Days Go By

Cloud stretched his arms over his head, pulling on his elbows and sighing a he felt the muscles in his arms relax. “Cloud!”

Turning, he spotted Aerith Gainsborough crossing the grass toward him. She was dressed for the dance already, a vision in light pink, her golden brown hair pulled into a braid with two long curls framing each side of her face. Her green eyes were warm and her smile was welcoming as she stepped into his arms. “I missed you!”

Cloud smiled as he drew her against his chest. “I missed you too.” He assured her. “When did you get in?”

“A week ago.” Aerith stepped out of his hold and crossed her arms over her chest. “Yuffie and I both did.” She eyed him. “Are you coming to the dance?”

Cloud hesitated. He hadn’t really been planning on it. He didn’t like dancing, viewed it with much the same loathing that Leon did. It was just one of many things they had in common. He met Aerith’s eyes and instantly regretted it as she eyed him with that slight half smile that had melted his heart back in his first year. Their dating experience hadn’t lasted long, but he still had a soft spot for that look. “I guess.”

She clapped her hands together. “Great!” She exclaimed with a smile. “I’ll see you there. Good luck with the tryouts!”

Cloud sighed, turned, and met Leon’s eyes. The brunet was staring at him without even pretending like he wasn’t, an unreadable look on his face. Cloud frowned, and Leon seemed to shake himself as he looked away and murmured something to Auron, their team’s coach.

Cloud sighed as he let his gaze wander over Leon without fear of being observed. Leon still didn’t believe he and Aerith were through. Cloud couldn’t see any other way than to come right out and say…he shook his head. He couldn’t very well do that, it would be social suicide and would probably upset his roommate and best friend so much he’d make Cloud room with Sephiroth. Cloud didn’t think he could handle that, he would be tied up and molested in his sleep.

“Cloud!” He turned as he heard Sora’s cheerful voice. He smiled slightly as he watched Sora lope across the grass. The smile faltered. “You only brought the Kingdom Key?”

Sora rolled his eyes. “For practice? Yes. I’ve got a few other keychains just in case though.”

Cloud nodded. “Where’s Roxas.”

Sora grinned. “Painting his room yellow and upsetting his roommate. I didn’t think he’d actually go through with it, but Axel threatened to tie him to the bed and give him something more interesting to do with his hands if he was bored and Roxas dumped the paint on his head.”

Cloud rubbed his head. “Sounds…interesting.”

Sora laughed. “That’s one way of putting it.” He waved to a silver haired boy as he walked up. “This is Riku.”

Cloud glanced at the boy. “We’ve met.”

Riku smiled slightly. “So shrimp…you really know how to wave that thing?”

Cloud hid a smirk as Sora’s eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Cloud coughed. “Why don’t you try him out, Riku?” He asked sweetly. “And see for yourself.”

Riku’s eyes narrowed as he glanced between brothers. “All right. Sounds good to me. Who are you trying, Cloud? Roxas?”

Cloud grimaced. “Do I look crazy to you? I told that Tidus kid Wakka’s rooming with that I’d try him out. He looks pretty harmless.”

Riku raised one eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of your brothers.”

Cloud shrugged without answering, watching Roxas follow Axel across the grounds. There was a yellow splash of paint on his brother’s face, and he carried no visible weapon, though Cloud saw a multitude of keychains hanging from his belt.

Axel was looking as grumpy, and he was COVERED in paint. He glared at Riku. “I thought you said he wasn’t going to do it.”

Riku blinked at Axel. His lips twitched, but he didn’t laugh, though Cloud knew he desperately wanted to. “Maybe you shouldn’t have hit on him, Ax.”

Axel looked exasperated. “It was a COMPLIMENT!” He protested.

“COMPLIMENT?!” Roxas yelled back, looking incredulous. “What part of your lecherous statement was a COMPLIMENT?!”

Cloud snorted. He recognized that tone of voice…Axel was screwed. Roxas wasn’t going to let this go until he exhausted himself. “Cloud…”

Cloud turned and stifled a groan as he watched Sephiroth crossing to join them. He saw Riku roll his eyes and had to conquer. “Sephiroth…how was your summer?”

“Dismal.” Cloud cringed as Sephiroth’s blue-green eyes slid over him in a way that made him feel naked. “I missed you.”

Cloud sighed. “We’ve talked about this.” He began tiredly.

Sephiroth hurried to intercept him. “I didn’t say I missed you ROMANTICALLY.” He quickly elaborated. “I just…missed you.”

Riku groaned. “Seph, get a grip.”

Sephiroth’s eyes narrowed onto his little brother, then slid from him onto Sora. His eyes lit with interest. “Who’s this?”

Cloud stepped in front of Sora before his brother could answer. He didn’t like that look. “He’s my little brother, Sora. He’s a year younger than Riku.”

Sephiroth stared at Cloud for a long minute. “And he wields a keyblade?”

Cloud inclined his head. “Obviously.” He replied coldly.

Sephiroth smiled ever so slightly. “I’ll try him out.”

“Sorry.” Riku was looking between Cloud and Sephiroth with narrowed eyes. “I already agreed to do it…since we use the same weapon and all.”

Sora looked at Riku with delight. “You use a keyblade too?”

Riku shrugged. “I wield Way To Dawn. You?” His eyes fell onto the Kingdom Key and he rolled his eyes.

Sora grinned. “I like the Kingdom Key for practice.” He explained lightly. He nodded to Sephiroth. “Nice to meet you.” Cloud watched him drift over to Roxas and Axel, both of whom were still yelling at each other, Roxas looking more and more annoyed, Axel looking more and more amused with each word exchanged.

Sephiroth also watched Sora walk away. “He looks like you.”

Cloud cringed again at the way the silver haired male spoke. “We have more in common than that.”

“Oh?” Sephiroth’s eyes narrowed in interest.

Cloud glared at him. “Yeah.” He replied icily. “Like me, he’s not gay.” Ignoring Sephiroth’s soft sound of protest, he turned and walked away, making a beeline for Tifa as she arrived, walking beside a punk girl with short silvery hair named Paine. “Is he still looking?”

Tifa glanced behind Cloud. “You know he is.”

Cloud sighed. “Damn him! Why won’t he leave me alone?!”

“He’s obsessed, Cloud.” Tifa replied apologetically. “You know that.”

“Pretty pathetic.” Paine put in, shaking her head. “Not to say you’re not prime choice, Cloud. You really aught to know better, the whole school looks at you and Leon like that. Neither of you have significant others, and you’re both good looking.”

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Lucky me.” He glanced to the side and smiled slightly at two girls as they walked up. “Hi, Yuna. Riku, are you trying out again?”

The girl in question tossed her long blonde hair over her shoulder, tiny braids throughout woven with beads. She smiled at him. “Nope! Yunie and I are just here to watch my little brother, Tidus.”

Cloud smirked. “I’m trying Tidus out.”

Rikku’s eyes narrowed. “Oooh! Be nice, Cloud!”

They drifted away as Leon joined him. “You about ready?”

Cloud turned to him. “Yeah. Just trying to get a knot out of my shoulder blade.”

Leon’s hands descended onto his shoulders, and Cloud had to bite his lip to stifle the moan that accompanied that touch. The knot that had been plaguing him vanished in the wake of skilled fingers and a firm grip. “Better?” Leon’s breath washed over the back of Cloud’s neck and he felt gooseflesh rise on his skin from the sensation. Wordlessly, he nodded and Leon released him. “Good. Let’s do it. I promised Yuffie I’d go to the stupid dance.”

Cloud smiled weakly. “You dance?”

Leon rolled his eyes. “You know I don’t dance. I just promised I’d GO.” He sighed. “How many are we trying out tonight?”

Cloud glanced around. “Looks like Sora and Roxas, Tidus…” He sighed. “…and Demyx. Again.”

Leon echoed the sigh. “Great. Let’s get Demyx over with first.” Leon raised his voice. “Okay guys, settle down. I know you’re all excited about the dance, so we’re going to make this as painless as possible. For those who don’t know me, I’m Leon, and this is Cloud. We’re the captains of the team. Auron is our coach. The three of us will make our decisions and give you an answer tonight, I don’t see any point in making you suffer. Demyx, you’re up first. Who wants to try him out?”

“I’ll do it.” Axel volunteered, but was pinned by an icy blue gaze.

“No, you’re going to fight ME.” Roxas replied through gritted teeth.

Axel sighed. “Rox, come on.” Roxas scowled at him and he trailed off and rolled his eyes.

Cloud smirked. It was nice to see Axel looking out of sorts. “Marluxia, you go.”

The young man who stepped up was tall and fit, and had done something…Cloud blinked at him. “Did you dye your hair?”

Marluxia’s hair had once been a dirty blond, much the same color as Demyx’s mullet. Now the thick layers that framed his face were a light…pink? He touched his hair defensively. “It was supposed to be this dusky red but it reacted wrong with the bleach they put in.”

Cloud snorted and was rewarded by a scowl from the man. “It suits you.”

Marluxia’s scowl melted. “Thanks.” He fingered another strand. “I kind of like it myself.” Picking up his long scythe, he headed for the center of the circle the other members of the team had formed.

Leon stepped up beside Cloud. “He looks like a girl.”

Cloud snorted. “I know that.” He replied calmly. “I also know that there’s no point in making him more defensive about it than Larxene is going to do.”

Leon winced. “Point taken.”

Demyx had gotten better. His water based attacks were much the same as the year before, but he had added a timer to the dancing water that badly wounded an opponent if he didn’t destroy all of his water creations before the spell wound down. His fingers flew over the strings of his electric blue sitar, his face a mask of concentration.

Cloud and Leon exchanged looks. They glanced behind them at Auron, who shrugged slightly. They exchanged another look. “He’s gotten better. That spell is powerful.” Leon murmured.

“He’s been practicing.” Cloud agreed. “I’d say he earned his place this year.”

Leon shrugged slightly. “What do you think of Tidus?”

Cloud shrugged too. “Maybe next year. We’ll make sure, but that’s the way I feel about it.”

Leon studied him. “And your brothers?”

Cloud smiled slightly. “Just wait and see.”

Leon studied him for another moment before holding out his hand. “Demyx. Welcome to the team.” The teen stared at him in stunned shock. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. Leon’s lips twitched. “You earned it. You’ve been practicing.”

Demyx’s eyes lit up. “Thanks!” He called cheerfully, letting Marluxia pull him into a congratulatory hug.

“Okay, Tidus. You’re up.” Cloud swung his sword up onto his shoulder as he entered the makeshift ring. He watched the blond’s eyes widen in alarm as he saw the massive blade.

Cloud held up his sword. “Leon, call the time.”

“Ten minutes.” Leon replied calmly. “Begin!”

Cloud remained where he was as he watched Tidus move with a critical eye. His movements were fluid and confident, a betrayal of the years he had spent playing blitzball, but his technique with the sword he held was a bit sloppy, his movements with it choppy. Though he knew the footsteps and some of the blocks as Cloud attacked, it was obvious that the sword he wielded was still new to him. His movements were too tentative.

“Time.” Cloud stopped and stepped back, touching the boy’s shoulder. He glanced at Leon and their eyes met. Leon nodded.

“You’re still new with that sword aren’t you?” Cloud asked quietly.

Tidus’ eyes filled with dismay. “Yeah. It was a gift from my Uncle Auron.”

Cloud blinked and glanced at Auron, who watched impassively. “If you want me to work with you this year, I can get you ready for next year.”

Tidus rolled his eyes. “No thanks. I don’t really want to do this…I just wanted to please my uncle. I’d rather just play blitzball. Tryouts are in two days.”

Cloud nodded and clapped the boy’s shoulder. “See you.”

Tidus waved as he walked over to Wakka, who stood beside his girlfriend, Lulu. Cloud glanced at Roxas, who was yelling at Axel again. “ROX!”

Roxas stopped yelling and glanced over. “Finally!” He groused. “I’ve been WAITING for this.” He pulled two keychains off of his belt and held out his hands. The Oathkeeper and Oblivion keyblades appeared, and he held them defensively as he looked at Axel with blazing blue eyes.

“Two?” Leon asked, as Cloud backed up to stand beside him again.

“Show off.” Sora sounded amused and resigned beside him. “I hope he doesn’t hurt Axel too badly.”

Cloud glanced with amusement at Riku, whose mouth was hanging open. To control ONE keyblade was a feat in itself. It required a certain mental strength as well as a physical one, required a strong heart. To wield TWO…he could see that Riku had never even imagined it.

Axel picked up his chakrams and whirled them expertly in his hands. Flames licked at the weapons and he smiled at Roxas. “Come dance with me, Roxie.”

Roxas launched into an attack, forcing Axel to take the defensive as blades cut the air, leaving streaks of light in their wake. A ring of fire circled them and Axel tried to use it to confuse Roxas, but the blond was having none of it as he ruthlessly pursued Axel.

“Time!” Leon called out. Roxas didn’t stop, lunging at Axel, who had gone still at the call. “TIME, Roxas!”

Roxas stopped, Oblivion not even a quarter of an inch from Axel’s face. Cloud watched the redhead’s eyes cross so he could stare at the blade so close to his head.

“He’s hot tempered.” Leon murmured.

Cloud shrugged. “Sometimes. He’s on edge. My guess is that Axel’s trying to do everything he can to get Roxas to leave the room, and Roxas isn’t having any of it.”

Leon hesitated. “All right. He’s your responsibility.”

Cloud nodded. “You’re in, Rox. Go take a shower.”

Roxas banished the blades, catching the keychains and looping them back onto his belt. “I want to see Sora.”

Sora rolled his eyes. “Not nearly as impressive as you, Rox.” He complained. “You should just go.”

Roxas only smiled slightly in reply as he pressed his forehead against his brother’s. “Don’t fish for compliments.” He chided, making Sora laugh as he flung the keyblade over his shoulder and stepped into the ring.

Riku turned to face him, a wicked black blade in his hand. “You sure?”

Sora shrugged. “Sure why not.” He smiled reassuringly at Riku. “You can’t hurt me, Riku. Don’t worry.”

Cloud had to bite his lip as Riku threw his oblivious brother an incredulous look. Leon blinked. “He has no idea he just insulted Riku does he?”

Cloud stifled a chuckle. “No I don’t think he does.”

Leon’s eyes narrowed. “What do you know that I don’t?”

Cloud laughed. “Everything, Leon. Everything. Just watch.”

Riku allowed Sora to attack first, and Sora did not disappoint, settling into a rhythm without any showy movements. When Riku responded by falling onto his back and leaping to his feet delivering a nasty kick and a string of critical blows that usually ended a fight, he was somewhat startled to note that Sora was no longer where he was supposed to be. The boy had twisted to the side, his blade flying as he battled his way forward, light glinting off of the silver key in his hands. Riku fell to one knee, his head bowed. The blade in his hand vanished. Sora stepped back instantly. Riku was struggling to catch his breath. “Not…bad.”

Sora grinned. “Not bad yourself.” He replied sunnily. “You okay?”

Riku took his outstretched hand and let the brunet pull him to his feet. “Yeah…where did you learn to fight like that?”

Sora shrugged. “Dunno.”

“Sora’s been that way for as long as I can remember.” Roxas put in, his face serious. “I learned and got my keyblade when I got older, but Sora’s always been able to call it. He’s miserable with a regular sword though. Just the keyblade.”

Sora turned red as four pairs of eyes pinned him in place. Leon looked mildly amused. “Could you beat Roxas?”

Roxas rolled his eyes. “Hell.” He muttered, pulling out his keyblades again. “Sora, did you BRING two?”

Sora shrugged. “Sure.” He replied lightly. “I have a few keychains with me.” He dug around in his pockets, ignoring the incredulous gazes of Riku and Leon, ignoring Cloud’s amused stare. He banished the Kingdom Key and pulled out Ultima and Lionheart. “That should be about even.”

Roxas rolled his eyes. “Only you would see Ultima as level with mine.” He sighed. “All right, ready when you are.”

Sora grinned in reply and Cloud settled down. “Call the time.” He advised Leon. “No more than ten minutes.”

Leon gave Cloud a wary look. “Sora will win won’t he?”

Cloud smirked. “The twins complement each other in everything. Sora can’t win any more than Roxas can. It’s fun to watch though.”

“Fun to…” Leon trailed off as Roxas attacked.

Cloud was always shocked and impressed by his brothers. He loved to watch them together, and they fought like they did everything else…complementing each other. If one attacked, the other defended. If one leaped, the other was there to meet him. When one laughed, they both laughed, when one cried, they both did. They were a source of amazement to Cloud.

Sora was laughing as he tried to break his brother’s defense, Roxas was smirking as he refused to allow it and turned the tables. It was Roxas’ turn to attack, Sora’s to defend. The world held it’s breath as they fought, neither gaining so much as a step of advantage over the other.

“Time!” Leon looked stunned as he held up the stopwatch.

Instantly the twins sprung apart and grinned at each other. “Feel better?” Sora asked lightly.

Roxas rubbed his neck. “Immensely.” He admitted. “I want ice cream though.”

Sora laughed. “You always want ice cream after a fight.” He glanced at Leon. “So do we make the team? I want to go shower before the dance. There’s this girl, Kairi…” He smiled.

Cloud glanced at Leon and then smiled ever so slightly. “I think it’s safe to say you’re in.”

Leon shook himself and nodded briskly. “Listen up folks. We have practice every other day at 5:00. Auron will test you on skill for the next week or so, and then assign you a battle dance. You know the drill. Have a good time at the dance and we’re adjourned.”

Cloud fell into step beside Leon as they headed back up to the castle. “So what do you think?”

Leon snorted. “With them on our side, it’ll be hard to take us down.”

Neither teen noticed the two pairs of eyes that followed their progress up to the castle, listening to every word.