They weren't sure who started it, or when it had started, but they were tag-teaming. Perhaps it had once been a simple friendly competition over the seemingly endless wave of Heartless, but somewhere along the line, they had silently agreed that there were some better left to Cloud's heavier blows, and some left to Leon's more flexible strikes.
They weren't sure when the need came about, but when it did, they knew what to do: a single tug - or two - in the right direction, and they would spin around just like that. It was a dance with the devils - somber, ever-flowing, and with a subtle grace that came and went with each turn.

For a while, Cloud was leading. With little warning, he would shoot out a hand, and yank sharply at his partner to initiate the turn. After the first few times, Leon had long since stopped flinching, as he caught up and went with it. This was not a matter of pride, but of compromise; he understood that. For the moment, as Cloud continued to insist on leading, he continued to quietly follow his lead.

The dance kept them spinning around and around, as Heartless closed in and fell back with a certain pace. There was a count, another spin, and a strike. There would be a fall, another to rise, and start over. They kept each other standing, instinctively reaching out without having to look the other in the eye, and they kept the movement going.

Eventually, Cloud started to tire. The leader had led them long and hard, and was starting to feel the strain. Leon felt this in the next few spins, and did what he felt was necessary. And by the next time they had to switch opponents, did he do so.

Cloud had resisted greatly when he felt Leon's firm tug, but eventually did turn and take the next step. For a moment, the dance was jolted, and the two scrambled to pace themselves again. One more time, Leon took the lead. One more time, Cloud resisted. One more time, they scrambled to keep their place. This went on for a while, and put a strain on the both of them over time. Yet, Leon continued to lead, and Cloud continued to resist.

When the next tug came, Cloud tugged back harshly, stubborn and refusing. Don't test me.

The other did not even flinch, and tugged again. It was not a forceful move, but firm and insistent. Trust me.

Eventually, they had to turn, and the dance continued. The pace was gone, but they kept their strength up, and the Heartless continued to fall.

Again, the tug came, and again, it met with resistance.

Why should I?

It was a simple demand, made with reason - for nine years, there was only darkness. For nine years, there was little rest for a weary, frightened young soul. For nine years, any minute amount of trust could be fatal. For nine years, there was no need for another beside himself.

Nine years could not be changed, and nine minutes into this present situation could do nothing for it.

Why should I?

There was no immediate answer, but the tug came again. As they turned halfway, they finally met each other eye to eye over their shoulders. Fiery green met stormy blue, and then the answer came.

I'm on your side. I'm here to help you. I'm here to stand by you.

I need you to trust me one more time.

Then the moment passed, and they finished the turn. In a moment, they made the strike, made another, and yet another. Then, they turned again, and again. The dance resumed, as the Heartless continued to close in and fall back at a pace they managed to find again. They continued to turn, and they continued to keep each other standing.

And the next time Leon took the lead, Cloud resisted him a little less.


THIS VERSION HAS BEEN EDITED FOR ERRORS: Usually, I'm too tired to come back to anything that's uploaded, but considering how important that sentence is, I couldn't just leave it alone. Thanks for pointing it out to me, Shadow Cat17.