A/N: I think I have been promising this one for long enough... I'm going to donsomething along the same lines as Shura Pirate here and make this a series of interconnected drabbles... The story and direction itself however are completely original and mine... As are my OCs (which will appear in later chapters)

Btw. I am very into my story Passion and Problems right now, so more often than not that will be the one to be updated upon first priority. But have fun with this when you can, I hope you enjoy.

Sora cringed and tried not to whine. They had been training for a while now and she was gritting her teeth against the pain in her stomach. It was hard enough to train while it was raining on the bars at the local park, but trying to mask her discomfort along with it was getting tiresome.

Leon noticed her shortness of breath. She was clearly pushing herself more than usual. If he looked close enough he could even see her little frown and the way her brows creased.

... Actually... He found that rather cute.

No, no, no. He shook his head at the thought. This wasn't the time for that.

Although, who could help but notice her in this state? Her hair soaked and dripping, giving it a silky sheen. The water dribbling down (or would it be up? Hard to tell when one is upside down) her face. The way her skin glistened with moisture, whether from sweat or rain one could not tell. Her black tights were clearly soaked through, probably making her insanely cold. Her sopping wet sweater probably wasn't helping much either.

Leon narrowed his eyes in thought. Then came to a conclusion and spoke his mind.

"Sora... Get down"

Sora did as she was told. Slowly, uncomfortably, she made her way over to where Leon was standing. Looking up at him with confusion in her eyes she waited for his next words.

"I think that is enough for today... It is pouring out..." Leon stopped for a moment in though, then continued "Why were we here in the first place?"

Sora gave a weak smile, but gave her best attempt at making it seem peppy. If it weren't for her tone being normal Leon would have been worried.

"because I wanted to train and play at the same time and you asked me how I would do that. So I took you to the park"

Leon sighed but smiled despite himself, shaking his head a little.

"I am aware of how we got here... I still do not get the why"

Sora pouted a little "clearly you weren't having fun then"

Leon shook his head good naturedly "I was having fun"

He turned around and started walking, Sora in tow. It was beginning to get late, she idly noted. Perhaps it was time to go home.

Before she could voice her opinion Leon spoke.

"Get in. I will take you home"

She hadn't realized until then that they had reached his car. The smooth black colour of the vehicle contrasted beautifully agains't the almost night time atmosphere. She could see Leon's tall figure reflected in the glass of the driver's side window.

After a few moments of staring at him through his reflection she remembered what he had said.

"Oh!... Umm... Okay"

shyly, she got in on the passanger side. It took a bit of fumbling with the seatbelt before she finally got it to click. All the while she had grumbled and seemingly argued with it.

Leon laughed lightly to himself at that.

Once she had gotten it in and heard a soft click, her expression lightened and she mumbled a soft "there, was that so hard?" Under her breath.

"If you are done squabling with my poor car, I would like to ask you if you are ready to go now" Leon stated, with no little amount of amusement.

Sora blushed and slightly hung her head, but replied with a soft "Yes"

As Leon turned the car on and prepared to leave, he noticed Sora grimacing again and slightly squirming in her seat. It was mere seconds before he heard her, although it was clear she tried to suppress it, groaning. The sight of her holding her stomach was another clear indicator that something was wrong.

"Sora, are you alright?"

Sora's eyes shot open and she forced herself to stop holding her aching belly.

"Y-yeah. I'm fine"

Leon narrowed his eyes at her "I do not believe you"

With a sigh, she gave in.

"I have a bit of a stomach ache... That's all"

"Are you sick?"

She flinched slightly as he leaned over and placed the back of his hand against her forehead.

"You do not have a fever" Leon murmured, straightening up and looking at her with a musing but odd expression.

"N-no... I'm not sick" Sora was becoming more and more embarrassed. Her voice kept gettig quieter with each response she gave. Leon's expression unnerved her too. Luckily for her though, it softened up and he turned back to his front.

After a moment Sora shot up in a slight panic.

"What time is it?"

"Eight O'clock, why?" Leon informed, raising an eyebrow at her.

Sora sunk back against the seat with a groan, as if she had been deflated.

"Sarah will have just locked the doors and I don't have my key"

"Ahhh" Leon breathed in understanding. After a moment of careful consideration, he turned to Sora and voiced his suggestion.

"Would you like to spend the night at my place?"

Sora seemed to freeze a little. It looked like she was weighing her options. Her expression was almost pained, she was biting her lip in concentration. Then, with a defeated sigh, she replied.

"Yes... I would like that very much... But, before we go, can I ask a favour of you?"

"Of course, anything" He waited for her to ask as she fumbled for words.

"I... Need to go pick up some supplies from the drug store... Before we head to your place" (A/N: In Canada it would be the drug store. Or a convenience store. I'm assuming the states is the same)

Leon looked at her a little oddly "What for?"

Sora squirmed in her seat a little, wondering if it was okay to breach the subject and feeling awkward about her situation... Nonetheless she felt she had no choice but to tell him.

"Some...' Woman' products" she stated in a 'hint hint' sort of tone. Leon immediately got it and lifted his head in recognition. With a nod he began driving to the nearest drug store.

"You know, you do not need to feel awkward about that... It is natural"

"Still..." Sora trailed off.

Leon smiled softly "You do remember I had a sister, Sora" Leon questioned "I am quite accustomed to the subject... Sophie was sixteen"

"Oh... Right..." Sora said quietly, more to herself "Hey Leon?... Does it not bother you to talk about that anymore?... I mean Sophie"

Leon shook his head with a neutral expression "No. Not really... Especially not with you Sora"

Sora blushed a little as they pulled into the parking lot of the drug store. She began to unbuckled her seatbelt and get out when Leon stopped her. He tugged her back down and began fishing in his pocket as she looked at him curiously.

"Do you plan on buying yourself a painkiller?"

Sora blinked "No, why?"

Leon handed her a bill "Get yourself one"

"It's not that bad" Sora grumbled as she tried to hand the money back to him.

"You have been grimacing all night. Do not think I have not noticed"

Sora sighed "fine... But you don't have to pay for it"

He shook his head and refused to take the money back "Just go, Sora"

With a huff, Sora got out and went in to get what she she came back out she had a small plastic bag in her hand and a large pout on her face. Leon smiled at her face. He could hate himself for thinking she was adorable when she was clearly upset... But honestly, how could anyone not love that face?

"What's wrong?"

Sora crossed her arms and tried to ignore the smirk that the action brought to his face.

"You're stubborn"

Leon chuckled.

"So are you, but we don't get anywhere if one of us doesn't give, now do we?"

She had to smile at that... He was right.

The rest of the ride back to Leon's apartment was quiet. Sora still felt a little awkward, and Leon couldn't blame her. But she had to at least be thankful that he wasn't making a big deal out of it... Let alone making jokes like some men did.

She, being Sora, couldn't say she hated those men. However, she did strongly dislike them.

She was so glad Leon was mature.

The car came to a stop and Sora perked up a little. She had been lost in thought and in paying attention to her aching belly, so she hadn't noticed they had pulled into a parking space in a rather large underground parking lot.

She looked around curiously as Leon got out. Leon walked over to her side and opened the door for her. He bent over to look at her face, which was rather dumbfounded before she snapped out of it and embarrassedly undid her seatbelt.

He chuckled lightly at her.

She got out and gave an awkward look up. She was standing as if she had to go to the bathroom. Leon got it and nodded in understanding.

"I am in the penthouse on the top floor. The elevator will take us directly inside. You can use the bathroom once we are up.

Sora nodded and followed Leon into the elevator.

The elevator dinged as it opened and they both stepped out into Leon's apartment. Leon pointed to the left, indicating a door placed in a little hallway beside them on the far wall.

"Bathroom is the only door on the right"

Sora nodded her thanks and hurried off to do her business. She felt terrible for it, although she didn't know why. Like Leon had said, it was natural... Still though, there was something she didn't like, some uncomfortable air, about doing private things in someone else's home... Especially a home you'd never been to before!

She came out of the bathroom feeling refreshed but with her head hung low. She lifted her gaze to find Leon. He was sitting on the couch in the living area just a little bit to her left.

Sora now had time to look around and appreciate the home she was in. The living room was a dull grey colour, the carpet was white. The couches, one agains't the far wall and one facing frontward (if looking in from the door/elevator) were a black leather. A flat screen television stood in front of the couch, the screen visible from the entrance.

The kitchen was in front of her to her right (to the right from the entrance) It was an open kitchen area with colours of brown and beige. A nice chandelier hung just at the edge of the kitchen, where a small (but nice) dining table was placed.

Over all, the place was nice. Very nice. And Sora found herself lost in looking about before Leon called to her.

"Are you alright now?"

She snapped back to reality with a start "Y-yes!" She said quickly, before calming down and becoming slightly shy again "I'm alright... Thank you"

Leon smiled at her and patted the seat next to him. She got the drift and took a seat by his side, staring at her feet as he continued to look at her softly.

Had he always been able to look so gentle?... She wasn't sure.

A gentle hand on her shoulder brought her gaze upward to meet face. She couldn't help the soft smile that appeared. Leon's hand moved to her back to rub it a bit before he took his hand away and put it in his lap.

His attention was diverted to the end table beside him. From the table he picked up a glass of water and something else Sora couldn't see. He turned and handed her the glass of water, holding out his other hand for her as she held out her own for him to put something in it.

He placed a small pill in the palm of her hand.

"The painkiller... I got you a glass of water and took one out for you while you were in the washroom"

Sora blinked, but smiled "Thanks... And sorry for heading right to the washroom. It was a little rude... But when you sit for a long time and then get up... Well it's not a pleasant feeling"

Leon chuckled "It's alright. I understand"

As Sora took the tiny pill and drank most of what was in the glass Leon waited patiently before speaking again and taking the glass from her to set it on the end table.

"The pill will take a while to kick in... If you would like, I could show you something I learned while taking care of Sophie"

Sora was a little curious. She raised a brow but lowered it and shrugged. In a happy tone she accepted and watched as Leon stood up.

He held his hands out for her and she got to her feet.

"Now I'll need you to lay on your stomach"

Sora gave him a questioning look, but slowly did as she was asked. Leon got on his knees and kneeled over her. His knees were about at her thigh, he wasn't sitting and so their bodies weren't in contact, but it still felt a little weird.

He bent over, hands resting at either side of her head, and whispered in her ear... While also taking note of her blush.

"If this is uncomfortable for you, tell me now"

Sora squeaked a little but otherwise kept her mouth shut. Leon took it as a sign to go ahead. He continued his work.

Slowly and gently he applied pressure with his thumbs and knuckles, massaging the muscles of her lower back. Sora hadn't been expecting it, but she wasn't complaining. She relaxed into his touch and let him do as he pleased.

"Are you alright with this?" Leon asked, still caringly working the skin on the small of her back.

"Mmhmmmmm" Sora lazily hummed in the affirmative.

"Does it make your stomach hurt?" Leon asked.

"Mm mmmm" She hummed in the negative then lowly murmured "It's actually helping"

Leon smiled softly but with a small bit of pride "Sophie used to say that the pressure of laying on her stomach eased the pain a little. Sometimes her back would hurt too, so I learned to give a massage pretty well... I know it is different for every woman, but I just thought I'd try"

Sora grinned appreciatively. Leon moved up a bit, now working on her mid back. Sora sighed and hid her face in her arms. Mostly to hide the fact that she was enjoying it more than she should have been.

"You know" she murmured, the sound muffled by her arms, although Leon could still hear "This would usually be seen as something intimate... But you used to do this with your sister, so..." She trailed off.

Leon got the drift and leaned over, momentarily pausing in his ministrations, to whisper in her ear.

"Perhaps I did. But Sora, you are so much more to me than just another little sister... Nobody will ever replace Sophie, and so you are not a replacement... In fact" He brushed some hair out of her face so he could see her eyes "I see you as much more than a sister"

Sora froze, then half turned underneath him to look at his face as he straightened up again. His features were genuine, confirming the truth behind his words. It made Sora blush even deeper.

"Much more like what?" She asked in a whisper, her eyes becoming half lidded but her features looking curious yet frightened.

"I wonder..." He murmured as he bent back over. Sora was still twisted beneath him, and so their faces almost met. He laid his forehead against hers as his own eyes became half lidded.

Sora gulped. Her heart pounded and her breath hitched. She hadn't expected him to get so close to her.

And yet, here he was, so close she could move her face up and kiss him if she had the guts.

... Unfortunately she didn't... She didn't have the nerve to ask what he meant by that either. In fact she didn't have the nerve to even talk right now.

So she stayed silent... And waited for him to make a move. Any move.

Yes, any move would do. Although she knew what she'd prefer. But she wasn't expecting him to actually do it.

Slowly, softly, Leon brushed his lips against hers and closed his eyes, lingering there for a moment before backing away and taking in her expression.

Oh and what an expression it was... Passion mixed with confusion and shock. He could stare at it for days and never get tired of it.

"L-Leon" She finally stuttered out, moving a trembling hand to touch her lips. Leon's soft expression stayed, but moved from happy to cautious.

"I apologize... I probably should have asked"

"Don't" Sora said in a quiet tone "I liked it"

"Did you now?" Leon rumbled lowly, bending over so their faces were close once more "Shall I give you another?"

Sora answered his question by connecting their lips herself. There was more pressure in it this time, more confidence on both ends. But it was still sweet. It was gentle and loving, even if it didn't last long. And as she pulled away, she stared at him through lustful eyes and murmured.

"Could you instead give me the chance to do it myself and not look like a trembling wimp?"

Leon chuckled and gave her an eskimo kiss. He straightened up and looked down on her adoringly. She looked up likewise Before turning back around and laying flat on her stomach again. Leon continued giving her a massage without a word.

It didn't take long before Sora had completely relaxed again. Her eyes were closed, making think she was just very relaxed. However, upon further inspection he found otherwise.

Lightly he poke her cheek, smirking when she gave no reaction other than a slight sniff and a mumble. She was completely asleep. It was rather funny.

He couldn't find the heart to wake her up. And so, as gently as he could, he got up, rolled her over, and slipped both arms under her, supporting her back and legs as he carried her. Her head hung a little and he almost worried he was hurting her neck, before laughing at himself in his mind for treating her like an infant.

He carried her into his bedroom (the first door on the left in the hallway) and carefully placed her on the bed. Slowly he sat down next to her and brushed some hair away from her forehead lovingly. She woke up at the gesture, but it took a moment for her her to comprehend where was and what had happened.

Sora sat up and rubbed her eyes, looking at Leon tiredly. He chuckled and brought her a little closer to him. He kissed her on the forehead once before getting up.

Sora's expression changed from relaxed to worrisome and questioning.

"This is my room, I will leave you here for tonight. Get some sleep" Leon murmured, caressing the side of her head and bringing it close so he could talk against her skin. She grabbed his arm and made a sort of pouty face. Rubbing her head against his affectionately, she whined in complaint.

"Where will you sleep?"

"The couch"

Sora didn't like that answer.

"I can't just take your bed" she thought for a moment before hesitantly adding "Stay here with me"

Leon's heart melted. She had said it so sweetly too. He couldn't resist, he sat back down, gently pushed her to lay down again and leaned over her.

"If that is what you wish" He murmured. He got up, walked to the other side of the bed, and sat down. After pushing the blankets back he got himself into bed laying next to Sora. He pulled the blankets down and back up to cover over Sora as she snuggled down and faced him.

She gave a sleepy smile and looked at him. Leon noticed her fidgeting and looking around. He was about to ask if she was okay, but noticed her trying to scoot a little closer withought being noticed.

He chuckled to himself and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her tight against him. She squeaked and looked embarassed, but when he made no move to let her go, she settled down and sighed in contentment.

Sora noticed, or more remembered upon feeling the fabric, that he was still wearing his day clothes.

"Is it not uncomfortable to sleep in those clothes?" She asked, a little embarrassedly.

Leon nodded slightly and made some sort of sound "It is a little... Would you not mind if I took off the shirt and belt?... I do not wish to make you feel uncomfortable"

Sora shook her head no and backed up a little to give him room to move. Leon sat up and unbottoned his shirt, removing the loose fabric and tossing it on the floor. As he undid his belt Sora marveled at the bare skin that was revealed. Really, could she not stop blushing today?

His chest was so toned, she felt it as he pulled her against him once more. Her hands rested on his chest, slightly rubbing and feeling the muscles beneath them. She loved the feeling of being in against him, being in his arms. She felt so... Loved.

She decided that this was her favourite feeling in the world, and she never wanted this night to end.

As he nodded off, Leon bent his head down and murmured in Sora's ear.

"I would like to tell you something" He paused "But I fear it will make you uncomfortable, and you will leave"

Sora tiredly whispered back "I won't leave... Please tell me" and snuggled into him a little for extra comfort.

Leon was silent for a while. Half because he was debating telling her, and half because he was falling asleep. The gentle rise and fall of his chest told Sora that he was dozing off, but when she looked up, she could see his eyes fluttering open and closed, indicating that he was still half awake.

Leon's eyes closed and didn't open, but he moved his mouth to her ear again and whispered in a gruff voice "I love you"

Sora's heart thudded hard. She probably should have been, but she hadn't been expecting that. Honestly happy, she let a few tears slip out as she leaned up and kissed his cheek.

"I love you too" She breathed.

Leon smiled, a small sleepy smile, but still. His eyes remained closed, and he fell asleep just like that. It hadn't taken long, but Sora knew he had heard her, and knew he was happy.

Soon, Sora too fell asleep, wrapped in Leon's arms and feeling warm, protected, and loved. And she couldn't wait until morning, where she would wake up to the best thing ever. Or maybe she could, she really didn't want to get up any time soon, that was for sure.