Written to "Feels Like Heaven" by Peter Cetera and Chaka Khan. Tried to post this last night, but the site wouldn't let me, so happy (belated) Valentine's Day, people!

For leonhart-less, because she asked and I luffs her.

Disclaimer: dood, fanfiction. Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, and the characters and universes therein are the property of Disney and Square Enix. I receive no remuneration for this work; it is a parody and as such utilizes the Fair Use clause of the Copyright Act. Leon's question at the end is from the movie Casper, which I also do not own. (My hubby asks me that once in a while right before we fall asleep—it's so sweet.)


Cloud draped his arms over Leon's shoulders, bending one to hold the taller man's head against his own. Leon exhaled softly, touching his temple to Cloud's and gripping his upper arm gently, almost as if he was afraid he would break him. Both were glad to finally have this moment alone after such a trying day; there were still things to be worked out, but they both truly needed this comfort, so they simply stood there in a half-uncertain, half-longing embrace. Neither wanted to be the one to shatter the fragile silence.

"I know...things have been a little tense recently," Cloud murmured after several moments, suddenly desperate to get everything out in the open. He turned his head more towards Leon's and nudged his nose into the soft brown strands shielding the man's ear, inhaling the subtle scent of his partner's shampoo. "I still...I really want to make this work. You and me..."

Leon shuddered a little at the familiar timbre of the voice so close to his ear, allowing his eyes to slide shut as he settled both hands on the small of the swordsman's back, holding him gingerly. He remained quiet, struggling for something meaningful to say; he'd been given a chance, and he had to be careful with it.

"I know it's hard...I mean, this type of thing isn't s'posed to be easy," Cloud said slowly, granting Leon a small reprieve. He closed his eyes and took a breath, and his voice was no more than a whisper when he spoke again. "Just don't hide from me. I'll let you in...but you have to let me in, too."

Leon drew back to look at the blond directly, meeting him in a deep, soul-searching stare. "This may take some time," he acknowledged quietly. After a moment, he dipped his chin minutely to indicate his assent, unable to tear his gaze away from those vibrant blue-green irises. "I'm willing to try. Seems like it's all I can do lately...but I don't want to mess things up anymore."

"I can't ask any more of you. I think we have come pretty far, all things considered," Cloud sighed, laying the heel of his hand on Leon's chest as the backs of the brunet's fingers touched his cheek, caressing lightly before brushing aside his bangs to press a tender kiss to his forehead.

"Cloud...?"

"Hm?"

"...Can I keep you?"

Cloud felt his heart swell in his chest at the mild, almost forlorn plea. He rested his forehead against Leon's with a tiny, shy smile. "Yeah, you can."