar. Leon and Irvine were drunk, and when these two were drunk, everything was funny. That could be anything from your teacher hitting on you to your boss falling on one of the showgirls feather dresses to getting you love interest nearly killed.

“S-so…he tackled the girl?” Irvine leaned over the table and waved his hand in Leon’s face. “A-nd got beat up…and you still endeded be-ing the only ones hurt?”

Leon nodded and took a drink, “S’ok. I wouldn’ta wanted Sora to get hurt any-who.” Irvine shook his head.

“You and this kid.” He shook his hand in the air while pointing at Leon, “You two sounded like you’s should been banging.” Leon chocked on his drink and sputtered all over the table. Irvine laughed. “Is’ah true! You and Sora should been having sex.”

Leon held his hand over his mouth and glared at Irvine. “He’s underage.”

“So.” Irvine picked up his drink and swished it in his hand. “You were underage when I meet’cha.”

“Y-yea, but we didn’t do anything!” Leon sat up. “And I only saw you a couple of times….even that was just out on the streets.”

“Yea, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t think about banging ya. Does it?” Irvine finished off his drink in one swift gulp. Leon raised and eye brow and frowned.

“And, so, whats makes you think I’d let you?”

“Heh.” Irvine leaned forward. “Well….what’s stopping us now? You said yourself, Sora’s miles away.” He smirked at Leon. For a moment the other stared back at him, a dazed and angry look on his face. And finally, Leon started to laugh. Irvine soon joined in.

“Oh, GE-EZ! I though you we-er seriously serious about that!” The two laughed a little bit more. Irvine snorted a little.

“You’s should’ah seen your face….you-yo-you looked like you were gonna have a coniptsh-one!” The two laughed a bit more. Finally Leon shook his head.

“Wow….” He touched his forehead and smiled. “This is like getting drunk with the gang…” Irvine smiled.

“Hhmmm, I’m glad you likes it.” He stood up and stretched out. “Come on.”

“Hm? To where? What about the paying?” Leon pointed to the table, indicating the imaginary bill.

“No sweat it. They’ll just take it outta my pay.” He extended his hand to Leon, “Come on.” Leon stood up, but refused the hand.

“Where are we going?”

“Well, you gots a backstage pass don’t cha? Come on. I wanna give you something.” Irvine waved his hand in a beckoning motion. Leon stood at the table for a moment and watched Irvine walk away. He finally nodded to himself and followed the cowboy into the back of the club.

The back of the club was a plethora of hallways, sets, props, guards, and dressing rooms. Not many got to see what goes on behind the scenes at the Blackjack, but Leon was lucky. He followed Irvine past several individuals, all who gave him the once over, doorways, and guards that gave Irvine the occasional high-five.

Eventually, the started down a path that was familiar to Leon. He was starting to wonder how he and the others even got back here before hand; it seemed a lot more crowed and well guarded than he remembered. Or maybe he just never noticed because his mind was else where.

The two finally reached a door that had Irvine’s named written on it. The older boy unlocked the door and swung it open. It hit with a thud on the door frame and almost swung back to hit Irvine in the face. He grabbed the door again, and this time pushed on it less forcefully.

Leon stepped inside and looked around. The room hadn’t changes much since the last time he here a few years back. There was a small bed in the corner to rest on, a mini fridge, a dresser with vanity mirror, and a closet full of assorted costumes. The only thing that had changed was the decorations around the room. They were now pictures and photos of the big city, save for one small photo on the desk of a desert looking area.

“Sit down, I’ll get the thing.” Irvine motioned toward the bed and began rooting through his closet. Leon sat down and looked across at the photo on the desk. Had it always been there? He picked it up and examined the picture. To his surprise, it was a photo of another Garden.

“Like that?” Leon looked up to see Irvine was out of the closet. “It’s where I went t’ah school.” He flopped down holding a small wrapped box in his hand.

Leon shook his head, “You’re a Garden kid? T-hen why the hellaya stripping?” Irvine laughed.

“It’s a long story,” He winked at Leon who scowled in return. Irvine just laughed and handed Leon the box. “Here. Its Sora’s….something I got him for the next time he came… guess you can have it now.”

Leon took the box, “Nah, I’ll just mail it to him…I’m sure he’ll be happy…” He creased his brow a bit, “Actually, I never did get him nothing for his Birthday. He’s probably pissed.”

Irvine yawned, “But you said he’s got new pals? If you send him gifts, you’re kind still putting in for’erm right?”

“Well, I-”

“If you ask my opinion-which I knows your not, but I’m giving it-You want to get Sora something? Move on. Get a new boy toy-”

“Sora was not my toy!” Irvine shook his head and put up his hands in defense.

“You know what I mean.” Leon sighed and tapped the little box in his hands. What ever was inside rattled around a bit. He and Irvine sat in silence and listen to the gift shift it its box.

‘Maybe everyone’s right.’ Leon shifted his eyes around the room. ‘Maybe I should move on. After all, Sora’s gonna do the same, right? I mean, there’s no hope for this…’ Leon lifter his head and looked toward the ceiling.

“Wanna go out some time?” He just kind of blurted the words out. Irvine looked over and raised an eye brow. “Well?”

“Hhmmmm, I don’t know…I kinda wanted to do the asking.” Leon shook his head and got up.

“Well then I’m gonna get go-” Irvine reached up and grabbed him.

“I was joking!” Leon looked a little startled, but Irvine smiled. “Just say where and when and I’ll be there.” He winked again.

Leon didn’t even wait for Yuffie to get off the material slots. He spotted Cloud being dragged in by Tifa with Aerith in tow on his way out but he didn’t bother to get their attention. He was feeling pretty proud of himself. He managed to cheer himself up for once with out Cloud or Yuffie egging him on.

‘See, I don’t need them to interfere in my love life…’ Leon smiled as he walked home from Fourth. ‘All I needed was the right moment and the right guy. I knew I was right to never hook up with Sora.’ He nodded to himself and hummed a bit.

‘I hope it doesn’t bother him when I tell him I got a boyfriend…I think he’d be less angry if I got a girlfriend.’ He turned the corner and took a short cut through the Second District to get home. ‘Yea he’ll be fine. He’s got that Riku kid to keep him busy.’

Leon walked up the steps to his flat. He stopped and opened up his mail box and pulled out a letter addressed to him. He chuckled. ‘See here! He’s alright written me to tell me about his damn brand new boy friend!’ Leon pushed open his front door and closed it with his foot. He tore open Sora’s letter and started reading.

When he first started it, he was still in that mind frame that he was doing the right thing by letting Sora go. And reading a letter that opened with the words, ‘I’m sorry I lied’ just encouraged his belief that this was some letter about Sora’s new life. New love life specifically.

Well…it kind of was…about his new life. It sort of was…what he expected...after all Sora wore dresses at home too. And so he played with a kid’s heart…ok? Well…the kid sounded like a royal ass anyway…so he kind of up set some girl, he never got along with them here at Traverse Town either.

And so the little girl hit him with a rock, well that’s to be expected after all he did-

WAIT!

Leon read back over the last part of letter. Once to make sure he read it right and three more times for it to sink in.

Some bitch tried to hurt Sora. No, some bitch DID hurt Sora. Sora. HIS SORA. SOME BITCH HIT HIS SORA OVER THE HEAD!! WITH A ROCK!!!!!

If anyone had been in the room they’d have seen the teen do something very unusual. He mouthed the words ‘Oh HE-LL No.’

Leon didn’t even finish the letter. He didn’t read the part about how Sora was sorry he lied, and how he was going to stick through this no matter what. About how Riku was going to stand by him, or about his mother might move him again. No, Leon tossed the letter, tossed the box and ran up stairs. He pulled out his mobile and started dialing. By the time the phone was answered on the other end, his suitcase was already half way full.

Yuffie ran like crazy to Leon’s place. She was so excited; she even gave up on the material slots. Which was ok anyhow, because after her big win of 100 summon material, she started to lose like crazy and only ended up with ten by the time Irvine found her. But what good news! He was going out with Leon! Oh, she had to see him. And of course Cloud and Aerith came too.

Really, for Cloud it was a God-sent that Yuffie came and got them. Aerith refused to let Tifa tag along for this, and in her mind it was great excuse for them to ditch her.

As the trio approached Leon’s door, Yuffie got ready to knock when the door suddenly flew open. And there was Leon, looking pissed, yelling into his mobile phone, and carrying a suitcase. Or at least he was, he just kind of looked at her, and tossed it in her arms before turning back into the flat.

“What do you mean you can’t get me flight?! What good is it for you to have a government job, if you can’t pull some strings and get me to the damn is- NO I will NOT stop yelling!”

Cloud stuck his head in, “Wow, you don’t want to date someone else that bad?”

Leon whipped his head around, “Shut up Cloud! I’ll come over there mess up your face, I’m in the mood to do it!” Leon reached under the couch and pulled out a long case.

“Leon,” Aerith stepped in, “Dear, how much did you drink?”

“Not nearly, enough,” He muttered before going back to talking on the phone. “Why do you always have to sound like you’re on something….can’t you act sane for once in your life… I’m serious... No you’re not being serious… This is important!”

“Leon!” Yuffie tossed the suitcase down, “Just what the hell’s going on!” Leon, while talking looked around and retrieved Sora’s letter off the floor. He handed it to her. Cloud and Aerith gathered around and read it. They ended up only making it as far as Leon did.

Cloud popped his head up first, “Is this letter for real?”

Leon shrugged, “I’ll find out if it is!” Cloud watched his friend pack his gunblade in the case from under the couch.

“Now, Leon….let’s just calm down,” Aerith took his hand, a little worried he packing weapons, “We don’t even know if this is real. I mean, after all…I’m sure Sora’s lonely. Maybe he just wrote to get you to come.”

“OR!” Yuffie chimed in, “Maybe some dumbass little island girl needs her ass kicked.” Yuffie tossed Leon a pack of his bullets. “Be sure to get her in between the eyes.” Leon smirked.

“What, you’re not coming?”

“YOU WANT TWO TICKETS NOW!” the voice on the phone yelled.

“No I want four…no, four. Stop it! You’re the one who’s acting like a child.”

“We’re going to the islands?” Aerith sighed a little.

“Great. Now I can get a tan for real.”

“Cloud! Were not going to go on vacation! We’re going to teach this brat a lesson!”

“And to get Sora and bring him home.” Leon added, “No. Just four going…I need a fifth coming back.”

“Wait!” Aerith took the phone from Leon, “Excuse me, we’ll be a sec.” She looked at him harshly, “You can’t do that!”

“Why not?”

“What bout his mother? She doesn’t want him around us. And where would he live?”

“With me…and if not with Cid until he’s eighteen.”

“Leon, you can’t do this…you have to let Sora go.”

“Let Sora go? Let Sora go! I let him go this time and look at what fucking happened to him! He’s a wreck without us! We have to go get him! He belongs here. With us. With me.”

“Well, what about Irvine!”

Leon closed the case on his blade, “He’ll understand.” He held out his hand for the phone. Aerith turned around.

“Guys back me up…I’m concerned about Sora too, but this is too much!”

“Nuh-uh.” Yuffie shook her head. “Let’s go get him. I agree with Leon.”

Cloud nodded. “Sora’s not a fighter. And even if this blows over, if just one kid beats him over the head with a rock for wearing a dress, I can only imagine how he’ll do at school.”

Aerith sighed. “Well what bout his mother. She has to agree to this!”

Leon smirked, “That’s why you’re coming. No one understands his mother better than you.”

“Plus your so level headed and upstanding,” Yuffie smiled.

“Yep, a regular diplomat, picture of mental health, role model. That’s our Aerith.” Cloud winked at her. The brunette sighed and handed over the phone.

“We better go get packed…” she sighed. Yuffie and Cloud smirked. Leon held his phone up to his ear.

“He hung up!” He hit the redial button, “Christ, why am the adult in this family?”

Ansem looked up from his coffee when he heard the door open. It was bout eleven o’clock. He hadn’t heard from Sora and Riku since they went up to the boy’s room; he doubted they called Riku’s parents.

Marie walked in looking exhausted. She flopped down next to her friend on the couch and smiled.

“You’re back early.” He said as he watched her walk over to him.

“Coffee smells good.”

“There’s more in the kitchen.” She nodded and got up.

“Where’s Sora? Is he doing alright?”

“He’s fine. He’s upstairs with Riku.” Ansem watched Marie flinch a bit before continuing into the kitchen. He sighed, “Marie, you have to let it go.”

“I know…I know…but still.” She came back in with a coffee mug in hand. She changed the subject, “I wish I could have spent his birthday with him.”

“Oh he’s fine.” He took a sip of coffee. “However, now that your home, I think its time to run damage control.”

“Damage what?”

“Riku’s not supposed to be here. I told him to call his parents, but I doubt he did.” Marie groaned. “We should go over and talk to his parents.”

“Why wouldn’t you send him home!”

“Sora needed him.” Marie sighed.

“You could never be a parent.”

“Your probably right,” he chuckled at her. She shook her head and downed her coffee.

“Ok, let’s get this over with.” She stood up and he did the same. Butting heads with the Endo’s would prove to be interesting.


Riku woke up to the sound of a woman groaning downstairs. He sighed slightly and though his mother was angry with him again. But then a soft contend sound reminded him he wasn’t home. He looked down and found he was still cradling Sora against his bare chest.

The younger boy seemed to be slightly smiling in his sleep. What ever his dream was, it was causing him to make little noises like a happy kitten. Riku smirked a bit.

‘This is the best day…ever.’ He thought as he tightened his grip on Sora. There was some protest, but it settled down quickly. Riku buried his nose in Sora’s hair and inhaled the smell.

He was going to hate having to go home. He’d be grounded until this trial was over. He could feel it. So he was going to savor this moment for as long as he could. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very long. Soon there was a knocking at the door and Riku heard Sora’s mother asking to come in. The teen sighed and looked over his shoulder at the door.

Sora’s mom stepped in and at first, he could have sworn he saw a bit of anger on her face when her eyes landed on the two of them in bed, but the look was quickly gone. They stared in silence at one another for a moment, then she spoke up.

“Riku…could you two get up and get dressed. We’re going to take you home, ok?”

“…I live right next door.”

“I know. But I’m going to talk to your parents. Is that ok with you?” Riku nodded silently, and Mrs. Hikari left. He sighed and looked down at Sora. How to wake him up?

Riku carefully rolled them both over so Sora was resting on his chest, but still asleep. He grinned mischievously at his victim and lightly poked Sora’s sides with his figure tips. He squirmed a bit, so Riku did it again, this time quickly moving his fingers. Sora wiggled more. Finally, Riku did it a third time, this time as a full on tickle, and Sora yelped awake.

He nearly hit his head on the little ceiling above the bed as he shot up and fell over. Riku just laughed.

“That wasn’t funny!”

“It was to me.”

Sora sat on his knees on the floor and pouted furiously at Riku, but the look just made the silver haired boy laugh more. “Why did you wake me up?”

“Your mom wants us to get dressed,” Riku’s smile faded as concern crossed Sora’s face, “Don’t worry. She’s just taking me back home so I don’t get in too much trouble.”

“Oh…that’s awfully….not like her.” Riku shrugged.

“Maybe it’s really a clone and your real mom’s been replaced by a pod person.” Riku swung his feet out from the bed and sat up. Sora stood.

“That’d be odd.”

“I think it’d be cool.”

“Oh, why?”

“Because, pod people are tentacle monsters on the inside. You’d be home all alone with a tentacle monster. And I’d to come save you.” Riku smirked.

Sora shook his head, “I take it back. You’re not crazy, you’re sick.”

Riku winked at him, “But you know you love me anyway.”