Chocoomba's request from the drabble meme on tumblr. "40 and Strifehart, if you wanna!"

This was a fun little thing to write. Thank you for the prompt!

"What are these kinds of books doing here?" Cloud murmured, drawing a narrow book bound in stiff black cloth off the shelf and thumbing through the pages.

Leon came over to where Cloud was and leaned over his shoulder to see what he was looking at.

"Hm. No technology like that here, so I'd imagine it's Merlin's doing. He's been all over."

Cloud didn't seem to hear him, a tiny curve parting his lips as he settled on a page spread depicting a blow-apart of a motorcycle engine. It stayed there the entire time he perused the diagram, and it had grown into a full-fledged, earnest smile by the time he glanced up and saw the affectionate look in his companion's eyes. Then it vanished completely.

"What?" he asked flatly, closing the book on his thumb to mark his spot.

"Have I entered an alternate universe, or did you really just crack a smile for me?"

Cloud frowned, shaking his head in denial. "No…I—"

Leon shook his head too—don't lie to me—and tapped Cloud's lips lightly. "I liked it."

Cloud pulled away from the touch with a sigh, averting his gaze to the floor and then back to the bookshelf in front of him. "I just…I guess I just miss that bike."

Leon gave him a moment, a little bit of space to collect his thoughts. "I'm glad you told me about it," he said finally, nudging his shoulder into Cloud's. "I know it meant a lot to you."

Cloud made a small, noncommittal sort of sound, contemplating the book for a few more seconds before replacing it on the shelf.

"You know, the blacksmith's up and running again," Leon added, thoughtful. "And I'll bet Cid can get a hold of some of those parts…"

A flicker of interest appeared in Cloud's eyes. "You think…"

"Worth a shot," Leon said with a shrug. "Especially if it'll get you to smile like that again."

Cloud glared at him, but leaned in anyway to press a firm kiss to his lips. "Not a chance."

Leon returned the warm pressure with a smirk, ready for the challenge.